XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX''"> Define a Group of CBARS
Before we commence on the exercise, create a group of CBARS that represent the Spot welds. In this example we are going to keep things simple by defining a single group of bar elements. This means that all spot welds in this model have the exact same nugget radii and flange sheet thicknesses.
Note: | Different groups may be created for spot welds that connect across different flange pair thicknesses. However, care must be exercised to ensure that duplicate elements (CBARS) do not exist in different groups. Overlaps are not permitted. If this does occur, the characteristics of the CBAR from the last group will be adopted. Automatic group creation, meaning grouping CBARS that connect across the same flange thickness pairs, is feasible when the Material form is filled out (see next section) if the bulk data file for a model is read into the Patran database. |
Open the Group form from Group | Create on the main form of Pre & Post or MSC Patran. Call the new group beams. Set the focus in the Entity Selection databox. The Select Mechanism should appear. Set the selection to pick only CBAR elements from the graphics screen. With the mouse and the cursor, surround the entire model by clicking and dragging from one corner to the opposite. All the CBAR elements will be selected. Click the Apply button to create the group. Close the Group form when you are done.
