Linkage Rod Connector

You can specify a Linkage Rod connector between cylindrical faces, circular edges (for shells), or vertices to model the behavior of connecting rods.

The Linkage Rod connector is available with SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional and SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium.

To open the Linkage Rod PropertyManager:

In the Simulation study tree, right-click Connections and click Linkage Rod .

The following table describes the key options of the Linkage Rod PropertyManager.
Concentric cylindrical faces or edges (for shells) Specifies cylindrical faces or shell edges to attach a linkage rod connector.

You select two geometric entities to position the end joints of the connector.

Vertex Specifies two vertices to attach a linkage rod connector.
You can also select a vertex for one end joint of the connector and a cylindrical face or shell edge for the other end joint.
Rigid joint Specifies the connector's end joint to a rigid joint.

A rigid joint prevents any rotations or deformations. A linkage rod connector with rigid joints can transfer all moments from one part to another.

Pivot joint Specifies the connector's end joint to a pivot joint.

A pivot joint allows only one rotation about the axis normal to the connector's axis.

Spherical joint Specifies the connector's end joint to a spherical joint.

A spherical joint acts like a ball and socket joint where the ball can rotate inside the socket, but it cannot dislocate from the socket.

  Offset Specifies an offset distance to position the end joints of the connector. You can only select cylindrical faces or circular edges to define an offset distance.
  Section Parameters Specifies the cross section geometry of the connector:
  • Solid circular
  • Hollow circular
  • Solid rectangular
  • Hollow rectangular
  Material Applies a material to the connector from the SOLIDWORKS material library or applies a custom material.
You can list a linkage rod connector's forces such as shear force, axial force, bending moments, and torque after you run a simulation. Right-click Results and click List Connector Force.
The linkage rod connector is not available for nonlinear and thermal studies.