rbe3 (Load Transfer)

Use the RBE3 Load Transfer realization to create MPCs using RBE3 elements between the nodes of shell-shell, shell-solid, or solid-solid groups by using spot connectors.

Restriction: Available in Abaqus, Nastran, and OptiStruct.

Solid-Solid

Figure 1.


Shell-Shell (Face to Face)

Figure 2.


Shell-Shell (Edge to Face)

For successful realization of these connectors, the non-normal projection option needs to be active. Otherwise the projection onto an edge does not work.
Figure 3.


Shell-Shell (Edge to Edge)

For successful realization of these connectors, the non-normal projection option needs to be active. Otherwise the projection onto an edge does not work.
Figure 4.


Shell-Beam

This situation is a very specific and requires some preparation to be successful, since the projection onto 1D elements is not supported. In this situation, you need to enable the non-normal projection checkbox for the projection onto the edge. In addition, the node of the 1D element needs to be defined directly as a link. Normally this is done during connector creation by activating add node location as link.
Note: This option is only available for nodes as connector location, and only if the center definition is set to use connector position for center.
Figure 5. Shell-Beam


Center definition options include:
use shortest projection for center
The closest node becomes the center of the RBE3 element.
During the realization, based on the connector position and the tolerance, the closest links are determined up to the number of required layers (num layer). All other link candidates are not taken into account for the next step. The closest node is also determined and becomes the center of the RBE3 element. Based on this center position, all nodes within the given tolerance (distance center to node) and belonging to the remained links are attached to the RBE3 element.
Note: If the connector has been created with the option add location node as link, the use shortest projection for center option is ignored and the linked node becomes the center of the RBE3 element.
Figure 6. Use Shortest Projection For Center


use connector position for center
The exact position of the connector becomes the center of the RBE3 element.
Figure 7. Use Connector Position For Center


use coarse mesh for center
During the realization, based on the connector position and tolerance, the closest links are determined up to the number of required layers (num layer). All other link candidates are not taken into account for the next step.
From the remaining links, the one with the coarsest mesh is identified and a node on this mesh (close to the perpendicular connector projection) becomes the center of the RBE3 element. Based on this center position, all nodes within the given tolerance (distance center to node) and belonging to the remaining links are attached to the RBE3 element.
Note: If the connector has been created with the add location node as link option, the use shortest projection for center option is ignored and the linked node becomes the center of the RBE3 element.
Figure 8. Use Coarse Mesh For Center