Mechanical APDL Basic Analysis Guide - Ansys

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 in the ANSYS program. 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.What Are 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. What Are Loads?
The word loads in ANSYS terminology includes boundary conditions and externally or internally applied
forcing functions, as illustrated in Figure 2.1 (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
Fluid: velocities, pressures
Figure 2.1 Loads
Boundary conditions, as well as other types of loading, are shown.
Release 13.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information
of ANSYS, Inc. and its subsidiaries and affiliates.
21