Applying Loads and Restraints to Shells

Sheet metals (uniform thicknesses) and surface geometries automatically mesh with shells. For sheet metals that mesh with shells, you apply restraints as you apply for solids.

Sheet Metals

  • To apply forces or restraints to a shell vertex, select the associated edge of the solid.
  • To apply pressure to a shell edge, select the associated face of the solid.
Since shell elements have rotational degrees of freedom, you must differentiate between the Immovable restraint (no translation) and the Fixed restraint (no translation and no rotation). You can also apply concentrated moments using the Force PropertyManager.