Creating Virtual Parts

You can create a virtual part that is a rigid or elastic body that connects a specified point to a specified geometry. Virtual parts are used to transmit action at a distance and can be thought of as rigid bodies, except for the case where a lumped flexibility is explicitly introduced by the use of a spring element.

Important: Do not use virtual parts to simulate connections; instead, use user-defined connections.

Related Topics
More about Virtual Parts
Elements
Modifying the Axis System
Defining a User-defined Connection Property

  1. In the Virtual Parts toolbar, click Virtual Part .

    The Virtual Part dialog box appears.

  2. Optional: In the Name box of the Property tab, modify the name of the connection property.

  3. In the Supports box, select an edge or a face.

  4. Optional: In the Handler box, select a point or a vertex. If no handler is specified, the geometric centroid of the selected support is the default handler point.

  5. In the Type list, select one of the following:

  6. Optional: Click to define the parameters of the property.

  7. Click OK.

    The virtual part and the virtual part mesh are created and appear in the specification tree under the Virtual Parts set and under the Nodes and Elements set.