Apply a gravity load to a generative model

Learn how to apply a self-weight load to the generative model.

Note: By default, the Gravity option is on for a new generative study.

To turn on the gravity load

  1. In the browser, click expand browser icon next to a Load Case, and then click expand browser icon next to Loads to expand the loads in the load case.

  2. Select the Gravity option.

    The Gravity load is checked in the browser.

To turn off the gravity load

  1. In the browser, click expand browser icon next to a Load Case, and then click expand browser icon next to Loads to expand the loads in the load case.

  2. Deselect the Gravity option.

    The Gravity load is strikethrough in the browser.

To edit the gravity load

To modify the magnitude or direction of gravity:

  1. In the browser, click expand browser icon next to a Load Case, and then click expand browser icon next to Loads to expand the loads in the load case.

  2. Mouse over the Gravity node, and then click edit browser icon.

    The Edit Gravity dialog opens.

  3. Choose one of the following options for defining the gravity direction:

    • load direction normal icon Normal. The gravity direction depends on what type of Reference entity you select, as follows:

      • Face. The gravity direction is normal to the selected face.
      • Edge. The gravity direction is the average of the normal vectors of the faces on either side of the selected edge.
      • Vertex. The gravity direction is the average of the normal vectors of all faces that meet at the selected vertex.
      Note: In all three cases, the vector points towards the solid body. Click Flip Direction load direction flip icon to reverse the vector (pointing it away from the solid body).
    • load direction angle icon Angles. Specify a relative X Angle, Y Angle, and Z Angle to orient the gravity direction. If you want to align the gravity direction to a reference entity, select the entity, and then modify the angle from that reference entity.

    • load direction, vectors, or components icon Vectors. Specify the components of gravitational acceleration in the Fx, Fy, and Fz input fields. Be sure to include a minus sign if you want gravity to act in the negative X, Y, or Z direction.

  4. Specify the magnitude of gravitational acceleration.

  5. (Optional) Click Change Units change units icon to choose alternative units for specifying the gravitational acceleration.

  6. Click OK.