Learning Forum

[GT1987]

I am currently working with a large model in APDL that I am trying to modify by creating moment releases between certain regions at intersections where SHELL181 elements meet. The only ways that I know of simulating this is the following:

1. Create links via beam elements between the shell elements and release rotations within the beam element. Shell elements do not share nodes at locations where the beam elements are being used.
2. Use the coupled nodes option "CP" at the interface where hinge is desired but requires that elements at the interface not share nodes.

Is there an alternative way to simulate moment releases with shell181 elements at locations where elements share common nodes? Additionally, Assigning membrane option (keyopt(1) = 1) only for shell181 elements at desired location of hinge does not work very well.

My text for the test model is attached below:

[dlooman]

There is nothing analogous to the ENDRELEASE command for shells. The CP method that you propose seems to be the best way.