Temperature loads on surfaces

To assign a temperature load to one (or more) surfaces:

• Select the relevant surfaces.
• Click on .
  The following dialogue appears:

• Specify the values of the temperature change. You can choose between:
  • : a global change of temperature (N)
  • : a temperature gradient according to the local axis y’

In this dialogue you enter a temperature change in relation to the initial temperature of the structure (= 20°C).
Diamonds interprets a temperature gradient, of for example 50°C, as: the one side of the element warms up 25°C, the other side cools down 25°C. In other words, at half height the temperature remains constant. The image on the right indicates how many degrees each side warms up or cools down.
You can find worked examples in this article.

• Sign convention
  • A global temperature change is characterized by four arrows.
    • Arrows pointing at each other (→←): temperature drop (the element will shrink).
    • Arrows pointing away from each other (←→): temperature increase (the element will expand).
  • A temperature gradient is characterized by one arrow (↑ or ↓). The arrowhead points in the direction of the warm side.