Controls options for breaking an element.
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A straight run of pipe between two nodes needs to be broken to insert a restraint, or some other change in properties.
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A long straight run of pipe needs to be broken into multiple, uniform lengths of pipe with similar support conditions on each length. For example, a long straight run of rack piping, or a buried run with multiple soil supports at each point in the run.
For the Insert Single Node option, the software provides default values for New Node Number and Distance at the halfway point between the two existing nodes. You can change these values.
In the example below, nodes 10 and 20 are 12 feet apart. The software sets the default New Node Number to 15, and the default Distance to 6 feet.
If there was some other node in the model with a restraint (or imposed displacements), like the one to be put on the newly generated node 15, then the node identifying that restraint location could be filled in at the line Get Support From Node and the restraint would be automatically placed at 15. In this case, the +Y support at node 10 is copied to node 15.
For the Insert Multiple Nodes option, the software defines the Length of each element value based on the values you specify for Total Number of Break Elements and Node Step.
If you type the node where a +Y restraint has already been defined at the prompt for "support condition", a +Y restraint is placed at all generated nodes, namely 110, 112, ... , 120. The multiple insert Break is used primarily for three reasons:
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Rack piping supports where the total length and node spacing is known and typed directly when requested at the prompts.
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Underground pipe runs where the overall length of the run is known, and the lengths of the individual elements in the run are known.
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To add mass points in order to refine a model for dynamic analysis.
Break does not work when the element is an expansion joint or the delta dimensions in the DX, DY, and DZ boxes are blank or zero.
Insert Single Node
Indicates that only one node is inserted.
Insert Multiple Nodes
Indicates that more than one node is inserted.
Single Node Information
New Node Number
Indicates the node number for the inserted node.
Distance in (in.) from Node <node number>
Specifies the distance from the selected node.
Multiple Node Information
Total Number of Break Elements
Specifies the number of elements to insert.
Node Step
Specifies the increment between node numbers.
Length of each element
Displays the length of each element to insert.
Allow Duplicate Node Numbers
Indicates that duplicate node numbers are allowed.
Get Support From Node
Specifies the node from which to copy support information.