Forces

A force is a push or a pull in a particular direction on a part, and is a type of load. Use the Apply Force tool on the Loads icon to apply a force.



Forces can be applied to a point, edge, face, or hole center. Once applied, distributed forces on certain types of features can be converted to bearing forces or traction forces.



Figure 1. Forces Applied to a Point, Edge, or Face


Figure 2. Forces Applied to a Hole Center

Apply a Force

Select the Force tool, click on a feature, and enter a magnitude.

  1. On the Structures ribbon, select the Force tool on the Loads icon.


  2. Click on a point, edge, or face to create the force.
    • Hold the Shift key as you click to create a concentrated force.
    • Hold the Ctrl key to apply the force to multiple features on the same part.
  3. Enter the magnitude of the force in the text field of the microdialog and press Enter.


  4. Click the icon to reverse the direction of the force.
  5. Use the options on the microdialog to change the alignment of the force, using one of the following methods:
    • Click the icon to orient the force to a local system.
    • Select either direction force mode or component force mode , then click the to define a direction or component vectors.
    • Use the X, Y, Z buttons to align the force to the X, Y, or Z axis. Click a second time to reverse the direction.
    • Use the Move tool on the microdialog.
  6. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.
Tip:
  • When created, forces are automatically assigned to the current load case.
  • A distributed force acts in a single direction across the extent of an edge or face. You can change whether a force is distributed or not in the Property Editor.
  • To apply a force that is perpendicular to a face at each point across its entire extent, like air pressure in a balloon, use a pressure instead of a force. You can also apply a force as a pressure if all you know is the magnitude of the force. Simply create a pressure and enter the magnitude in force units.
  • Use the Property Editor to change the name, magnitude, mode, direction, and appearance of the force, and whether it rotates with the part.

Bearing Forces

A bearing force applied to a hole mimics the contact force between a shaft and a bushing.



Figure 3. Bearing Force Applied to a Hole Center

Click on the microdialog to convert a distributed force to a bearing force.

Traction Forces

A traction force can be applied to a cylindrical face, and acts tangential to that face. This mimics contact forces between parts, such as friction.



Figure 4. Traction Force Applied to a Cylindrical Face

Click on the microdialog to convert a distributed force to a traction force.

Microdialog Options

Double-click a force arrow to enter editing mode, which opens the Force microdialog.

Convert to a distributed, bearing, or traction force.


Change the direction of the force.


Enter a magnitude for the force.
Click the icon to orient the force to a local system.
Click the icon to switch between direction force mode and component force mode.


Click the icon to enter/exit Multi-Selection mode. In this mode, you can click a feature to add/remove it from the selection. Outside of this mode, you need to hold down Ctrl while clicking.


Translate or rotate the force using the Move tool. Use to place a force at a distance.


Align the force to the x-, y-, or z-axis.


Align the force normal (perpendicular) to the face.


Align the force to the centerline of a hole. (This button only appears if the force is applied to the center of a cylindrical hole.)


Click the chevron to orient the force by entering either a direction and magnitude (X, Y, and Z) or components (Fx, Fy, Fz).

Mouse Controls and Keyboard Shortcuts

Ctrl Apply the force to multiple features on the same part.
Shift Create a concentrated force at a point on an edge, face, or hole.
Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click. Exit the tool.