Question:
In RFEM, I would like to apply a load on a circular ring modeled as a member with the load generator. However, the curved member is not taken into account. Why?
Answer:
The [Generate Loads → From Area Load on Members via Plane...] function requires generating the defined plane from a continuous line. If the curved member is generated from arcs, the plane as a polygon cannot find the outline of the arc, because it is only an approximation. In short, curved members cannot be loaded using the load generator in RFEM.
In this case, we recommend creating the curved member using several straight member segments. Thus, the continuous line can be run cleanly. In order to create the corner nodes of the polygon chain quickly, we recommend preparing them in Excel, for example, depending on the number of member segments. In this case, the numbering of nodes is important. The procedure is shown in the video.