Distortion

Distortions are used to model the effect of introducing a cut in an element and applying a translational or rotational displacement across the cut.

The GsRelax solver can only deal with rotational distortions (excluding torsional distortions) and only when applied to the ends of elements.

The main application of beam distortion is to generate influence diagrams. This makes use of Muller-Breslau’s principle to determine influence coefficients from the deflected shapes resulting from member distortions.

Definition

Name

The name is only used as a convenient way of identifying a load. Optional.

Beam list

This specifies a list of beam, bar, tie or strut elements to which the distortion loads apply using any one of the forms detailed in “Lists”. The list may be a single item. Note that distortion loads applied to cable elements are ignored.

In sculpt: The beam list is set to the beam and bar elements in the current selection set. The beam list cannot be edited in the dialog.

Load case

The load case in which the distortion applies. The load case gives a way of grouping load effects together.

Direction

The direction of the distortion, with respect to the specified axis.

Position

The position along the element at which the member distortion is applied. Position can be specified as a length or as a percentage of the length of the element, e.g. either 1.2 or 15%.

Displacement

The magnitude of the distortion applied to the element – either a displacement or rotation.