RBEs and MPCs in MSC.

Nastran

A Rip-Roarin Review of
Rigid Elements

RBEs and MPCs

Not necessarily rigid elements
Working Definition:

The motion of a DOF is dependent on

the motion of at least one other DOF

Slide 2

Motion at one GRID drives another

Simple Translation

X motion of Green Grid drives X motion

of Red Grid
Slide 3

Motion at one GRID drives another

Simple Rotation

Rotation of Green Grid drives X translation

and Z rotation of Red Grid
Slide 4

RBEs and MPCs

The motion of a DOF is dependent on

the motion of at least one other DOF

Displacement, not elastic relationship

Not dictated by stiffness, mass, or force
Linear relationship
Small displacement theory
Dependent v. Independent DOFs
Stiffness/mass/loads at dependent DOF
transferred to independent DOF(s)
Slide 5

Small Displacement Theory & Rotations

Small displacement theory:
sin() = tan() =
cos() = 1

For Rz @ A

TxB

RzB = RzA=

TxB = (-)*LAB
TyB = 0

Slide 6

Typical Rigid Elements in MSC.Nastran

Geometry-based
RBAR
RBE2

Really-rigid rigid elements

Geometry- & User-input based

RBE3

User-input based
MPC

Slide 7

Common Geometry-Based Rigid Elements

RBAR

Rigid Bar with six DOF at

each end

RBE2

Rigid body with

independent DOF at one
GRID, and dependent DOF
at an arbitrary number of
GRIDs.
Slide 8

The RBAR
The RBAR is a rigid link between two
GRID points

Slide 9

The RBAR
B

Most common to have all the

dependent DOFs at one GRID,
and all the independent DOFs at
A
the other
Can mix/match dependent DOF between the
GRIDs, but this is rare
The independent DOFs must be capable of
describing the rigid body motion of the element
RBAR
RBAR

EID
535

GA
1

GB
2

Slide 10

CNA CNB
123456

CMA

CMB
123456

RBAR Example: Fastener

Use of RBAR to weld two parts of a
model together:
RBAR
RBAR

EID
535

GA
1

GB
2

A
Slide 11

CNA CNB
123456

CMA

CMB
123456

RBAR Example: Pin-Joint

Use of RBAR to form pin-jointed
attachment
RBAR
RBAR

EID
535

GA
1

GB
2

A
Slide 12

CNA CNB
123456

CMA

CMB
123

The RBE2
One independent GRID (all 6 DOF)
Multiple dependent GRID/DOFs

Slide 13

RBE2 Example
Rigidly weld multiple GRIDs to one
other GRID:
RBE2
RBE2

EID
99

GN
CM GM1 GM2 GM3 GM4 GM5
101 123456 1
2
3
4
1

3
4

101

Slide 14

RBE2 Example
RBE2 EID
RBE2 99

GN CM GM1 GM2 GM3 GM4 GM5

101 123456 1
2
3
4

Note: No relative motion between

GRIDs 1-4 !
3
No deformation of element(s)
between these GRIDs
101

Slide 15

1
4

Common RBE2/RBAR Uses

RBE2 or RBAR between 2 GRIDs
Weld 2 different parts together
6DOF connection

Bolt 2 different parts together

3DOF connection

RBE2

Spider or wagon wheel connections

Large mass/base-drive connection

Slide 16

RBE3 Elements
Motion at a dependent
GRID is the weighted
average of the motion(s) at
a set of master
(independent) GRIDs
NOT a rigid element
IS an interpolation element
Does not add stiffness to the structure
(if used correctly)
Slide 17

RBE3 Description

Slide 18

RBE3 Description
By default, the reference grid DOF will
be the dependent DOF
Number of dependent DOF is equal to
the number of DOF on the REFC field
Dependent DOF cannot be SPCd,
OMITted, SUPORTed or be dependent
on other RBE/MPC elements

Slide 19

RBE3 Description
UM fields can be used to move the
dependent DOF away from the
reference grid
For Example (in 1-D):
U99 = (U1 + U2 + U3) / 3
3 * U99 = U1 + U2 + U3

-U1 = + U2 + U3 - 3 * U99
Slide 20

RBE3 Is Not Rigid!

