Supports
Supports ensure the stability of the structure in the space. They can be placed both in absolute and relative joints.
Support types
The joints can be either released (the movement of the joint is possible for this direction in this case) or supported in each of its six degrees of freedom. They can be supported in two ways: fixed or spring. The fixed support completely prevents movement of the joint. There is zero deformation and, as a response to prevent deformation, the reaction arises in these cases. The elastic supports are deformed partially and the reactions are usually smaller than the reactions in fixed supports. The stiffness of the support is characterized by the value of the spring constant K. The units have to be respected when specifying the value of the spring constant.
Support rotation
Supports can be rotated. In Fin 3D, the local coordinate system of the joint has to be created first. If the joint coordinate system is created, the coordinate system used in the support (global or local coordinate system of joint) can be selected.
In the program Fin 2D, support rotation is given only by the specified angle.