Learning Forum

[nb25501]

Hello,

I have a question about the visualization of discrete elements in LS-PrePost.

**Situation:**
I am converting OpenSim ligament PathPoints to LS-DYNA discrete elements. 
For Part 162 (ligament "PF_1_l"), I observe the following:

**Element Definition (appears correct):**
- Element Type: Discrete (ELEMENT_DISCRETE)
- Part ID: 162
- Section ID: 1 (defined with *SECTION_DISCRETE, dro=0.0)
- Material: MAT_SPRING_ELASTIC (k=1.0e+02)

**Node Coordinates (verified correct):**

*ELEMENT_DISCRETE
     143     162  151482  151483
     144     162  151483  151484

*NODE
  151482      -87.181466     -548.693127      -81.686165
  151483       42.775456     -540.134008      -63.059371
  151484       51.532392     -535.475940      -60.655600


The coordinates form a nearly straight path (3 points, 2 segments), which is correct.

**Issue:**
In LS-PrePost visualization, the discrete elements appear as a **spiral/helical shape** instead of straight lines between nodes. However, I can also see what appears to be a **darker straight line** in the same location.

**Question:**
1. Is this spiral visualization caused by LS-PrePost automatically generating "null beams" for display purposes, as mentioned in the manual?
2. Will the actual calculation use the correct straight-line discrete elements defined by the node coordinates?
3. Can I safely ignore the spiral visualization and proceed with the simulation?

I want to confirm that the element definition is correct before running the analysis.

Thank you for your help!
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