Chapter 8

Loading

Chapter 8 - Loading

Overview

The solution step is where we apply loads on the object and let
the solver calculate the finite element solution.

Loads are available both in the Preprocessor and Solution menus.

Chapter 8 - Loading

Define Loads

There are five categories of loads:

DOF Constraints

Concentrated Loads
Surface Loads
Body Loads

Inertia Loads

Specified DOF values, such as displacements

in a stress analysis or temperatures in a
thermal analysis.
Point loads, such as forces or heat flow rates.
Loads distributed over a surface, such as
pressures or convections.
Volumetric or field loads, such as temperatures
(causing thermal expansion) or internal heat
generation.
Loads due to structural mass or inertia, such
as gravity and rotational velocity.

Chapter 8 - Loading

Define Loads

You can apply loads either on the solid model or directly on the
FEA model (nodes and elements).
Solid model loads are easier to apply because there are fewer entities
to pick.
Moreover, solid model loads are independent of the mesh. You dont
need to reapply the loads if you change the mesh.

Pressure on line

Pressures on element faces

Constraint
on line
Solid model

Force at keypoint

Constraints
at nodes
FEA model

Force at node

Chapter 8 - Loading

Define Loads

Regardless of how you apply the loads, the solver expects all
loads to be in terms of the finite element model. Therefore, solid
model loads are automatically transferred to the underlying nodes
and elements during solution.

Solid Model Loads can be transferred to the finite element mesh

manually before solving by using the SBCTRAN command. This
can be useful to see all of the loads, both solid model and FE, that
have been applied.
For example, if a pressure is applied to an area, a plot of the elements
will not show the pressure until the SBCTRAN command is issued or
the model is solved.

Chapter 8 - Loading

Nodal Coordinate System

All forces, displacements, and other direction-dependent nodal

quantities are interpreted in the nodal coordinate system.
Input quantities:
Forces and moments FX, FY, FZ, MX, MY, MZ
Displacement constraints UX, UY, UZ, ROTX, ROTY, ROTZ
Coupling and constraint equations
Etc.
Output quantities:
Calculated displacements UX, UY, UZ, ROTX, ROTY, ROTZ
Reaction forces FX, FY, FZ, MX, MY, MZ
Etc.

Chapter 8 - Loading

...Nodal Coordinate System

A nodal coordinate system is attached to every node in the model.

By default, the nodal CS is parallel to Global Cartesian, i.e, all

applied forces and displacement constraints are interpreted in
Global Cartesian by default.

Yn

Xn

Yn

Xn
Yn

Y
X

Chapter 8 - Loading

...Nodal Coordinate System

If necessary, you can rotate

the nodal CS to a different
orientation.
For example:
To simulate an inclined roller
support.
To apply radial forces.
To apply radial constraints
(perhaps to simulate a rigid,
press-fitted pin).

Xn

Yn

Xn

Chapter 8 - Loading

...Nodal Coordinate System

To rotate nodes, use this four-step procedure:

1. Select the desired nodes.
2. Activate the coordinate system (or create a local CS)
into which you want to rotate the nodes, e.g,
CSYS,1.
3. Choose Main Menu > Preprocessor > Modeling >
Move/Modify > Rotate Node CS > To Active CS, then
press [Pick All] in the picker.
Or issue NROTAT,ALL.
4. Reactivate all nodes.

Note: When you apply symmetry on anti-symmetry boundary

conditions, ANSYS automatically rotates all nodes on that boundary.

Very Important: Nodal Coordinate Systems ALWAYS behave in a

Cartesian manner. NROTAT simply aligns the nodal CS with a global
or local CS. Consequently, remember that (a) there is no dependency
or association of a nodal CS with a global/local CS to which it is
rotated and (b) the nodal CS still acts as a Cartesian CS.

Chapter 8 - Loading

Displacement Constraints

Displacement constraints are also used to enforce symmetry or

antisymmetry boundary conditions.
Symmetry BC: Out-of-plane displacements and in-plane rotations are
fixed.
Antisymmetry BC: In-plane displacements and out-of-plane rotations
are fixed.

Y
X

Symmetry Boundary
UX=0
ROTY=ROTZ=0

Antisymmetry Boundary
UY=UZ=0
ROTX=0

Chapter 8 - Loading

Concentrated Forces

A force is a concentrated load (or

point load) that you can apply at
a node or keypoint.

Point loads such as forces are

appropriate for line element
models such as beams, spars, and
springs.
In solid and shell models, point
loads usually cause a stress
singularity, but are acceptable if
you ignore stresses in the vicinity.
Remember, you can use select
logic to ignore the elements in
the vicinity of the point load.

Chapter 8 - Loading

...Concentrated Forces

In the 2-D quarter symmetry solid model shown at bottom left, notice that
maximum stress SMAX (23,590) is reported at the location of the force.
When the nodes and elements in the vicinity of the force are unselected,
SMAX (12,281) moves to the bottom left corner, which is another
singularity due to the reentry corner.
Reflected about x-z plane
half symmetry model

reentry corner

Chapter 8 - Loading

Concentrated Forces
By unselecting nodes and elements near the bottom left corner,
you get the expected stress distribution with SMAX (7,945) near
the top hole.

Chapter 8 - Loading

Concentrated Forces
Note that for axisymmetric models:

Input values of forces are based on the full 360.

Output values (reaction forces) are also based on the full 360.

For example, suppose a cylindrical shell of radius r has an edge load of P

lb/in. To apply this load on a 2-D axisymmetric shell model (SHELL51
elements, for example), you would specify a force of 2rP.

P lb/in

2rP lb

Chapter 8 - Loading

Verifying Loads
Verifying applied loads

Plot them by activating load symbols:

Utility Menu > PlotCtrls > Symbols
Commands -- /PBC, /PSF, /PBF

Or list them:
Utility Menu > List > Loads >