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 the 4.0 kN/m described above.
Thus, the setting in the Display navigator has an influence on averaging the results from the additive RCs.