Importing RBE2 and RBE3 elements

The following sections describe special considerations for importing Nastran RBE2 and RBE3 elements.

Importing RBE2 elements

RBE2 elements are defined in the Nastran bulk data file with a one-to-many node definition. Each RBE2 element has one independent node and two or more dependent nodes. When you import this type of element, all RBE2s in your input file are grouped into a single RBE2 mesh collector.

Importing RBE3 elements

When you import and subsequently export Nastran input files that contain RBE3 elements, the software imports the following properties as element associated data:

• Weighting factors that define the components of motion for the element. In Nastran, you use the WTi fields on the RBE3 bulk data entry to define the weighting factors to apply to the independent degrees of freedom.

• The constraints on the element's dependent degrees of freedom that belong to the m-set. In Nastran, you may use the UM fields on the RBE3 bulk data entry to define the dependent degrees of freedom.

Element-associated data for imported RBE3 elements

When you import RBE3 elements, the software automatically selects the Use Element Associated Data check box in the Mesh Associated Data dialog box for the related mesh. This option instructs the software to use the data defined on the individual elements, rather than any mesh-associated data, when you solve the model.

For imported RBE3 elements, you can use the Element Associated Data commands in the Simulation Navigator to:

• List the degree-of-freedom weighting factors and the non-default dependent degree-of-freedom data in the Information window.

• Identify the RBE3 elements in the graphics window that have associated data.

However, you cannot modify the element-associated data for imported RBE3 elements. If you do not want to include the element-associated data in your solution, clear the Use Element Associated Data check box. You can then use the Core Node Degrees of Freedom and Leg Node Degrees of Freedom options in the Mesh Associated Data dialog box to apply properties uniformly across all RBE3 elements in the mesh.

Note:

If you clear the Use Element Associated Data check box, the software does not write out any degree-of-freedom weighting values or dependent degree-of-freedom override data when you export your model.

Element-associated data that may be deleted

The software may delete the element-associated data for an RBE3 element in the following situations:

• You use a manual node or element commands to modify any of the independent leg nodes of the RBE3 element.

• You renumber any of the independent leg nodes of the RBE3 element.

Mesh-associated data for RBE3 elements created in Pre/Post

You cannot define element-associated data, such as nodal weighting factors, for individual RBE3 elements that you create in Pre/Post. You can only define properties as mesh-associated data. These properties are uniform across all elements in the mesh.

Learn more

Extended mesh validity checking during import (Nastran and ANSYS)

Understanding imported Nastran constraints

Understanding the import of Nastran SETs

Import of SPOINT bulk data entries

Importing and exporting table extrapolation options

Exporting and importing CBEAM and CBAR elements with the OFFT field

Importing physical property data as element-associated data

Managing element conflicts when appending a Nastran input file

Look up more details

Importing Nastran data

Import for connection elements

Quick links

Command reference

Pre/Post video examples

Bulk Entry Descriptions

Simcenter 3D tutorials

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Importing RBE2 and RBE3 elements, Simcenter 3D 2021.1 Series

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