In this lecture, we'll cover the following:

• Defining point loads in the model using simple input data (x, y, location and magnitude).
• Choosing an implementation strategy: meshing at load locations vs. mapping to nearest node
• Creating a helper function to identify the nearest node to a given load position
• Updating the global force vector using the appropriate degree of freedom index
• Visualising point loads on reaction force plots and deformed shape plots

In this lecture, we implement point loads within our analysis pipeline. We begin by defining point loads in a structured way at the top of the notebook, keeping all user inputs organised. We then explore two possible approaches for handling loads that do not coincide with mesh nodes, ultimately choosing to assign each load to its nearest node. To support this, we develop a helper function that computes the closest node based on distance in the x–y plane.

We then incorporate the loads into the analysis by identifying the correct global degree of freedom for each node and updating the global force vector accordingly. Finally, we enhance the visual output by plotting point loads on both the reaction force diagram and the deformed shape, ensuring their influence on the structural response is clearly visible. This reinforces how point loads affect both the numerical results and their graphical interpretation.

Next up

In the next lecture, we will extend the loading capabilities further by implementing patch loading over defined regions of the slab.