Displacements

Displacements (or mode shapes) are calculated at the nodes. When viewing results graphically it is useful to be able to see deflections at intermediate points on elements. The displacements at these intermediate points are not stored by calculated as required, from the end conditions on the element and any load on the element. The number of intermediate points at which these are calculated can be selected by the user, but GSA will add points that are significant e.g. points at which distortion loads are applied.

The magnitude of the displacements in a mode shape is not significant, only the relationship between the displacements and the modal details.

Displacements can be viewed in a number of ways. The most direct way is to display the deformed geometry using the Deformed image command on the Graphical Display toolbar, but the displacements can also be displayed as diagrams or contours.