Function
Enter the nodal connection conditions (Hinge, Fixed Joint) for plate elements, or replace or remove previously entered end release conditions.
Call
From the Main Menu select [Boundary] tab > [Release/Offset] group > [Plate End Release]
Input
Click the [...] button to the right of Plate End Release : Display the Plate End Release Table
Boundary Group Name
Select a Boundary Group in which the specified boundary condition is included. Select "Default" if Group assignment is unnecessary. Click the [...] button to the right to prompt the "Define Boundary Group" dialog box to add, modify or delete Boundary Groups.
Options
Add/Replace : Enter or replace nodal end release conditions for plate elements
Delete : Delete previously entered nodal end release conditions for plate elements
End Release
Enter nodal end release conditions for selected plate elements with respect to the element's local coordinate system.
Fx : Release axial stiffness of the relevant node in the element's local x-direction.
Fy : Release axial stiffness of the relevant node in the element's local y-direction.
Fz : Release shear stiffness of the relevant node in the element's local z-direction.
Mx : Release bending stiffness of the relevant node about the element's local x-axis.
My : Release bending stiffness of the relevant node about the element's local y-axis.
The following buttons simplify the individual data entries described above :
The All Release button : Release nodal stiffness of all degrees of freedom. Individual components can be subsequently fixed.
The All Connect button : Restore all nodal stiffness to Fixed conditions