💣 Loads

A load is an action on the structure. Loads are not applied directly: they are grouped into a Load Pattern, which attaches a time series saying how the group varies with time. The pattern is what goes into Assemble.

Load ──┐
Load ──┼──► Load Pattern ──► Assemble ──► Run Analysis
Load ──┘        ▲
                └── Time Series

Components in this tab

Component	Nickname	Applies
Gravity	Gravity Load	Self-weight of every element in the model.
Point	Point Load	A concentrated force and moment at a point.
Beam	LinearLoad	A uniform line load along beam elements.
Shell	MeshLoad	A uniform surface pressure on shell elements.
Mass Point	Mass Point	Added nodal mass, for dynamic analysis.
Load Pattern	Load Pattern	Groups loads and gives them a time series.

Notes that apply to all of them

• Directions are global. Force and moment vectors are in world coordinates, whatever the member orientation.
• Loads find their target by position. A point load is attached to the nearest node within the Assemble Tolerance. If a load appears to do nothing, check that a node actually exists where you put it.
• Mass Point is not really a load. It contributes mass, not force, and goes straight into Assemble's LoadPatterns input alongside the patterns — it does not need one of its own.