How to apply line load on a plate ?

To apply a line load anywhere along a plate : One can use the General > Load & Definition > Load Case Details > Select the appropriate load case > Add >Partial Plate Pressure and specify the X1,Y1,X2,Z2 values which represent the coordinates of corners of the loaded region. Specify the coordinates such that the load is applied over a narrow strip representing a line.

To apply the loads along the edge of the plate mesh, calculate equivalent nodal loads and apply these at the plate nodes such that the series of nodal loads represent the line load. One can also define dummy beams with negligible E and density and define those along the plate edge and apply the line load as a Uniform Force on the beam ( Member Load ). Similar approach can be followed for the edge of the opening in case of a plate with a hole.