GENEL elements

Hello,
I want to create a beam using GENEL elements but I don't understand how to do it. I downloaded the file : Beam_vs_GENEL.fem and I looked at those pages : and , but it didn't help.
How can I use GENEL elements ?
Thank you
Estelle
Answers
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Hi Estelle
A GENEL is an own created element, where you need to define the stiffness matrix on your own.
It also can be seen more or less like a superelement.
In the example you posted, the element has 2 nodes with 6 degrees of freedom at each node.
So you have to define a 12x12 stiffness matrix. As stiffness matrix is symmetric, only the "upper half" has to be edited.
This can be an effort and has potential to create wrong entries.
After the creation of such a GENEL element, it can be used like any other FE element in your model build.
Kind regards
Juergen0