Tutorial A8: Define Constraints

In the following steps, we will apply three constraints:

• Constrain the vertical faces of the Billet and Top Plate in X and Z directions, as it is a quarter symmetry model.
• Constrain the top face of the Top plate.
• Apply a Rigid (Explicit) constraint to the Base solid, as it has a rigid material.

1. In the Assembly tree, under Subcase 1, right-click Constraints > New. If Subcase 1 is not present, right-click Subcase > New to create it.
2. Select the vertical faces on the Top Plate and Billet that align with the Base, and are perpendicular to the X axis, as shown in the figure.
   
3. In the Constraint dialog, under Degrees of Freedom, select T_x to constrain the two faces in the X direction. Change the name of the constraint to X Sym.
4. In the lower left of the dialog, click Create Duplicate to save X Sym and keep the dialog open for creation of another constraint.
5. Right-click in the Selected Entities field and, if necessary, select Clear All to remove the faces selected for X Sym.
6. Select the two adjacent vertical faces of the Top Plate and Billet that align with the Base, and are perpendicular to the Z axis.
7. Select T_z to constrain the two faces in the Z direction. Rename this constraint to Z Sym.
8. Click Create Duplicate again, select the top face of the Top Plate, and select T_x and T_z degrees of freedom.
9. Name this constraint Top Face, then click OK to add it to the subcase.
10. Under Subcase 1, right-click Constraints > New, change the Name to Rigid Constraint, and change the Type to Rigid(Explicit).
11. Hover the cursor over the bottom Rigid Plate, then right-click Select Other > Solid1.
    

    Note that all six degrees of freedom are selected.

12. Click OK to close the Constraint dialog.