Pin Constraint

Note: The information in this section applies to linear and nonlinear structural analyses.

Apply surface pin constraints to cylindrical surfaces to prevent the surfaces from moving or deforming in combinations of radial, axial, or tangential directions.

1. Select the appropriate surface
2. Right-click in the graphics display and click Add.
3. Select Surface Pin Constraint.
4. In the Creating Pin Constraint Object dialog box, select the appropriate settings:
   • Fix Radial: Restricts surfaces so they cannot move, rotate, or deform radially. Choose this setting to prevent penetration and separation.
   • Fix Tangential: Restricts surfaces so they cannot rotate. Choose this setting to prevent the surfaces from moving tangentially around the circumference of the pin.
   • Fix Axial: Restricts surfaces so they cannot move axially. Choose this setting to prevent the surface from moving along the length of the pin.

   You can also add a description for the pin constraint.

5. Click OK.