You could use a rigid surface in the shape of the spline (key) and apply the loads or displacements to the reference point of the rigid surface. Alternatively you could assume some load distribution, say a triangular pressure distribution that was equivalent to the applied bending moment, for example. In the worst case, just apply point loads and ignore the results in the region around those points as being unrepresentative.
Depending upon your loading distribution you should be able to define a load distribution (function) along the length of the spline. The function can either be linear or nonlinear. If you are using Nastran the loading will be applied to your spline length when the preprocessor writes out the input file.
David R. Dearth, P.E.
Applied Analysis & Technology
E-mail "AppliedAT@aol.com"
Thanks a lot. I am using Ideas V9. I created a edge on the spline teeth around the oitch dia., and applied a linear ditributed force on it. I tried use the the distribution function in ideas, but can't figure it out. Anyone has experience about it ?
