21.3.1 Overview of connector modeling

The general procedure for modeling connectors involves the following steps:

  1. In the Part, Assembly, or Interaction module, create reference points and datum coordinate systems to use when defining constraints and connectors.

  2. In the Interaction module, create constraints, connectors, and connector properties.

  3. In the Load module, prescribe connector loads and connector boundary conditions to simulate connector actuations.

  4. In the Step module, create history output requests for connectors.

  5. In the Visualization module, plot connector output results; control the display of connectors, connector points, connection types, and current local orientations; and animate the time history of connector points and local orientations.