Line temperature variation load
Use the Line temperature variation load tool to add line temperature variation load to the model.
When you select the Line temperature variation load tool from the panel, a new tool palette opens.
Main tools on the tool palette
| Description | |
|---|---|
 | Use Define tool to add a new line temperature variation load to the model. |
 | Use Properties tool to check properties of existing line temperature variation loads. This will open the Default settings dialogue for the selected load(s). |
 | Use t1 numeric field to enter the value for the top layer at the load's start point. |
 | Use t1' numeric field to enter the value for the bottom layer at the load's start point. |
 | Use t2 numeric field to enter the value for the top layer at the load's end point. |
 | Use t2' numeric field to enter the value for the bottom layer at the load's end point. |
 or  | Click on the down arrow button next to a numeric field to activate or deactivate the automatic numeric field filling function. When the function is active, program will automatically fill the next numeric field with the same value, while you enter a value in the current field. Active function's arrow background is marked with light color. Inactive function's arrow background is marked with dark color. Function is active by default. |
 | Use Default settings tool to change some settings (read below in more detail). |
The image in the Default settings dialogue is a good reminder of what top/bottom and start/end (t1, t1', t2, t2') mean for this load.
Automatic numeric field filling function does not prevent you from manually entering a different value in the automatically filled field. It is just a helping function to fill in the values faster.
All temperatures are measured against the installation/ambient temperature and are not absolute values.
Direction tools
| Description | |
|---|---|
 | Use Predefined direction function to select the load direction from 5 possible options. |
 | Use Parallel with line function to set the load direction by drawing a line in the model space. |
 | Use Perpendicular to plane tool to set the load direction to be perpendicular to a selected plane. You can select the plane in the model space. |
 | Use Object's local system tool to select the load direction from 2 possible options. |
 | Only while Predefined direction tool is selected, use this Direction tool to select one of the 6 possible options - y' axis is parallel to either global XY, YZ or XZ plane and y' axis is parallel to UCS or prependicular to UCS. |
 | Only while Object's local system tool is selected, use this Direction tool to select one of the 3 possible options - local x'z' plane or local x'y' plane. |
Line tools
Only available for the Predefined direction, Parallel with line or Perpendicular to plane directions.
| Description | |
|---|---|
 | Use Straight line function to define load as a straight line. |
 | Use Arc by center, start point and angle function to define load as an arc by center point, start point and angle of the arc. |
 | Use Arc by 3 points function to define load as an arc by defining it with 3 points: start, end and middle of the arc. |
 | Use Arc by start, end point and tangent function to define load as an arc by its start point, endpoint and start tangent. |
 | Use Line by selection function to define load as a line based on any existing line or edge. |
Default settings
The Default settings tool opens a new dialogue window.
- t1 - change the value for the top layer at the load's start point.
- t1' - change the value for the bottom layer at the load's start point.
- t2 - change the value for the top layer at the load's end point.
- t2' - change the value for the bottom layer at the load's end point.
- Load case - select a load case for the load
- Comment - add a comment to the load