How to apply axial loads to a simply support beam

[Anonymous]

I have a simply supported beam, and I'm trying to apply a axial load to simulate the wind load. In reality this beam is connected to another beam and the wind load will be transferred to it as an axial load. But now, I only want to analysis this beam, not the one it is connected to. How should I apply the axial load correctly?

I don't think I can apply it to the end nodes as the loads will just go into the support. I tried to apply it at the middle but then half of the beam is in compression while the other half in tension. Figure 1 shows the axial loads I want to apply, and Figure 2 shows the load I tried to apply but obviously not the right way...

Figure 1

Figure 2

[Stephane.kapetanovic · Accepted solution]

hi @Anonymous 

do not choose a load on bars but a load on knots. The forces on nodes are applied in the total reference.
In order for the force to apply to your beams, it is necessary to release the support in the direction of the force, otherwise it passes directly into the support without axially loading the bar.

Best regards

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Thank you so much for the quick reply. Sorry I'm quite new to Robot. May I just clarify:

- The axial load is in y so I should release restrain in y

- By knots, do you mean the nodal force?

I did the above and I got zero for axial force?

[Stephane.kapetanovic · Accepted solution]

hi @Anonymous 

not by releasing the end of the bar but by creating a free support in 2.

Best regards

[Anonymous]

Yes I realized that soon. Thank you very much