# Edge Loads
Edge Loads are loads applied to the edge of 2D elements. In general edge loads should be applied with care to ensure that the loading applied to the element is in a direction in which the element is stiff. Edge loads may not be applied to Flat Plate or Fabric type 2D elements.
Edge loads can be applied in local, global or user defined axis directions. Local is interpreted as follows:
- x is the direction along the edge in the topology order direction.
- y is the direction into the element, in the plane of the element and normal to the edge of the element at the point at which it is applied.
- z is orthogonal to the x and y directions.
User axes can only be Cartesian; not cylindrical or spherical.
# Definition
Name
The name is only used as a convenient way of identifying a load. Optional.
2D Element List
This specifies a list of 2D elements to load using any one of the forms detailed in “Lists”. The list may be a single item.
In sculpt: The 2D element list is set to the 2D elements in the current selection set. The 2D element list cannot be edited in the dialog.
Load Case
The load case in which the load applies. The load case gives a way of grouping load effects together.
Axis
The axis in which the load is applied.
The axis may be Global, Initial Local, Deformed Local or the number of an axis set specified in the Axes module.
Loads applied in Initial Local directions are applied in a direction that relates to the element edge. The x direction is the direction along the edge in the topology order direction. The y direction is the direction into the element, in the plane of the element and normal to the edge of the element at the point at which it is applied. The z direction is orthogonal to the x and y directions. The element is taken as being in its undeformed state.
Loads applied in Deformed Local directions are in directions as described for Initial Local directions except that the element is taken as being in its deformed state. Loads applied in Deformed Local directions may only be specified for non-linear analysis options.
Edge
The edge of the element that is loaded. The edges as defined by the topology items are
| Edge | Topology items |
|---|---|
| edge 1 | 1, 2 |
| edge 2 | 2, 3 |
| edge 3 | 3, 4 |
| edge 4 | 4, 1 |
Direction
The direction in which the load applies, with respect to the specified axis.
Stress at Ends
The stress to apply to the element. The stress along the edge is interpolated from the end values.
# 2D loads in non-linear analysis
Element loads are converted into nodal forces and moments and added to other nodal forces, GsRelax analysis being performed for nodal forces only. No nodal forces are applied to quad dummy nodes.
The vector of the equivalent nodal load will not change orientation as the element deflects, even if a local axis has been specified for the load direction. This can lead to inaccuracies in the case of large deflections and results should be checked.