RBE3 vs. RBE2

RBE3 allows warping

and 3D effects
In this example, RBE2 enforces beam
theory (plane sections remain planar)

RBE2

RBE3

Slide 21

RBE3: How it Works?

Forces/moments applied at reference
grid are distributed to the master grids in
same manner as classical bolt pattern
analysis
Step 1: Applied loads are transferred to the
CG of the weighted grid group using an
equivalent Force/Moment
Step 2: Applied loads at CG transferred to
master grids according to each grids
weighting factor
Slide 22

RBE3: How it Works?

Step 1: Transform force/moment at
reference grid to equivalent force/moment
at weighted CG of master grids.
FA

MA

CG

FCG

Reference Grid

CG

MCG

FCG=FA
MCG=MA+FA*e

Slide 23

RBE3: How it Works?

Step 2: Move loads at CG to master
grids according to their weighting
values.
Force at CG divided amongst master grids
according to weighting factors Wi
Moment at CG mapped as equivalent force
couples on master grids according to
weighting factors Wi

Slide 24

RBE3: How it Works?

Step 2: Continued

F1m

FCG

CG

MCG

F2m

Total force at each master node is sum of...

Forces derived from force at CG: Fif = FCG{Wi/Wi}
Plus Forces derived from moment at CG:
Fim = {McgWiri/(W1r12+W2r22+W3r32)}
Slide 25

F3m

RBE3: How it Works?

Masses on reference grid are smeared
to the master grids similar to how forces
are distributed

Mass is distributed to the master grids according

to their weighting factors
Motion of reference mass results in inertial force
that gets transferred to master grids
Reference node inertial force is distributed in same
manner as when static force is applied to the
reference grid.

Slide 26

Example 1

RBE3 distribution of loads when force at

reference grid at CG passes through
CG of master grids
Slide 27

Example 1: Force Through CG

Simply supported beam

10 elements, 11 nodes numbered 1

through 11

100 LB. Force in negative Y on

reference grid 99

Slide 28

Example 1: Force Through CG

Load through CG with uniform weighting

factors results in uniform load distribution
Slide 29

Example 1: Force Through CG

Comments

Since master grids are co-linear, the x

rotation DOF is added so that master grids
can determine all 6 rigid body motions,
otherwise RBE3 would be singular

Slide 30

Example 2

How does the RBE3 distribute loads

when force on reference grid does not
pass through CG of master grids?
Slide 31

Example 2: Load not through CG

The resulting force distribution is not intuitively
obvious
Note forces in the opposite direction on the left side
of the beam.
Upward loads on left
side of beam result
from moment caused
by movement of
applied load to the
CG of master grids.

Slide 32

Example 3
Use of weighting factors to generate
realistic load distribution: 100 LB.
transverse load on 3D beam.

Slide 33

Example 3: Transverse Load on Beam

If uniform
weighting
factors are
used, the load
is equally
distributed to all
grids.

Slide 34

Example 3: Transverse Load on Beam

The uniform load distribution results in
too much transverse load in flanges
causing them to droop.

Displacement Contour

Slide 35

Example 3: Transverse Load on Beam

Assume quadratic
distribution of load in web
Assume thin flanges carry
zero transverse load
Master DOF 1235. DOF 5
added to make RY rigid
body motion determinate

Slide 36

Example 3: Transverse Load on Beam

Displacements with quadratic weighting
factors virtually equivalent to those from
RBE2 (Beam Theory), but do not
impose plane sections remain planar
as does RBE2.

Slide 37

Example 3: Transverse Load on Beam

RBE3 Displacement Contour

Max Y disp=.00685

Slide 38

Example 3: Transverse Load on Beam

RBE2 Displacement contour

Max Y disp=.00685
Slide 39

Example 4
Use RBE3 to get
unconstrained
motion
Cylinder under
pressure
Which Grid(s) do you
pick to constrain out
Rigid body motion, but
still allow for free
expansion due to
pressure?
Slide 40

Example 4: Use RBE3 for

Unconstrained Motion
Solution:

Use RBE3
Move dependent DOF from reference grid to selected master
grids with UM option on RBE3 (otherwise, reference grid
cannot be SPCd)
Apply SPC to reference grid

