Thermal

Thermal loads on 3D elements can either be uniform giving rise to a uniform thermal strain across the element, or variable with temperature specified at each node.

Definition

Name

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

3D Element List

The list of elements to which the load is to be applied.

In sculpt: The 3D element list is set to the 3D elements in the current selection set. The 3D element list cannot be edited in the dialog.

Load Case

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

Load Type

The user has a choice of the type of loading applied to the elements.

• Uniform – uniform load applied over the whole of the element
• General – load which varies over the whole element

Temperature

The magnitude of the temperature change as required by the load type.