16.9.12 Defining a Coriolis force

You can create a Coriolis force load to define loads resulting from rotation of the model. You must specify the force as the product of the material density (mass per unit volume) for solid and shell elements or the mass per unit length for beam elements and the angular velocity in radians per time. The load definition must include an axis of rotation, which is defined as follows:

To create or edit a Coriolis force:

  1. Display the Coriolis force load editor using one of the following methods:

    • To create a new rotational body force load, follow the procedure outlined in Creating loads, Section 16.8.1 (Category: Mechanical; Types for Selected Step: Coriolis force).

      If you are working in two- or three-dimensional space, enter in the prompt area the required information concerning the location and, if applicable, direction of the axis of rotation.

    • To edit an existing Coriolis force load using menus or managers, see Editing step-dependent objects, Section 3.4.13. To edit the region to which the load is applied, see Editing the region to which a prescribed condition is applied, Section 16.8.4.

      If you are editing a load in the step in which it was created, an Edit () button appears next to each point you specified in the load editor. Click if you want to change the coordinates that determine the location and, if applicable, direction of the axis of rotation. (This option applies only if you are working in two- or three-dimensional space.)

  2. Click the arrow to the right of the Distribution field, and select the option of your choice from the list that appears:

    • Select Uniform to define a load that is uniform over the body.

    • Select an analytical field to define a spatially varying load. Only analytical fields that are valid for this load type are displayed in the selection list. Alternatively, you can click to create a new analytical field. (See Chapter 58, The Analytical Field toolset,” for more information.)

  3. In the Coriolis force field, enter the magnitude of the force.

  4. If desired, click the arrow to the right of the Amplitude field, and select the amplitude of your choice from the list that appears. Alternatively, you can click to create a new amplitude. (See Chapter 57, The Amplitude toolset,” for more information.)

  5. Click OK to save your data and to exit the editor.


For information on related topics, click any of the following items: