I am trying to convert a previous model from ADL Pipe to AutoPIPE. The previous model has two gap supports. It appears that ADL Pipe was able to analyze the model (Non-Linearly?) with the thermal case ONLY. When this scenario is transferred to AutoPIPE, the static analysis must consider gravity and thermal (because of the Non Linear approach).
Is there a way to model a gap support in AutoPIPE, completely ignoring any influence from gravity? Can gravity be set to zero for one load case?
I am concerned about thermal loading only for this part of my analysis. (Trying to benchmark the AutoPIPE thermal loads against those listed in the previous ADL Pipe model)