Error message: Could not find a node to apply a load. Nastran

[ben.schroeder]

I'm running a linear static analysis on an aluminum plate and get an error message "Could not find a node to apply a load. Please check FE mesh and loads!" (see attached screenshot). I haven't seen this error before and was not able to find information posted on any forums.

What causes this error?

My guess is, it is from a moment placed on a work point at the center of a hole where a shaft rotates (see attached screenshot).

Nastran In-CAD Inventor Professional 2017

[shigeaki.k · Accepted solution]

Hello @ben.schroeder,

I think you just needed to add one more step - allow for transfer of the applied moment via the use of connectors.

1) Right-mouse click connectors in the Mode Sub-tree in the Model Tree, and select "New"

2) Select the connector of choice, the driven and the driving feature.

Assuming the shaft can be modelled as being rigidly attached to the hole and the moment is applied as you mentioned via the shaft, you could use the rigid body connector with the rigid or interpolated option. 

General introduction to connectors can found in the In-CAD Nastran Help here. For more information on rigid connectors, please refer to this page here. 

If you feel that the hole may deform, you can use the interpolation option as discussed here.

Regards,

Shigeaki K.

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[ben.schroeder · Accepted solution]

Thank you for your solution Shigeaki.

I also came up with a solution. I converted the moment to a force at a specific distance and applied it as a remote force to the inside wall of the hole.

[shigeaki.k]

Hello @ben.schroeder,

could I check that you applied the "Remote Force" or the "Remote Loads and Constraints"? I was under the impression that "Remote Force" would apply a force in a linear vector direction, and not a moment.

Regards,

Shigeaki K.

[ben.schroeder]

Hi Shigeaki,

You are correct. Using a remote force does apply a force in a linear direction but at a distance from the pivot point. Applying that force at a distance from the pivot point creates the moment we originally wanted to apply.

See Attached:

Remote Force 3 - shows the surface the remote force is applied to

Remote Force 4 - shows the remote force location (relative to the origin) and magnitude of the force in the x-direction

Hope this helps!

Ben

[shigeaki.k]

Hi @ben.schroeder,

great. Thank you for the info.

Regards,

Shigeaki K.