Vertical loads on horizontal cylinder solids

[cmcbain]

Anybody know a best practice technique for applying point loads (simulating component weights) to a long horizontal cylinder?
In my specific scenario, I have a large valve on a run of horizontal piping. For the analysis, I would like to just model the pipe and then apply a load to simulate the weight of the valve.
I can select the entire pipe surface, but the load is then distributed across the whole pipe run.
I can select a single node in the right location, but then that node is way overloaded and probably messes up my solution accuracy.
What I've done as a workaround is to select a group of nodes in the right location and then distribute the weight across them. I don't like this, because I have to count the number of nodes I have selected, divide the total load by that number, and then enter the fractional load. I have to do this because FEMAP (V 10.1) only gives me the option to enter a load PER NODE. It won't automatically distribute a total entered load across selected nodes (or I just can't figure out how to do it). If I miscount the number of nodes I've selected I will apply the wrong weight.

Just wondering if there's a better way.

 

[rb1957]

any easy way is to create a node at the valve CG (apply a nodal load for the valve weight) and make an RBE "spider" to connect the valve CG node to a bunch of nearby nodes.

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?

 

[cmcbain]

Sounds like a good idea. I'll give it a shot.