Thermal

In many cases it is useful to consider the effect of thermal loading on a structure. Thermal loads can have two effects. A uniform temperature change causes the element to expand axially but induces no bending. However, the thermal gradient options define a linearly varying strain through the thickness of the element so resulting in both in-plane expansion and bending.

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 which the thermal loads apply 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 thermal load applies. The load case gives a way of grouping load effects together.

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
• Gradient in local z – load which varies through the thickness of the elements, but not across the surface of the element
• General – load which varies over the whole element

Uniform Temperature

The temperature rise relative to the background temperature applied to the whole element.

Temperature at Position

For temperature gradients the temperature profile is defined by two values, the temperature at the top and bottom surfaces. For general temperatures the temperature is defined at the top and bottom surface for each corner of the element.