Slide 41

Example 4: Use RBE3 for

Unconstrained Motion
Since reference grid has 6 DOF, we
must assign 6 UM DOF to a set of
master grids

Pick 3 points, forming a nice triangle for

best numerical conditioning
Select a total of 6 DOF over the three UM
grids to determine the 6 rigid body motions
of the RBE3
Note: M is the NASTRAN DOF set name
for dependent DOF
Slide 42

Example 4: Use RBE3 for

Unconstrained Motion
UM Grids

Slide 43

Example 4: Use RBE3 for

Unconstrained Motion
For circular geometry, its convenient to
use a cylindrical coordinate system for
the master grids.
Put THETA and Z DOF in UM set for each of the
three UM grids to determine RBE3 rigid body
motion

Slide 44

Example 4: Use RBE3 for

Unconstrained Motion
Result is free expansion due to internal
pressure. (note: poisson effect causes shortening)

Slide 45

Example 4: Use RBE3 for

Unconstrained Motion
Resulting
MPC Forces
are numeric
zeroes
verifying that
no stiffness
has been
added.

Slide 46

Example 5
Connect 3D model to stick model
3D model with 7 psi internal pressure
Use RBE3 instead of RBE2 so that 3D
model can expand naturally at interface.
RBE3 will also allow warping and other 3D
effects at the interface.

Slide 47

Example 5: 3D to Stick Model

Connection

Slide 48

120 diameter
cylinder
7 psi internal
pressure
10000 Lb.
transverse load on
stick model
RBE3: Reference
grid at center with
6 DOF, Master
Grids with 3
translations

Example 5: 3D to Stick Model

Connection

Slide 49

Example 5: 3D to Stick Model

Connection
Undeformed/Deformed plot shows
continuity in motion of 3D and Beam
model

Slide 50

Example 5: 3D to Stick Model

Connection
MPC forces at
interface show
effect of both the
tip shear and
interface
moment.

Slide 51

Example 5: 3D to Stick Model

Connection
Shell outer fiber
stresses at interface
slightly higher than
beam bending
stresses
3D effects
Shell model under
internal pressure and
not bound by beam
theory assumptions

Slide 52

Example 6
Use RBE3 to see beam type modes
from a complex model
Sometimes its difficult to identify and
describe modes of complex structures
Solution:
Connect complex structure down to
centerline grids with RBE3.
Connect centerline grids with PLOTELs

Slide 53

Example 6: Using RBE3 to Visualize

Beam Modes
Generic engine courtesy of Pratt &
Whitney

Slide 54

Example 6: Using RBE3 to Visualize

Beam Modes
RBE3s used to
connect various
components to
centerline.
Each components
centerline grids
connected by its
own set of PLOTELs

Slide 55

Example 6: Using RBE3 to Visualize

Beam Modes
Complex
Mode
Animation

Slide 56

Example 6: Using RBE3 to Visualize

Beam Modes
Animation of the
PLOTEL
segments
shows that this
is a whirl mode
Relative motion
of various
components
more clearly
seen

Slide 57

Example 7
Use RBE3 to connect incompatible
elements
Beam to plate
Beam to solid
Plate to solid

Alternative to RSSCON

Slide 58

Example 7: RBE3 Connection of

Incompatible Elements

Slide 59

Example 7: RBE3 Connection of

Incompatible Elements
Use RBE3 to connect beams to plates
at two corners
Use RBE3 to connect beams to solids
at two corners
Use RBE3 to connect plates to solid

Plate thickness is same as solid thickness

in this example

Slide 60

Example 7: RBE3 Connection of

Incompatible Elements
RBE3 connection of beams to plates

Map 6 DOF of beam into plate translation DOF

For best results, beam footprint should be similar to
RBE3 footprint, otherwise joint will be too stiff

Slide 61

Example 7: RBE3 Connection of

Incompatible Elements
RBE3 connection of
beams to solids
Map 6 DOF of beam into
solid translation DOF
For best results, beam
footprint should be similar
to RBE3 footprint,
otherwise joint will be too
stiff

Slide 62

Example 7: RBE3 Connection of

Incompatible Elements
RBE3 connection
of plates to solids

Coupling of plate
drilling rotation to solid
not recommended
Plate and solid grids
can be equivalent,
coincident, or disjoint
(as shown)

