Area load with direction parallel axis

[fresh7]

Hello! I have a model of shell structure (log faile attached). I want to apply a snow load which value is function of its coordinates. My structure is kind of half-elipsoid. I can't apply load as pressure because it's direction is not perpendicular to element - its directon is the same as gravity direction.
What is the best way to apply this load?
At the moment I see 2 possible solutions:
1)to make a lot of real constant types, each with different self weight (ADMSUA)
2) to cycle through all mesh elements, determine each area, then divide total load on element to element's nodes (complicated solution)

Is there any easier solution?

Thanks in advance,
Marcis

 

[wwwJKPhu]

Hello fresh7 !

That is a good question! I come here to have an answer, but I had to find it myself. So, what I find is the following:

You have to use SURF153 for 2D and SURF154 for 3D elements. You have to overlay this element on the basic element surface and apply the loads you want. When you mesh it you have to mesh with its own coordinate system. With this local cs you can define the exact direction. The loads could be in this local cs directions with the help of load faces.

I had the same problem and it is working now for me.

Regards
Peter

 

[fresh7]

Thank you! Now it also works for me.
It took some time to understand how to use pressure's SFE command for SURF154 element type.