Simcenter Femap 2022.1 — Kinematic Joints

Simcenter Femap now provides support for advanced simulation methods, such as flexible body dynamics, using the Simcenter Nastran Multi-Step Nonlinear Kinematic solution, SOL 402. As a first step, kinematic joints have been added as Simulation Entities with the release of Simcenter Femap version 2022.1. Kinematic Joints connect two nodes and allow a certain relationship of relative motion or rotation between the two, depending on what type of joint is established. The types of Kinematic joints include revolute, inline, slider, spherical, cylindrical, and other highly specialized types, which can be used for the analysis of models containing moving parts, such as aerostructures, helicopters, deployable structures in space, gas turbines, and machine tools. The addition of drive loads as a new load type can be used to enforce displacements or rotations on kinematic joints. To accelerate the process of creating kinematic joints, Kinematic Connections have also been added, which are a type of entity unique to S