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Link properties

A link is unlike other elements in that it does not have stiffness, instead it created a constraint condition between the two ends of the element. The behaviour of a link element is like a rigid constraint with just two nodes. Degrees of freedom that are not linked have no connection at all.

Definition​

Name

The name is only used as a convenient way of identifying a link property.

Type of linkage

The type should be set to beam to make a link completely rigid. The type of linkage can be any of

  • beam - all degrees of freedom linked, translational and rotational
  • bar - translational degrees of freedom linked
  • tie - translational degrees of freedom when the link is in tension
  • strut - translational degrees of freedom when the link is in compression

The first two options can be used in the linear and nonlinear solvers. Tie and strut links are available for use only in the nonlinear GsRelax solver; see GsRelax modelling implications for more details. In a linear soluton they are treated as bar links.

Constraints​

More details are given in Link elements and rigid constraints. Care should be taken to avoid conflicting constraints.