Form: Define Pattern Names
Use the Define menu > Joint Patterns command to specify the name of a joint pattern, which is a set of scalar values defined at the joints. The specified named joint pattern can be referenced when assigning temperature or pressure loads to objects. This feature allows description of more complex distributions of temperature and pressure over the structure. Joint patterns by themselves create no loads on the structure.
Click the Define menu > Joint Patterns command to access the Define Pattern Names form with a DEFAULT pattern in the Patterns list box.
To add a new pattern name, type in the new name in the Patterns edit box and click the Add New Pattern Name button.
To change a pattern name, click on the name in the list box and then type the revision in the edit box and click the Change Pattern Name button.
To delete a pattern name, click on the name in the list box and click the Delete Pattern Name button.
Click OK.
Use the Assign menu > Joint Patterns command to select the named pattern and to define the Value of Ax+By+Cz+D for it (x, y and z are joint coordinates relative to the origin of the current coordinate system). That Value is assigned to the joints. Defining and assigning joint patterns can define the variation of temperature for frame and area objects and the variation of pressure for area objects