GRAV

Gravity Vector

Description: Used to define gravity vectors for use in determining gravity loading for the structural model.

Format:

Example:

Field Definition Type Default
SID Load set identification number. Integer > 0 Required
CID Coordinate system identification number. Integer ≥ -1 or blank 0
G Gravity vector scale factor. Real Required
N1, N2, N3 Gravity vector components measured in coordinate system defined by CID. Real Required; must have at least one nonzero component
TID1, TID2, TID3 TABLEDi set identification numbers that define position dependent scale factors in the x, y, and z directions of the basic coordinate system. See Remark 1. Integer > 0 or blank

Remarks:

  1. The static load applied to grid point G is given by:

    where is the unit vector defined in fields 5, 6, and 7 and f (x, y, z) is defined as the product of scale factors returned by tables defined in fields 2, 3, and 4 on the continuation entry.

  2. A CID of zero references the basic coordinate system.
  3. If CID = -1, the gravity vector components are in the local displacement coordinate system of the grid points.
  4. Gravity loads may be combined with "simple loads" (e.g., FORCE, MOMENT). The SID on a GRAV entry may be the same as that on a simple load entry.
  5. Load sets must be selected in the Case Control Section (LOAD = SID).