Can i pattern parts and loads in an ass'y?

Hello all:

I have a part that has some items suspended from it via a linkage system consisting of pinned together plates. I was thinking I could model the main piece, pins and connection plates all as separate part files. Then I figured I'd create an ass'y using the main piece as my grounded component and insert one compete set of pins/plates with the right types of constraints to represent one complete instance of the linkage system. Then, once I added my load, I figured I could pattern the parts/load that made up my linkage system in a circular pattern with the correct # of connection points. I don't see an option to pattern individual parts and/or loads in my ass'y file... anyone have advice on how to handle this? THANKS!!!

Colin, are you talking about loads in a simulation sense, or are you just talking about another 3d geometry part/body?

For a Simulation. Thank you!

I am pretty sure the answer is no. You can copy/paste loads and then make quick changes to them. In general if something is symmetric you would typically slice the model up and only analyze what you need. When I do valve simulation for the Oil/Gas industry i slice them in half since they are symmetric left to right. I do this in another software and not inventor, but the thought is the same.

If you want to apply the same load to multiple areas i would use the copy/paste method. Then just edit each one and change the selection for location. Maybe i missed it but so far 2017 hasn't kept the previous inputs when adding loads so the copy/paste method will probably be quicker.

Thank you. That was on my mind, but I'm just getting into the FEA aspect of all this, and I don't yet know the appropriate constraint to put at the edges (lines of symmetry where the model is cut).

Last question: Can I direct a load in a radial direction? I've got a radial component of 9 loads around the model, but as they're all towards-center, I can't ONLY do a copy/paste. Of course I could edit the components later as you said, but the angles are all pretty wonky so it's straightforward but not fast.

Really do appreciate your help, cheers!

When you define the load there is a section at the bottom to input vectors. How are the loads applied in reality?

This is a vessel head we are setting, so the load in real life will be slings connected to lifting lugs via shackles. Depending on the rigging arrangement, the horizontal component may not truly be radial, but that's a pretty close assumption for now.