By selecting the 'Buckling Mode' imperfection type, you can calculate an imperfection mode based on an imperfection created with the -analyses/structures-stability structure stability
Buckling Mode
Select a load case or load combination as the source of the mode shape. For this load case or load combination, the ' option must calculate the critical load | Structure Stability' add-on. The number of the mode shape is also specified in this dialog box.
If you want to generate the imperfection from the buckling mode of a load combination, you have to copy it beforehand and deactivate the consideration of imperfections. Then, select the copied load combination as a basis for the imperfection.
Imperfection Magnitude
Then, select a reference point and a scaling direction for scaling the buckling mode. The selected buckling mode is first normalized, then all components are scaled so that the specified deformation value in the selected direction is reached at the reference point.
Specify the deformation value for the scaling directly or using a formula. Using formulas, you can define dependency on a member length.
Calculation of imperfection case
After calculating the imperfection case, the scaled deformations of the structure considered as an imperfection are obtained as a result of the 'Static Analysis'. This type of imperfection is not taken into account by equivalent loads, but by a displacement of the FE elements in the calculation.
If the imperfection case is assigned to a load case or a load combination to be calculated, the calculation of the imperfection case is carried out automatically.