Structure Loads on Points
If you plan to define certain types of loads, you may need to add datum points to your model. Keep the following in mind when applying loads to points:
• Forces and moments applied to points—You can select single points, vertices, point features, or patterns of points. Be aware that force and moment loads applied to points can introduce
high stress concentrations in your model.
• Interpolated loads—If you want to apply an interpolated load, you may need to add datum points for the software to use when calculating
load variations.
Interpolated surface loads require between two and four datum points. You do not need to add datum points for interpolated curve loads because the software uses the end points of the curve as default interpolation points. If you do not want to use the end points, you can add up to four datum points to the curve.
• Total load at point (TLAP)—If you want to apply a
total load to a single point, use this option. This creates a distributed load that is statically equivalent to a resultant load at a point.
• Vector-based or axis-based loads—If you want to apply a load that requires a vector, such as a bearing load, you can define the vector using coordinates or by picking datum points. If you choose the datum point method, you must define two datum points to indicate vector direction.
Axis-based loads, such as centrifugal loads, also require two datum points if you want to define the axis using datum points instead of coordinates.
• Resultant loads—If you want to
review a resultant load, you need to add datum points at the locations for which you want the software to calculate a resultant load.
For most loads, you can add datum points as you define the load. These datum points will be available for your Creo Simulate sessions only. They are not visible on your part or assembly while you are working at the Creo Parametric level.
As an alternative, you can add datum points to your model in Creo Parametric before entering Creo Simulate. In the latter case, the datum points will be available for all your Creo Parametric sessions as well.