Force

The Force PropertyManager applies forces, moments, or torques with uniform distribution to faces, edges, and vertices in any direction for use in structural studies. The specified force value is applied to each selected vertex, edge, and face.

To apply a force at a point on a face, you need to split the face such that the point becomes a vertex and then apply the force to the vertex.

You can apply nonuniform forces to faces and edges only. A nonuniform force is specified by a force value and force intensity. The force value is set equal to the summation of the absolute values of the forces applied to each face and edge. The force intensity is described by the coefficients of a second-order polynomial in terms of x and y axes of the reference coordinate system as described for variable pressure.

Nonuniform torque is not supported in this release.

• Type. Sets the type of force to apply.

• Apply force/moment. Applies forces and/or moments. This option requires the specification of the force direction using a reference entity.

• Apply normal force. Applies forces normal to each selected face. This option is not available for vertices or edges.

• Apply torque. Applies a torque. This option requires the specification of the torque direction using a reference entity.

• Faces, Edges, Vertices for Force . Select the entities to which the force/moment/ torque load is to be applied in the graphics area. Valid entities depend on the load type as follows:

• If you choose Apply force/moment, you can select faces, edges, and vertices.

• If you choose Apply normal force, you can select faces only.

• If you choose Apply torque, you can select faces only.

• Face, Edge, Plane, Axis for Direction . Select an entity to specify the direction of the selected load. Valid entities depend on the load type as follows:

• If you choose Apply force/moment, you can select a face, a reference plane, an edge, or a reference axis.

• If you choose Apply torque, you can select a reference axis, an edge, or a cylindrical face.

In an assembly, you can use reference geometry from the assembly or the components (parts and sub-assemblies) of the assembly.

• Show preview. Turns on/off the display of the force/moment/torque symbols.

• Units . Sets the units that will be used to enter numerical values of the force/moment/torque. Available units are: SI, English (IPS), and Metric (G).

• Force/Normal Force/Torque. Sets values for the force components, normal force, or torque.

• If you choose Apply force/moment, your input depends on the selected entity for direction as follows:

• If you select a plane or a face for direction, specify at least one of the following components:

• Along plane Dir 1 . Sets the value of the force component along Dir 1 of the plane or face.

• Along plane Dir 2 . Sets the value of the force component along Dir 2 of the plane or face.

• Normal to plane . Sets the value of the force component normal to the plane or face.

• If you select an axis for direction, specify at least one of the following components:

• Radial . Sets the value of the force component in the radial direction.

• Circumferential . Sets the value of the force component in the circumferential direction.

• Axial . Sets the value of the force component along the axis.

• If you select an edge for direction, specify the following component:

• Along Edge . Sets the value of the force along the selected edge. To reverse the direction of the force, enter a negative value.

Do not check a component's check box if you do not intend to specify a value for it.

• If you choose Apply Normal Force , specify the value of the force .

• If you select Apply Torque , specify the value of the torque.

• Variation with Time. For nonlinear studies, you can define a time-dependent force.

• Nonuniform Distribution. Sets options for nonuniform force.

• Select a Coordinate System . Select a coordinate system to define the nonuniform force.

• Equation Coefficients. Sets the polynomial coefficients which describe the spatial variation of the force in the selected coordinate system. The coefficients should be specified based on the units of x and y as shown in the following table:

• Symbol Settings. Sets the color and size of the force/torque symbols.

• Edit color. Select a color for the force/torque symbols from the color palette.

• Symbol size . Use the spin arrows to change the size of the force/torque symbols.

NOTES

The nonuniform force distribution is defined by a reference coordinate system and the associated coefficients of a second-order polynomial.

F(X,Y) = Value (A + B*X  +  C*Y + D*X*Y  + E*X^2 +  F*Y^2)

Where:

F(X,Y) = magnitude of force applied at a point with coordinates x and y

Value  = number entered in the Value field

X, Y  = coordinates of the point relative to the selected coordinate system

A, B, C, D, E, and F are polynomial coefficients

* indicates multiplication

Click here for a summary on specifying force and torque.

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