Connectors

New Features

Python Customization Scripts for Connectors and Attachments
Attachments now support Tcl and Python customization scripts.
Tcl data names are supported by the hm_getvalue API.
OptiStruct Fastener (Non Coincident)
A new realization type has been added that uses the new CFASTG element type.

Enhancements

Absorbing Connectors
Absorption of point, line, and area connectors is now driven by the control rather than the type of realization.
Connector Browser
The Connector Browser now displays the control rather than the type.
Seam Quad
New calculation methods have been added for weld size dependant realizations that allow thickness based realizations.
A new option is available for properties by weld type which allow property calculations to be weld type dependant (lap, t, and butt welds).
Seam Quad is now supported for ANSYS.
Subsystems
Nested subsystem connectors now become unrealized or realized in a more efficient manner when the top level subsystem becomes active or inactive.
Miscellaneous
1D links are now supported for spot connectors in a more direct way.
Contact creation can now be localized to around the connector rather than the entire link.
Attachments
When auto pairing attachments, the distance of the attachments as well as the interface location is now taken into account.
Outer layer options in attachment controls are enhanced to work with solid elements.
Contact Connectors
Shell to solid coupling has been added to line connectors in Abaqus.
Output block has been created in Radioss.
The extend surface to features option has been added for area connectors.
Point
Hilock realization has improved DOF definition, nodal system assignment, and CBAR orientation handling. Additionally, Nu is now automatically calculated based on material properties.
Fastener
The following washer options have been renamed:
  • Single layer = Single Row
  • Single layer alt = Single Row Alt
  • Double layer = Single Row (Multi Elem)
  • Double layer alt = Single Row Alt (Multi Elem)
A new washer option, Double Row, has been added that selects an additional row of washer nodes.
Coup_Kin has been added to the fastener body config list.
Connectors with interacting rigids will now be marked as failed.
Area Connectors
Two types of tolerance are now available: proximity and shell thickness.
Detection and performance for creation on solid elements has been improved.
Connector Dirty Bit
Connector dirty bit has been enhanced to support ply thickness.

Resolved Issues

  • The copying and pasting of subsystems now preserves the relationship between the connectors and the realization.
  • Imprinting and creating rigids now creates a connected realization.
  • CWELD SHIDB is no longer missing in the realization.
  • Creating attachments in includes with a specified ID range will now realize the interface node(s) within this range.