Distributed Loads

[Anonymous]

I am trying to analyze a shelf design. It's basically a flat plate with different boxes installed on it. My first approach was to simply assign a point load at each box center. However, I would like to be more representative by applying the distributed load of each box over it's entire surface normal to the shelf. I am not sure how to apply distributed loads at multiple locations on the shelf surface. Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Hi Darren,

you can either:

- apply force, select all surfaces and activate total force option

  In-CAD will subdivide the total force on each selected area proportionally to that area

- apply pressure

  In that case you have to measure total area and calculate pressure to apply based on total force you need to apply

[Anonymous]

That definitely makes sense. I guess I realized my question is more to due with defining the surfaces corresponding to each box. How do I break up the large flat plate into smaller areas where I could then apply each pressure?

[Anonymous]

Very easy, just draw a sketch that represents the area you want to split, then use the split command.

This is the help showing where the command is (choose split face option):

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor-lt/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2015/ENU/I...

And this video shows the command in action (the interface is very old but the it gives an idea of what the command does):