Surface

Interactive definition of a surface to be loaded for FEA loads according to shape and intensity

Firstly, a reference coordinate system is defined using 3 docking points, the first of which defines the origin, the second the direction of the z-axis and the third the direction of the y-axis. A vertical surface lying in the yz plane of a body defined in this way is then selected, on which the area for the load definition is then drawn via individual points relative to the defined coordinate system.

The defined surfaces are created as objects in the Surfaces menu in the Structural components menu and can be edited there via the Properties window here. A cross-section is assigned to these areas, which is created in the Cross-sections menu in the Area cross-sections sub-menu and can be edited there like a normal cross-section.

To define an area

1. Click Area.
2. Select the first docking point to define the origin of the reference coordinate system.

   Note: Docking points and edges of bodies can be "caught" (snapping function).

3. Select the second docking point to define the direction of the z-axis of the reference coordinate system.
4. Select the third docking point to define the direction of the y-axis of the reference coordinate system.

   Note: The orientation of the positive/negative direction of the individual defined axes can be reversed again by the program, especially that of the x-axis, which must always point towards the inside of the body for technical reasons. This has no influence on the orientation of the axes themselves.

5. Select the vertical surface of a body lying in the yz plane defined in this way on which you want to define the area for the load.
6. Define the starting point of the load area on the selected vertical surface of the body and optionally assign a factor for the load intensity at this point.
7. Define any number (but at least two) of additional points on the load area directly or by entering the relative coordinates to the last point entered in relation to the defined reference coordinate system and optionally assign a factor for the load intensity at the respective point.

   Note: Use the right mouse button to delete the last defined point once again.

8. To finish this, press ENTER.