Mechanical APDL Basic Analysis Guide

(Axel Boer) #1

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 Fastener

2.1. 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
Free download pdf