Am I right to think that this connection will only allow beam to rotate in one direction? 3

[bojoka4052]

When modelling this in a FEA software, should rotation only be allowed in one direction, for example x-direction, or two direction, x-and y axis?

 

[FEA way]

If you use beam elements and want the part to rotate only in one plane then leave the rotation around the axis perpendicular to it as free. Other degrees of freedom will be fixed in this case.

 

[271828]

It depends on the relative stiffnesses of the parts.

For example, if the vertical plates are flexible relative to the member, then the connection might behave more like a pin for bending about the horizontal axis perp to the pin. For that dof the plates would be bending about the weak axis.

 

[phamENG]

Are we talking actual FEA, or just a 3D analysis program? Not the same thing, and the answer depends on which one you're using.

 

[bojoka4052]

Not sure the difference, but modelling in a 3D analysis programme, say Abaqus CAE

 

[HTURKAK]

The hinge at the figure allows rotation in one direction .. If the X and Y directions are selected on the plane, the hinge allows rotation on Z axis ..

So you are expected to model the hinge with releasing the rotation at Z axis ..

 

[centondollar]

I don't want to sound condescending, but why do you use FEM-software (while presumably also being paid to do so) if you are unsure about what axes a joint should be set to freely rotate around? You should ask your colleagues about these sorts of things, because the answer will have a profound effect on the structural analysis and required dimensions. Relying on strangers on the internet for advice regarding fundamentals of FEA and solid mechanics is not very wise.

 

[phamENG]

Relying on strangers on the internet for advice regarding fundamentals of FEA and solid mechanics is not very wise.

Wisdom, shmisdom. It's a great way to save face!

 

[bojoka4052]

I modelled it to freely rotate around one axis since its hinged, and later saw that someone before me had let it rotate around two axes and was wondering if I had made a mistake, which I see now I did not.