Material Temperature

Material temperature is assigned to structural elements to characterize their temperature-dependent material properties. The material-temperature parameter does not affect temperature load.

Temperature Load

Temperature load is incrementally applied, meaning that it is applied relative to change in temperature, and not the value itself. To convert from Celsius (C) to Fahrenheit (F), the 32-degree difference between scales is no longer relevant. The conversion ratio is simply given as C:F = 5:9.

How is a temperature record applied to a structure?

Extended Question: I have a year-long temperature record taken at 15-minute intervals. How would I apply this record as a dynamic thermal load upon the structure?

Answer: To apply variable temperature loading to a structure, we recommend using joint patterns. This feature enables a single scalar value to be assigned to each joint in the model. These scalar values may then correspond to the temperature loading upon frame, shell, and solid objects.

This process is described as follows:

• Extrapolate temperature measurements to all joints in the model.

• Define a joint pattern.

• Use this joint pattern to apply temperature loading.