A rigid connection joins two supports using a virtual rigid beam.
A rigid connection locks the physical relationship—the distance and
angle—between the selected faces, edge, or points.
A rigid connection can also be used to attach one
support to ground.
You might want to use a rigid connection for several reasons:
To distribute loads on a model
To simulate end conditions; for
example, modeling a rigid end plate
To simplify modeling of complex
mechanical constraints or more complicated fastening mechanisms