Discretization with beam and truss elements
We covered the discretization of structures with a collection of truss elements in Chapter 2, Analyses of Bars and Trusses, and with a collection of beam elements in Chapter 3, Analyses of Beams and Frames, and Chapter 4, Analyses of Torsionally Loaded Components. Let's briefly highlight two of the ideas covered in those past chapters:
- We discussed the characteristics of these elements in terms of degrees of freedom – specifically, that SOLIDWORKS truss element has 3 degrees of freedom per node, while the beam element has 6 degrees of freedom per node.
- We outlined a few tricks to be employed when using those elements. Specifically, for beam elements, we discussed the idea of taking advantage of critical positions under the Modeling strategy subsection in Chapter 3, Analyses of Beams and Frames.
In addition to the preceding points, there is one important distinction between these two elements that you should...