Location: 1D page
Use the Gaps panel to create gap elements.
A gap element is an element created in a space between two nodes, or between a node and an element, of a model where contact may occur. Use a gap element when you want to impose a nonlinear constraint on a model; this constraint will limit the amount of movement possible during analysis. Gap elements have property pointers.
Gap elements are element config 70 and are displayed as a line between two nodes with GAP written at the centroid of the element.
Gaps can translate to CGAP or CGAPG elements in OptiStruct, CGAP element in Nastran or *GAP option in Abaqus.
Subpanels and Inputs
The Gaps panel contains the following subpanels:
Use the Create subpanel to create new gap elements.
Panel Inputs
Input
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Action
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from node
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Select the elements' starting node.
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to node
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Select the elements' ending node.
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orient vector /
no vector
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Use the toggle to choose between a an orient vector collector, which defines the element orientation, or no vector.
Orientation is only necessary when the element nodes are coincident.
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property =
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The property collector which the new elements should point.
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elem types =
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Click the button and pick the appropriate element type. Available options depend on the solver profile.
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Use the Update subpanel to alter the characteristics of existing gap elements.
Panel Inputs
Input
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Action
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elems
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Select the gap elements that you wish to alter.
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orient vector /
no vector
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Use the toggle to choose between a an orient vector collector, which defines the element orientation, or no vector (in which case the element is oriented by the from and to nodes).
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property =
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The property collector which the new elements should point.
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elem types =
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Click the button and pick the appropriate element type. Available options depend on the solver profile.
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The gaps panel contains additional functionality when using the OptiStruct user profile.
See Also:
An Alphabetical List of HyperMesh Panels
gaps panel - OptiStruct profile