Solid Loads - Temperature

Form: Solid Temperature Loading

The temperature load creates thermal strain in the solid element. This strain is given by the product of the material coefficient of thermal expansion and the temperature change of the object, which is the temperature being specified here.

Select one or more solids to be assigned a temperature load.
Click the Assign menu > Solid Loads > Temperature command to access the Solid Temperature Loading form.
- Load Pattern Name drop-down list. Select the load pattern to which the load is being assigned. Alternatively, click the + (plus symbol) beside the drop-down list to access the Define Load Patterns form; use the form to define a load pattern that will then be available in the drop-down list.
- Temperature options. Choose if the temperature is to be applied by element or by joint pattern.
- - If by element, specify the temperature value.
  - If by Joint Pattern, choose the pattern and multiplier.
- Option. Specify how the load is to be applied.
- - Add to Existing Loads options. Adds the specified temperature load to the solid object. If one or more temperature load assignments have already been made, this option increases the existing load, assuming a positive load is being specified.
  - Replace Existing Loads options. Replaces the currently specified temperature load, if any, with the new load. If no assignment exists, the new assignment is still made. This is the default option.
  - Delete Existing Loads options. Deletes any and all temperature load assignments made to the selected object(s). When this option is selected, the items in the Temperature area of the form are ignored when the OK button is clicked.

The window will refresh with a graphical representation of the load assigned on the selected members. If necessary, use the Assign menu > Clear Assigns command to remove the display of the assigned load.