> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.enercalc.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.enercalc.com/e3d-training-manual/building-the-model/properties/properties-for-nodes/diaphragm.md). # Diaphragm How to define rigid diaphragms that force coplanar nodes to translate and rotate together, graphically or in tables. Diaphragms are a way to specify that a group of coplanar nodes must translate and rotate as though they were connected by a rigid plate. There are at least two different ways to define diaphragms: Graphically and in tabular format. **Graphical Method** If you click **Draw > Draw Diaphragms**, it will display the *Diaphragms* dialog. Note that it offers Generic and Regular diaphragms. Generic diaphragms can be in any orientation, including sloping planes. They are defined by clicking on four nodes that define the perimeter of the area that is to be considered a diaphragm. Regular diaphragms must be defined as falling in the XZ, YZ, or XY plane. They are defined by selecting a plane and one or more nodes. If more than one node is selected, the program will automatically create as many unique diaphragms as there are nodes selected. ![](https://3750289988-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRZtG5Ynp58kYzLHYbR7%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-db7715f68e1ed2a3c1203a5995dcf7e35e9dfb88%2FDiaphragm.jpg?alt=media) **Tabular Method** Click **Tables > Diaphragms Data** to open the *Diaphragms* table. This allows existing diaphragms to be edited or deleted, and allows new diaphragms to be defined. The type can be set to Generic, XZ Plane, YZ Plane, or XY Plane. If the type is set to Generic, then four unique nodes must be entered in the four remaining columns in the table. If the type is set to one of the other options, then only one node number is required, and the same number should be entered into all four columns in the table. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.enercalc.com/e3d-training-manual/building-the-model/properties/properties-for-nodes/diaphragm.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.