Specifying a Distributed Force Load

To specify a distributed force:
  1. Select Force from the dropdown menu of the Structural tool in the Physics group of the Simulation tab, or by selecting the Force tool in the Structural condition HUD.
  2. Select a face.

    If your model contains Named Selections, you can click Advanced filters, select Link named selections, and choose one from the list.

  3. Leave the default option of Distributed. This distributes the force across the selected geometry. You can decide if the force varies depending on the area of a surface to which it is applied.
  4. Enter the force value.
    You can also select Use force components to specify the X, Y, Z components of the force.
  5. Specify if the force is defined as a total or by unit area.
    Note: Select Force per unit area if the force is dependent on the geometry, for example, a load due to snow or wind.
  6. Discovery determines a normal direction based on the selected location. Distributed forces will be applied in that direction.
    You can also define the direction. Use the Direction tool or Alt-click to select an entity (a geometry or direction in the local coordinate system) and align the direction with that entity.
  7. Select Remote point if you want to apply the force from an arbitrary point in space.
    Discovery automatically chooses a point in space, shown by an arrow, but you can also enter the coordinates.