Chapter 2: Loading
The primary objective of a finite element analysis is to examine how a structure or component responds
to certain loading conditions. Specifying the proper loading conditions is, therefore, a key step in the
analysis. You can apply loads on the model in a variety of ways. With the help of load step options, you
can control how the loads are actually used during solution.
The following loading topics are available:
2.1. Understanding Loads
2.2. Load Steps, Substeps, and Equilibrium Iterations
2.3. The Role of Time in Tracking
2.4. Stepped Versus Ramped Loads
2.5. Applying Loads
2.6. Specifying Load Step Options
2.7. Creating Multiple Load Step Files
2.8. Defining Pretension in a Joint Fastener2.1. Understanding Loads
The term loads includes boundary conditions and externally or internally applied forcing functions, as
illustrated in Figure 2.1: Loads (p. 21). Examples of loads in different disciplines are:
Structural: displacements, velocities, accelerations, forces, pressures, temperatures (for thermal strain),
gravity
Thermal: temperatures, heat flow rates, convections, internal heat generation, infinite surface
Magnetic: magnetic potentials, magnetic flux, magnetic current segments, source current density, infinite
surface
Electric: electric potentials (voltage), electric current, electric charges, charge densities, infinite surface
Acoustic: pressures, displacements
Diffusion: concentration, diffusion flow rate
Figure 2.1: Loads
Boundary conditions, as well as other types of loading, are shown.Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information