I have a stick model of a support platform. The structure is made of I-Beams connected by brackets and plates. What method is best to extract the moments and forces at the joints? I want to do some classical hand calculations on the joint design.
The best approach would be to create a Group (SET in Nastran) for the nodes belonging to the beams and request the Grid Point Force Output (GPFORCE=n) for just that Group.
To work with more flexibility than just the output for a sinle SET, I recommend using GPFORCE output for the whole model and then become adept at using Patran's Freebody Result Tool in the Results form. The Freebody tool is specific functionality for working with the GPFORCE results and gives you the options and flexibility to do all these "classical" type force/moment extractions.
Thanks Arthur and Vinay. This is helpful. It appears that I am on the right track. However, I'm having difficulty deciding which feature (freebody loads, freebody interface, grid point force/moment) for my particular joint(s). It appears that the different methods produce different results.
In my case, I'm particularly interested in the moment at the joint. I have considered placing a highly stiff bushing at the point where the two beams meet. Is this an acceptable approach?
