The Tangent node (the Tangent sheet in the StructFrameConnections.xls workbook) defines the tangent frame connections that are available. The tangent frame connection places the member end tangent to another member.
Name
Defines the name of the frame connection. This is the name that appears in the software when placing a member system in the model.
Definition
Specifies the align frame connection definition macro SPSFrameConnMacros.Tangent.
Offset Distance
Type the distance (3) from the centerline of the supporting member (2) to the tangent connection point. This distance is the radius of the circle to which the supported member (1) is made tangent.
Side
Select Left or Right to define on which side of the supporting member the supported member is placed. To determine left and right, imagine you are standing on the start end of the member with your head towards positive global Z looking down the length of the member. Your left and right determine the direction of Left and Right.
Tangent Plane
Controls the plane on which the tangent circle is drawn. You can select:
Horizontal
The tangent circle is parallel to the X-Y plane (normal to global Z) regardless of the slope of any of the members. For example, you are creating a tangent connection between the sloping green beam and the sloping red column, or between the sloping blue beam and the sloping red column.
Vertical
The tangent circle is parallel to global Z and is aligned with the centerline of the supported member (green member in the left figure, blue member in the right figure).
Normal to Supporting
The tangent circle is normal to the supporting member (the sloping red column).
In Plane of Supported
The tangent circle is parallel to the centerline of the supported member and normal to the supporting member centerline (green member in the left figure, blue member in the right figure).