Slide 63

Example 7: RBE3 Connection of

Incompatible Elements
Deformation contours show continuity at
RBE3 interfaces

Slide 64

Example 7: RBE3 Connection of

Incompatible Elements
Bending stress contours consistent
across RBE3 interface

Slide 65

RBE3 Usage Guidelines

Do not specify rotational DOF for master
grids except when necessary to avoid
singularity caused by a linear set of
master grids
Using rotational DOF on master grids
can result in implausible results (see
next two slides)

Slide 66

RBE3 Usage Guidelines

Example: What can happen if master
rotations included?
Modified RBE3 from Example 5
Displacements clearly incorrect when all 6
DOF listed for master grids (next page)

Slide 67

RBE3 Usage Guidelines

Deformation with
all 6 DOF
specified for
master grids at
interface
Deformation with 3
translation DOF
specified for
master grids
(same loads/BCs)
Slide 68

RBE3 Usage Guidelines

Make check run with PARAM,CHECKOUT,YES

Section 9.4.1 of MSC.Nastran Reference Manual (V68)

EMH printout should be numeric zeroes (no grounding)
No MAXRATIO error messages from decomposition of R gmm
and Rmmm matrices (numerically stable)

Perform grounding check of at least KGG

and KNN matrix
V2001: Case control command
GROUNDCHECK (SET=(G,N))=YES

V70.7 and earlier:

Use CHECKA alters from SSSALTER library

Slide 69

RBE3: Additional Reading

Much RBE3 information has been posted on
MSCs Knowledge Base

http://www.mechsolutions.com/support/knowbase/index.html

Slide 70

RBE3: Additional Reading

Recommended TANs

TAN#: 2402 RBE3 - The Interpolation Element.

TAN#: 3280 RBE3 ELEMENT CHANGES IN VERSION
70.5, improved diagnostics
TAN#: 4155 RBE3 ELEMENT CHANGES IN VERSION
70.7
TAN#: 4494 Mathematical Specification of the Modern
RBE3 Element
TAN#: 4497 AN ECONOMICAL METHOD TO EVALUATE
RBE3 ELEMENTS IN LARGE-SIZE MODELS

Slide 71

User-Input based Rigid Elements

MPCs

Most general-purpose way to define

motion-based relationships
Could be used in place of ALL other RBEi
Lack of geometry makes this impractical

Can be changed between SUBCASEs

Slide 72

MPC Definition
Rigid elements

Definition: The motion of a DOF dependent

on the motion of (at least one) other DOF
Linear Relationship
One (1) dependent DOF
n independent DOF (n >= 1)

ajXi = a1X1 + a2X2 + a3X3++ anXn

Slide 73

General Approach For Use of MPCs

Write out desired displacement equality
relationship on a per DOF level
Dependent motion = (your equation goes here)
2

Ux2 = Ux1

Re-arrange so left-hand side is zero

List dependent term first
0 = - Ux2 + Ux1
Slide 74

MPC Format
For example:

Set X motion of GRID 2

= X motion of GRID 1

0 = - UX2 + UX1

UX2 = UX1

= (-1.)UX2 + (+1.)UX1
MPC
MPC

SID
535

G1
2

C1
1

Slide 75

A1
-1.0

G2
1

C2
1

A2
+1.0

General Approach to MPCs

Write down relationship you want to
impose on a per DOF level:

ajXi = a1X1 + a2X2 ++ anXn

Move dependent term to 1st term on
right hand side:

0 = -aiXi + a1X1 + a2X2++ anXn

Slide 76

Why would I want to use an MPC?

