Defining a gravity load

You can create a gravity load to define a uniform acceleration in a fixed direction. Abaqus calculates the loading using the acceleration magnitude that you enter in the gravity load definition and the density specified in the material definition.

Related Topics
Creating and modifying prescribed conditions
Understanding symbols that represent prescribed conditions
Using analytical expression fields
Creating expression fields
In Other Guides
Distributed loads

  1. Display the gravity load editor using one of the following methods:

    • To create a new gravity load, follow the procedure outlined in Creating loads (Category: Mechanical; Types for Selected Step: Gravity).

    • To edit an existing gravity load using menus or managers, see Editing step-dependent objects.

  2. By default, a gravity load is applied to the whole model. If desired, you can apply a gravity load to particular regions of a model:

    1. Click .
    2. Select the region to which you want to apply the load, as described in Creating loads.
    3. Click Done in the prompt area.

    Note:

    You cannot apply gravity loads to individual point masses. To include point masses in a gravity load, apply the load to the whole model.

  3. Click the arrow to the right of the Distribution field, if available; and select the option of your choice from the list that appears:

    • Select Uniform to define a load that is uniform over the region.

    • Select an analytical field to define a spatially varying load. Only analytical fields that are valid for this load type are displayed in the selection list. Alternatively, you can click to create a new analytical field. (See The Analytical Field toolset for more information.)

  4. In the Component 1, Component 2, and (if you are working with a model in three-dimensional space) Component 3 text fields, enter the components of the acceleration in each direction:

    • If you are working in three-dimensional or two-dimensional space, the Component 1, Component 2, and Component 3 fields correspond to the 1-, 2-, and (if applicable) 3-directions.

    • If you are working in axisymmetric space, only the Component 2 text field is available. Component 2 corresponds to the axial direction.

    If you leave a text field blank, a value of zero is assigned to that direction automatically. However, you must enter at least one nonzero component in the editor to define the load.

  5. If desired, click the arrow to the right of the Amplitude field, and select the amplitude of your choice from the list that appears. Alternatively, you can click to create a new amplitude. (See The Amplitude toolset for more information.)

  6. Click OK to save your data and to exit the editor.