The combination of mechanisms, rigid bodies, and finite elements in Abaqus creates a powerful simulation tool. The mechanism capability expands the ability of Abaqus to model connections among individual bodies in a variety of ways. Connections can be as simple as pins and rigid links or as complicated as nonlinear frictional joints with elasticity and failure. The goals of this snack and learn is to explore the variety of connection types available in Abaqus and to understand how to define connections on a worked example.

Topics include:

• Comparison of connector elements and MPCs
• Basic connector components and assembled kinematic connections
• Actuating components of relative motions
• Output and post-processing of connectors