Absorb

Use the FE Absorb tool to create connectors from existing mesh that meet specific types of realizations.

  1. From the Connectors ribbon, click the FE Absorb tool from any of the tool groups in the Create tool set.
    Each type of absorption is separated by the type of connector you are trying to absorb. The Point tool is shown here as an example.
    Figure 1.


  2. From the guide bar, choose which elements to include.
    • Automatic: Automatically selects the elements to run the absorb algorithm.
    • Manual: Specify the elements you want to absorb within your model and run the absorb algorithm on just those selected elements.
    • Displayed: Run the absorb algorithm only for the displayed elements.
  3. Since absorption is done with respect to a control, assign a control to absorb from the guide bar.
    • Choose a previously defined control.
    • Click Create New to open the Connector Control Manager and define a new control.
  4. From the guide bar, click to open the Options dialog.
  5. In the FE details section of the Options dialog, define the remaining options.
    Combine in case of equivalent body nodes (Spots Only)
    An FE Absorption logic enhancement while absorbing connectors if body is separated on both sides of the layer. Instead of absorbing as multiple connectors, the body is absorbed as one single connector even if it has coincident nodes on both sides of a layer.
    With tie contact (Lines and Areas when a Contact connector is selected)
    Determine links by investigating tie contacts. Only entities that are part of a tie contact will be considered for links.
    Weld Elements Only (Seam-Quad connector defined and Manual selection)
    Select only the weld elements to run the absorption algorithm.
    Find link entities by Interface (Point when a contact connector is selected)
    Determine links by investigating contact groups and sets. Only entities that are part of a contact group and set will be considered for links.
  6. In the Creation options and Link details sections of the Options dialog, define the remaining options.
    Creation options:
    Organize connectors to realization Part
    Save connector entities into a part named after the control that they are linked to.
    Spot line
    Combines the spots into a spot line if they meet the combine settings.

    Link details:

    Link type
    Can be set to parts, properties, or components.
    For point connectors, elements and nodes are also options.
    Re-connect rule
    This is how the links are referred to by the connector.
    use uid
    Only for parts. Use the selected link entity’s UID to reconnect. If the link entity is not currently in the model, the connector with this reconnect rule will search for entities with the same UID.
    use id
    Use the selected link entity’s IDs to reconnect. If the link entity is not currently in the model, the connector with this reconnect rule will search for entities with the same ID.
    use name
    Use the selected link entity’s names to reconnect. If the link entity is not currently in the model, connectors using this reconnect rule search for entities with the same name.
  7. If the selection method is set to Manual (see step 2), select the elements you want to absorb.
  8. On the guide bar, complete one of the following:
    • Click to apply and stay in the tool.
    • Click to apply and close the tool.
    • Click to exit the tool without applying.