Modeling Thru thickness Temperature Change

[dcarr82775]

I need to model the affects of a temperature gradient through an element. The temperature gradient option for a shell element is only from the mid-depth to the top surface. Anyone know of a way to model it through the full thickness? The temperature at the bottom is the reference temperature. I was thinking of using frame elements on the top surface sufficient to induce the temperature effects. The frames would be modeled such that they induce the temperature but do not effect the shell stresses.

 

[Sarkheil]

The gradient temperature loading is assigned to full thickness of shell elements from bottom of shell to top of shell.