Node and node list entity selectors allow you to not only pick existing nodes in the model, they also allow you to create new nodes on geometry or on elements. You can create a node on geometry by holding the left mouse button down along the geometry handle until the cursor becomes a square and then selecting the geometry (lines, edges, surfaces) on which you would like to place a node. Then move your cursor to the exact location on the geometry where you would like the node to be placed and click the left mouse button to place a node. You can create nodes on elements by holding the left mouse button down on an element handle until the cursor becomes a square and selecting the element. Then move the cursor to the exact location on the elements of that component and click the left mouse button to place the node.
Select new nodes on geometry
| 1. | Position the cursor on a node and left-click. The cursor becomes a small white box . |
| 2. | Continue to hold the left-click down and use the mouse to move this special cursor box close to the desired geometry entity. |
| 3. | While the line/surface is highlighted, release the left-click to select it. |
| 4. | While the line or surface is highlighted in this manner, you can select nodes at the desired location(s) on the geometry. |
You can create temporary nodes on an element (similar to creating a node on the fly on a line or surface). This function can be accessed from any node collector in any panel. This function allows you to create welds at locations that do not have pre-existing nodes.
Select new nodes on elements
| 1. | When you are in a node collection mode, position the cursor on an element handle, left-click and hold it down. The cursor becomes a small white box and the element is highlighted. |
| 2. | Release the left-click. |
| 3. | Move your cursor to the exact location on the element where you want to add a node and left-click. A temporary node is created at that location and is selected in the node collection for the panel. |
See Also:
Picking Entities on the Screen
Input Controls
