5.6. Surface Elements

As its name implies, a surface element (SURFnnn) is normally attached to the surface of a solid element. By using a surface element, you can include a number of specialized surface effects without having to apply them individually to the solid elements in your model.

Examples of surface effects include:

  • Hydrostatic pressure

  • Ocean loading

  • Directed pressure

  • Radiation

  • Surface mass

  • Thermal connection with FLUID116

  • Surface tension

  • Foundation stiffness

Not all effects are available with all surface elements.