Hydrostatic Load

If Type is set to Hydrostatic Load, the dialog appears as shown below.

Hydrostatic pressure varies linearly from the level of the fluid in the direction of increasing depth of fluid. The magnitude of the hydrostatic pressure = (fluid density) x (depth below the fluid surface).

You can apply hydrostatic pressure to faces of shells and solids. The pressure is normal to the face of the elements.

Note: Hydrostatic pressure can be used in a nonlinear analysis. In the case of a large displacement, such as a ship model, the direction of the load will update to remain perpendicular to the face, but the magnitude of the load will not change. In other words, the pressure does not change as the "depth" of the model below the fluid surface changes.

To Apply a Hydrostatic Load

1. Set the Load type to Hydrostatic Load and select the surface to which the load is applied.
2. In the Fluid Density field, specify the weight density of the fluid that causes the pressure.
3. Specify a point on the top of the fluid, either by selecting an entity in the model, or by using the X, Y, and Z fields in the Point on Fluid Surface section. Only elements below this point receive a hydrostatic pressure.
4. Hydrostatic pressure can increase along any direction. Define the fluid depth direction, either by selecting an entity in the model, or by using the X, Y, and Z fields in the Fluid Depth Direction section.

   The Surface Pressure section defines the pressure on top of the fluid, such as a pressurized vessel partially filled with liquid. The pressure above the fluid surface is equal to the surface pressure. The pressure below the fluid surface is equal to the surface pressure plus the hydrostatic pressure.