Surface normal vector orientation 1

[gutboy17]

Group,

I'm currently modeling a fluid storage tank that is under a pressure load. I'm having difficulties getting the applied pressure loads to be applied in the same direction for all of the surfaces. Some of the surfaces have the load vector pointing inwards on the tank and others are point outward (preferred direction). I'm using FEMAP 9.3.1 under NeiNastran. I'm been searching for hours trying to find the normal vector orientation of the surfaces and then a method to modify the vector for that surface. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Yes, I've though about reversing the pressure sign on the wrong load vectors, but it would be very clumsy and time consuming.

Thank you.

 

[JBlack68]

need to "correct" the (geo) surfaces normal!

 

[Naffoussi]

Femap 9.3.1???!!

If you have access to this command you're lucky but if not you should upgrade to the latest Femap versions:

- Modify / Update Other / Surface Normal
or
- Geometry / Solid / Stitch

You can also apply the pressure loads directly on elements then you should correctly orient their normal vectors:

-Modify / Update Elements / Reverse Normal

Good Luck

Seif Eddine Naffoussi, Stress Engineer

http://www.Innovamech.com

33650 Martillac û France

 

[nvhuser]

Hi Gutboy17, do you have access to ANSA pre-processor?
If yes, I can help you to create the "pressure loads" through the normal vector of the elements surface (that should point outwards).