Tie GRIDs together (RBEi)
Determine relative motion between
GRIDs
Maintain separation between GRIDs
Determine average motion between
GRIDs
Model bell-crank or control system
Units conversion
Slide 77

Use of MPC to tie GRIDs together

Write down relationship you want to
impose on a per DOF level:
UX2 = UX1
2

UY2 = UY2

UZ3 = UZ3

X2 = X1
Y2 = Y1
Z2 = Z1
Slide 78

Use of MPC to tie GRIDs together

Move dependent term to 1st term on
right hand side:
0 = -UX2 + UX1

MPC, 535, 2, 1, -1.0, 1, 1, +1.0

0 = -UY2 + UY2

MPC, 535, 2, 2, -1.0, 1, 2, +1.0

0 = -UZ3 + UZ3

MPC, 535, 2, 3, -1.0, 1, 3, +1.0

0 = -X2 + X1

MPC, 535, 2, 4, -1.0, 1, 4, +1.0

0 = -Y2 + Y1

MPC, 535, 2, 5, -1.0, 1, 5, +1.0

0 = -Z2 + Z1

MPC, 535, 2, 6, -1.0, 1, 6, +1.0

Slide 79

Use of MPC to tie GRIDs together

Use CAUTION when tying non-coincident
GRIDs together!

Watch for how those

rotations and
translations couple!

2
1

UX2 = UX1

Z2 = Z1

Slide 80

MPCs for Relative Motion

Whats the relative motion between
GRIDs 1 and 2?

Slide 81

MPCs for Relative Motion

Introduce placeholder variable
Good use for SPOINTs

Write out desired

relationship as before
U1000 = UX2 UX1

Move dependent term to RHS

0 = - U1000 + UX2 UX1
Slide 82

?2

MPCs for Relative Motion

Write out MPCs
1

0 = -U1000 + UX2 UX1

?2

SPOINT 1000
MPC
+

535

1000

-1.0

-1.0

Slide 83

+1.0

MPCs for Relative GAP

What is the gap between GRIDs 1 and 2?

Initial
gap

Slide 84

MPCs for Relative GAP

Write equation:

Introduce new placeholder

variable for initial gap

UGAP = UINIT + UX2 UX1

0 = -UGAP + UINIT + UX2 UX1

Slide 85

MPCs for Relative GAP

Set initial gap value via SPC!

0 = -U1000 + U1001 + UX2 UX1

SPOINT, 1000

$ Gap value

SPOINT, 1001

$ Initial Gap

MPC,
+,
SPC,

535, 1000, 1, -1., 1001, 1, +1.

,

2, 1, +1.,

1, 1, -1.

2002, 1001,1,0.5 $ Set initial gap

Slide 86

MPC used to Maintain Separation

Enforce a separation between GRIDs
Similar to using a gap
Changes which DOF are
dependent/independent

Example:

Initially 1 apart
Keep separation = 0.25

0.25
2

Slide 87

MPC used to Maintain Separation

1

1.00
0.25
2

U1 = U2 + (desired initial)

0 = -U1 + U2 + U1000

SPOINT,1000
MPC,
535,
1, 2, -1.0,
+,
, 1000, 1, +1.0
SPC,
2002, 1000, 1, -.75
Slide 88

2, 2, +1.0

Use of MPCs for AVERAGE Motion

Determine average motion of DOFs
U1000 = (U1+ U2 + U3 + U4 +U5 +U6)/6

4
5

0 = -6*U1000 + U1+ U2 + U3 + U4 +U5

+U6

2
1

Slide 89

MPCs as Bell-crank or Control System

Output of 1 DOF scales another
1

U2 = U1/1.65
2

1. 1.65
00

0 = -1.65*U2 + U1

MPC
MPC

SID
535

G1
2

C1
1
Slide 90

A1
-1.65

G2
1

C2
1

A2
+1.0

Units Conversion
Somewhat frivolous application, but why
not?
Convert radians
to degrees

2 = 1 * 57.29578

Convert inches
to meters

39.37 * X2 = X1

Slide 91

Rigid Element Output

Since Rigid elements are a specialized
input of MPC equations, the output is
requested by MPCFORCE case control
command.
COMMON ERROR

The MPCFORCEs are associated with GRID

IDs, not Element IDs. So when selecting a
SET for output, be sure the set is for GRID IDs,
not Element IDs.

Slide 92

Guidelines for Rigid Elements

Linear ONLY

Relationships calculated based on initial

geometry

Can cause internal constraints for

thermal conditions
Be careful that independent GRID has 6
DOF

Slide 93

MPCs and RBEs

Off the shelf
RBAR
RBE2

Customizable
RBE3

Handmade
MPC

Slide 94

Add them to
your
modeling
arsenal
today!