Scale Factor and Safety Factor in Hypermesh / Optistruct

[Platypusimon]

Hi,

I have question about safety factors. In the software HyperMesh/Optistruct, in the load collectors, when you select the Card Image LOADADD, you can apply a scale factor (real). This Scale Factor for me resembles a Safety Factor to me, as it multiplies the value of each load by the scale factor you choose to put.

By checking in the manual, I seem to see it does. But I am not entirely sure, because why wouldn't it just be called safety factor in that case? Or does it do something quite different which I have not fully grasped.

Much appreciated for whoever can answer me. I have attached relevant screenshots and links underneath.

https://2021.help.altair.com/2021/h...loadadd_bulk_r__loadadd_bulk_r_fn_op1_bgz_31b

https://2021.help.altair.com/2021/h...ad_add_creation.htm?zoom_highlightsub=loadadd

 

[SWComposites]

Probably because there could be other factors than safety factors and they wanted it generic.

You will get more answers posting this in the Aircraft Engineering forum. This one is 99.9§ CEs.