Creating the mesh

The cargo crane will be modeled with three-dimensional, slender, cubic beam elements (B33). The cubic interpolation in these elements allows us to use a single element for each member and still obtain accurate results under the applied bending load. The mesh that you should use in this simulation is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Mesh for cargo crane.

In the Model Tree, expand the Truss item underneath the Parts container. Then double-click Mesh in the list that appears. Specify a global part seed of 2.0 for all regions. Repeat this for the part named Cross brace.

Tip: In the context bar of the Mesh module, select the appropriate part from the Object pull-down list to switch between the parts more readily.
Mesh both part instances with linear cubic beams in space (B33 elements).