Defining Loads as Functions Page 1 of 2

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Concept: Defining Loads as Functions

Defining Loads as Functions
In case of edge or curve, surface, and pressure loads, it is possible to vary the loads by selecting Interpolated
Over Entity or Function Of Coordinates in the Spatial Variation section of the Load dialog box.

Figure 1 – Defined Load

By interpolation, the load values at the selected support points are linked by a linear (select two points),
squared (select three points), or cubic (select four points) function. A load can be defined as spatial function
by tables or formulas, relative to the selected coordinate system. For pressure, scalar data can be imported
via the PTC *.fnf-file (FEM neutral format).

To define a load as a function:

• Select spatial distribution – In the Load dialog box, Spatial Variation section, select Interpolated Over
Entity or Function Of Coordinates. Define up to four support points with scaling factor on an edge.

• Define the function – In the Function Definition dialog box:

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Defining Loads as Functions Page 2 of 2

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◦ If the function is a formula, click Available function components.... The Symbolic Options dialog
box appears. Create the function by selecting the applicable variables, operators, constants, and
functions. When complete, click Close.

Figure 3 – Symbolic Options Dialog Box

The function appears in the Symbolic Expression section of the Function Definition dialog box. If
you already know the command syntax, you can directly enter your function without using the
Symbolic Options dialog box.

◦ To preview the function as a graph, click Review in the Function Definition dialog box.

◦ To preview the vectorial load distribution over the loaded references, click Preview in the Load
Definition dialog box after the function definition is completed.

• Reference the coordinate system used to describe the spatial distribution.

Simulate Structure can calculate multiple load sets in one analysis run which can then be superposed in the
postprocessor. The assignment of loads to load sets can be verified in the model tree. Check the resulting
total force on the model, especially in case of force-balanced simulations, by selecting Review Total Load
and compare it with the resulting total force in the *.rpt file.

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