Create Joint Hubs

Use the Joint Box tool to define junctions in your skeleton model.

Figure 1. Original model

1. From the Skeleton ribbon, click the Joint Box tool.

   
   
   Figure 2.

2. Select the node or elements around which to create a bounding box.
   Any elements found within the box are used for joint creation.

   
   
   Figure 3.

3. Click on the guide bar to define options.

   Create joint box

   Use the box as a mechanism to select elements to generate the joint location and legs.

   Remove joint legs

   Create a joint without the corresponding legs.

   Mesh member joint

   Automatically create 1D mesh on the joint legs and apply the beam sections.

   Dimensions

   Controls the length, width, and weight of the bounding box.

   Use orientation and dimensions

   For repeated operations, the previous box attribute information can be used so that the box can be created the same repeatedly.

4. Edit the box size in the following ways:
   • Click in the microdialog to move the box globally.
   • Click in the microdialog to update the box's dimensions. You can click a face and drag its arrow or entire a precise value.

   
   
   Figure 4.

5. If the member joint is being meshed, set the parameters in the microdialog drop-down.
   This automatically creates 1D mesh on the joint legs and applies the beamsections.

   
   
   Figure 5.

6. Optional: Click the Exclude selector on the guide bar then pick entities to exclude from the joint if required.
7. On the guide bar, click one of the following:
   • - Apply and stay in the tool
   • - Apply and close the tool
   • - Exit the tool without applying