Question:
When evaluating the line supports in result combinations, it is possible to select an average for the "sum of the result combination" and the "displayed mean values". What does the "Sum of Result Combinations" feature include?
Answer:
The easiest way to explain the function is to use an example. The example file can be downloaded under "Downloads" at the end of this FAQ.
In Load Case 1, the following support reaction results for the "Actual" distribution:
Also in Load Case 1, the following distribution results for "Smooth Distribution" (constant):
In Load Case 2, the following distribution results for "Actual":
The next step is to consider an additive RC with the following definition:
RC 1 = LC1/s or LC2/s
If you now look at the "Sum of result combinations" setting, you get the following distribution for RC1:
LC1 ... smoothed value = 5 kN/m ... here the max value of RC1
LC2 ... smoothed value = 4 kN/m ... here the min value of RC1
Now, we switch to the max value of RC1 and the actual distribution of the support reactions in the Results navigator:
The mean value of the values shown in the previous image is no longer 5.0 kN/m, but 5.80 kN/m.
If you now evaluate the min value of RC1 with the "Mean value of displayed values" option, the result is a value of 3.2 kN/m instead of 4.0 kN/m described above.
Thus, the setting in the Display navigator has an influence on averaging the results from the additive RCs.