Point load in OnShape Simulation

peter_large

Hi,

I seem to only be able to apply a distributed load over a face as the load region and not a point, say at a mate connector. I could split the face and create a small face upon the larger surface but still technically isn't a point load. Is this because in reality all loads will be applied over an area no matter how small the acting body?

Just wanted to check I'm not missing something.

Thanks

S1mon

As far as I know, you’re correct. The simplest solution is to make a small area and apply the load there. You could make a dummy part that is a sphere or cone or something similar and apply the load to that part and have it contact at a point, but keeping that load part from floating around might be tricky and I suspect you would get similar results anyway. 

GregBrown

You are correct. We have kept the abstractions like this to a minimum in order to keep things as “physical” as possible. With 3D solid elements, a point load is a singularity (by definition) and this is not something that is recommended in any FEA. (Best/standard practice is to use some kind of coupling element/constraint, but that’s outside the intended use case for Onshape Simulation today)