Uniform Load

Uniform loads can be applied by specifying Uniform Load as the Load Type in the Add Load or Add Load to Selected options. To find these options:

• Select: Loading > Add Load
• Select faces, edges, or vertices of geometry, then select Loading > Add Load to Selected
  

Load Magnitude

A distributed load Magnitude is generally entered as a positive value. The direction of load application is specified by selecting an appropriate Orientation method in the Add Load or Add Load to Selected dialog. If a negative load magnitude is entered, the direction of the applied load will be reversed. The magnitude is constant over the entire load region.

Load Orientation

The load Orientation may be specified using one of the following options:

• Normal - loads are applied normal to the boundaries
• Local +x - loads are applied to the boundaries in the positive x-direction (i.e. +x)
• Local +y - loads are applied to the boundaries in the positive y-direction (i.e. +y)
• Local +z - loads are applied to the boundaries in the positive z-direction (i.e. +z)
• Vector (x,y,z) - specify a vector from the x, y, and z-directions
• Trend/Plunge - specify a trend and plunge (see Sign Convention for more information)

Flip Orientation

While adding a load, the orientation may sometimes be opposite from the intended direction (i.e., 180 degrees off). If this occurs you can select the Flip Orientation checkbox in the Load node's Properties Pane to reverse the orientation of a load.