This command is used to construct a SurfaceLoad element object.
element('SurfaceLoad', eleTag,*eleNodes, p)
eleTag |
unique element object tag |
eleNodes |
the four nodes defining the element, input in counterclockwise order (-ndm 3 -ndf 3) |
p |
applied pressure loading normal to the surface, outward is positive, inward is negative |
The SurfaceLoad element is a four-node element which can be used to apply surface pressure loading to 3D brick elements. The SurfaceLoad element applies energetically-conjugate forces corresponding to the input scalar pressure to the nodes associated with the element. As these nodes are shared with a 3D brick element, the appropriate nodal loads are therefore applied to the brick.
Note
- There are no valid ElementalRecorder queries for the SurfaceLoad element. Its sole purpose is to apply nodal forces to the adjacent brick element.
- The pressure loading from the SurfaceLoad element can be applied in a load pattern. See the analysis example below.