Modal Load Cases

Set up and edit modal load cases.

On the Structure ribbon, select the Modal tool or double-click Setup for a structural load in the Model Browser.

Tip: To find and open a tool, press Ctrl+F. For more information, see Find and Search for Tools.

Tip: Right-click the Load Cases folder in the Model Browser, select New Load Case, and select a load case type to create a new load case:

The Modal or Modal (Prestress) guide panel is displayed.
Figure 1. Modal Load Case

Figure 2. Modal (Prestress) Load Case
Select an analysis type from the Type dropdown.
Note: Prestressed loadcases are linear. Depending on preloading conditions, the resulting effect could be a weakened or stiffened structure.
- If the preloading is compressive, it typically has a weakening effect on the structure (for example, column or pillar under compressive preloading).
- If the preloading is tensile, it typically has a stiffening effect (for example, rotorcraft blade under centrifugal preloading).
Enter a name in the Name box to identify the load case.
For a modal analysis, enter support parameters.
- Use the Supports collector and click the supports you want to include in the load case. Selecting a load case will include its supports.
  Tip: You can also select supports in the Model Browser.
  Note: Click Expand/Collapse to show or hide the list of selected supports. If you need to remove a support, right-click it and select Remove.
- For a modal prestress analysis, enter the number of Modes and select a Load Case from the dropdown.
Enter the number of Modes to include in analysis.
For a modal prestress analysis, select the prestress from the Load Case dropdown.
If you're using SimSolid as a solver, you can use the Solution Settings tab to refine SimSolid solutions.
Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.

Note: When you analyze or optimize a model, all load cases are included. You can suppress loads that you don't want to include in a run.