what is the best way to apply a force (in Newtons) on a surface?

[RGX124]

Hi,
I know that it is possible to apply a concentrated force on a point but how is it possible to apply a force on a surface (line in 2D, or surface in 3D)?
I would like to give it in Newtons and not a distributed load or a pressure in N/mm^2.

Is it possible with some constraints (tie, coupling, MPC)? What are the different options? What is the best option?

Thank you
rgx

 

[IceBreakerSours]

There is no general 'best option'. Coupling a set of nodes or a surface to a (geometric) reference node will allow you to specify a force to this node. Check the documentation to understand the differences and pick the option that best fits your specific need.

*********************************************************
Are you new to this forum? If so, please read these FAQs:

http://www.eng-tips.com/faqs.cfm?fid=376

http://www.eng-tips.com/faqs.cfm?fid=1083

 

[Mustaine3]

Pressure or Surface Traction
In A/CAE the pressure can be defined as total value in Newton.
And I also don't see why it is a problem to query the size of the surface and recalculate the load value.

A constraint applied in a wrong way (which can happen easily) will create wrong results.

 

[RGX124]

I agree that some contraints applied in a wrong way create wrong results.
I think that the creation of RP and interactions properties with contraints can be very sensitive depending of the type of the model.
"Users should exactly know what they are modeling before knowing how to model it."
Thank you Mustaine3 for the hint with applying a pressure and defining it as a total force wrt the surface. It is only available in a 3D model though.