Define the Element Type for the Line Elements

There is a set of spokes at each end of the geometry created by the Centroid Creator. The spokes and the spanning line element were initially created on three separate part numbers. To idealize this connection, we want to use a beam element for the spanning member (the longest line) and rigid elements for the spokes.

A rigid element set consists of lines sharing a single common node (the master node). The nodes at the opposite end of each line are slave nodes, which move exactly as the master node does. Each set of lines comprising a rigid element group must be assigned a unique part number. For this reason, we had to assign the spokes at one end of the span a separate part number from the spokes at the opposite end of the span. The spokes at the right end of the span (as currently viewed) are Part 5. The spokes at the left end of the span are Part 6, and the long connecting line is Part 7. Therefore, we define Parts 5 and 6 as Rigid elements and Part 7 as a Beam element.

1. Click the Element Type heading under Part 5 in the browser to select it.
2. Holding down the Ctrl key, click the Element Type heading under Part 6 in the browser to select it also.
3. Right-click on one of the two selected headings and choose Rigid from the context menu.
4. Right-click the Element Type heading under Part 7 in the browser and choose Beam.

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