Difference in Edge Reaction and Path Plot Results — Lesson 4

Why are reaction forces scoped to an edge not matching forces generated via a path plot defined along that same edge? 

The path plot has user defined "points" It generates a plot of what the force is at each discrete point on the path. The graph of this result is force vs distance along the path. You should not sum these numbers up. You cannot get the resultant force from the path plots.

The plot scoped to an edge is just giving you the minimum, maximum and average reaction force along the edge vs time. This plot should not be compared to the path plot which is different.