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.
![](../../../images/icons/inspire/icon_forces.png)
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.
![](../../../images/figures/inspire/forces_point_edge_surface.png)
![](../../../images/figures/inspire/force_at_hole_center.png)
Apply a Force
Select the Force tool, click on a feature, and enter a magnitude.
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On the Structure ribbon, select the Force tool on the
Loads icon.
Tip: To find and open a tool, press Ctrl+F. For more information, see Find and Search for Tools. -
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.
-
Enter the magnitude of the force in the text field of the microdialog and press
Enter.
-
Click the
icon to reverse the direction of the force.
-
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.
- Click the
- Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.
- 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.
![](../../../images/figures/inspire/bearing_load_example.png)
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.
![](../../../images/figures/inspire/traction_force_2.png)
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.
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Convert to a distributed, bearing, or traction force. |
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Change the direction of the force. |
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Enter a magnitude for the force. |
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Click the icon to orient the force to a local system. |
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Click the icon to switch between direction force mode and component force mode. |
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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. |
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Translate or rotate the force using the Move tool. Use to place a force at a distance. |
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Align the force to the x-, y-, or z-axis. |
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Align the force normal (perpendicular) to the face. |
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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.) |
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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. |