Torques

A torque is a twisting force. It is a type of load and can be applied either to a face or the center of a hole, in which case it acts on the interior face of the hole. Use the Apply Torque tool on the Loads icon to apply a torque.



Torques are represented as curved arrows and always act around an axis of rotation, which is drawn as a centerline as shown below.



Figure 1. Torques Applied to a Hole Center and a Surface

Apply a Torque

Select the Torque tool, click on a face or hole, and enter a magnitude.

  1. On the Structures ribbon, select the Torque tool on the Loads icon.


  2. Click on the desired face or hole.
    • Hold the Shift key as you click to apply the torque to a point on the interior of a hole.
    • Hold the Ctrl key to apply the torque to multiple features on the same part.
  3. Enter the magnitude of the torque in the text field of the microdialog and press Enter.


  4. Click the icon to reverse the direction of the torque.
  5. Use the options on the microdialog to change the alignment of the torque, using one of the following methods:
    • Select either direction torque mode or component torque mode , then click the to define a direction or component vectors.
    • Use the X, Y, Z buttons to align the torque to the X, Y, or Z axis. Click a second time to reverse the direction.
    • Use the Move tool on the microdialog.
  6. Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click.
Tip:
  • A torque represents a twisting force across the entire face, centered around the point where it is applied.
  • When created, torques are automatically assigned to the current load case.
  • Use the Property Editor to change the name, magnitude, mode, direction, and appearance of the torque.

Microdialog Options

Double-click a torque arrow to enter editing mode, which opens the Torque microdialog.



 Change the direction of the torque.


Enter a magnitude for the torque. The magnitude of a torque is equal to force multiplied by distance.
Click the icon to switch between direction torque mode and component torque mode.


Click the icon to enter/exit Multi-Selection mode. In this mode, you can click a feature to add/remove it from the selection. Outside of this mode, you need to hold down Ctrl while clicking.


Translate or rotate the torque using the Move tool. Use to place a torque at a distance.


Align the torque to the x, y, or z axis.


Align the torque normal (perpendicular) to the face.


Align the torque to the centerline of a hole. (This button only appears if the torque is applied to the center of a cylindrical hole.)


Click the chevron to orient the torque by entering either vector torques (X, Y, and Z) or component torques (Tx, Ty, Tz).

Mouse Controls and Keyboard Shortcuts

Ctrl Apply the torque to multiple features on the same part.
Shift Apply the torque to a point on the interior of a hole.
Right-click and mouse through the check mark to exit, or double-right-click. Exit the tool.