CYPE Connect

In version 2024.f, changes have been implemented in the finite element model of the connections compared to previous versions.

For the stress/strain analysis, the new model incorporates an additional extension of the bars, which consists of a linear elastic plate system and a reduced number of elements.

The extension allows users to consider the effect of modelling bars with a longer length, without penalising the analysis time.

The end nodes of each bar are bound with rigid links to apply loads or restrictions, which implied that the end section of each bar was considered to be non-deformable. In some cases, this assumption could lead to stress concentrations at the ends, or to less conservative results.

With the new model, the non-deformable section is moved away from the connection to the end of the additional extension to avoid these issues.

This additional extension is neither represented in the connection modelling tab nor in the results tab.

As of version 2024.f, the bolt and screw position table includes a new option to generate bolts radially by defining the number of bolts and the radius.

Up until version 2024.f, a circular plate could be defined by using the "Polygonal" option to create 2 or more curved sections.

As of version 2024.f, the "Plate" operation includes the new "Circular" option.

This new option allows users to define a circular plate more easily.

In CYPE Connect, the node editing panel includes the option to select circular hollow sections within the hollow sections option.

• Trim plate
  Allows a plate to be cut out of a hollow section and welds to be added between the plate and the hollow section. The hollow section can create an inner opening in the plate, or an outer trim, thus modifying the perimeter of the plate.

• Weld
  Welds between circular hollow sections, or between circular hollow sections and plates have to be defined in the "Adjust bar" and "Trim plate" operations if the hollow section cuts the plate. From the "Weld" operation, users can add welds between plates and circular hollow sections in cases where any edge of the plate is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hollow section.

The setting of the number of sides for the discretisation of the circular hollow sections can be found under "Modelling options". A user value or a value calculated automatically by the program can be defined.

Tubular hollow sections with a circular section are discretised by means of quadrilaterals and the number of elements can be reduced, thus reducing the analysis time.