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

 

[Ng2020]

There are many reasons you might want to scale an applied load. E.g your FEM might have a unit applied load defined, which you might then scale by a different factor for each load case.