ANSYS - viewing/using section nodes and global nodes 1

[mechstudent10]

I am creating a 3D mesh for beam188 elements (L sections).

Method - create keypoints, create lines between KP, define section, apply all relevant properties to the line and mesh the line.

When I view the mesh (/ESHAPE,1) it appears as you would expect with an extruded L-shaped 3D brick-structure (blue solid 'bricks' with corners - I assumed each 'corner' would be a node but this does not seem to be true?)

When I plot nodes, the only nodes that appear are at the ends of the element (ie where I created by original KP)

I CAN however view nodes across the section of the beam by
PREPROCESSOR >> SECTIONS >> BEAM >> PLOT SECTIONS then pick "Node Numbers" from the "Show section mesh?" dropdown. This shows a x-y plot of the beam's cross-section with the nodes and areas.

Can anyone explain, can I view these "Section Nodes" in my global model??

And can I use these section nodes in my global model (to lock elements together)?

Thanks in advance for any info

(If it is not too clear I can explain why I want to do this but tried to keep it as brief as possible)

 

[Jetgirl8]

Beam188 elements are actually 1D elements. When you plot nodes, that is why you are only seeing them at the ends of the element.

If you want a 3D mesh in the sense that you are physically able to connect other meshed elements to particular locations of your L section, you are going to have to go to higher order elements (plates, solids).

For more information on the theory behind your particular beam element, I'd recommend reading the accompanying user's or reference guide.

When the future's architectured
By a carnival of idiots on show
You'd better lie low

 

[mechstudent10]

Thanks for the response.

That makes sense, I was not aware Beam188 was only a linear element.

I have attached an image of the deformed shape below, I want to try to join the horizontal and vertical webs to the adjacent beams at the points where they overlap.

Modelling as a solid is not overly straight forward in this case as the beams have constantly changing cross-section in two dimensions (I have created taper sections using a range of intermediate standard beam sections).

Can I use any other 3D beam elements to do this or do I have to model the beam as a solid volume then mesh using solid elements?

Thanks

 

[Jetgirl8]

Instead of jumping straight to 3D elements, consider modeling each web as a (planar) plate element (2D). That might give you more flexibility in what you are trying to accomplish.

When the future's architectured
By a carnival of idiots on show
You'd better lie low

 

[mechstudent10]

Thanks again, I will try that option first