FEARCE - Application of loads

FEARCE incorporates a range of features to aid engineers in applying loads to finite element (FE) structures and assemblies. Using the method of identifying regions to be loaded, by geometry rather than node identifiers, a user only has to select a named area and choose what type of load is required. FEARCE will automatically distribute pressure across a surface, ensuring that individual nodes are supplied with the correct force components.

FEARCE contains a number of bearing models that apply suitable pressure profiles across load areas. The user simply identifies the required load area by name, defines what type of bearing is used and supplies the required bearing force vector. FEARCE will then adjust the nodal forces so that the resulting distributed load is correct for the bearing type.

Loads can also be mapped from external models or files. This is useful when incorporating results from one analysis as boundary conditions on a separate model for a second analysis. Examples include mapping thermal results onto a model as temperature loads (including models from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) conjugate analyses) and mapping displacements from a complete assembly onto a local model.

Key features

• Pre-processing time reduced through automation of load application
• Increased accuracy as loads are defined explicitly and any conversions are carried out by FEARCE
• Load regions are defined as named areas rather than relying on individual node IDs, allowing component models to be easily replaced
• Bearing models allow accurate profiles to be added automatically regardless of mesh distribution
• Mapping of loads between models allows a user to quickly set up local models for detailed assessment