Skip to content

Home > Model Components > Springs

Springs

Springs are simple components linking two nodes from the global model through an axial force which depends on the distance between the nodes. Springs may be used to connect line ends to other model components or any couple of Model Components.

Hint: Springs given "infinite" stiffness (e.g. 1E9N/m or more) and nil unstretched length can be used to supersede Pin connections between Model Components. It is recommended to use this kind of spring-based connections for lines ends in the event the line type features structural damping. Structural damping is indeed known to alter post-processing of tension in the beam element located next to the connection, which may yield unrealistic tension values at this location. The usual workaround solution is to use very stiff spring instead of Pin to connect the line end.

Each spring is characterized by a number of data items, which can be split as follows.

  • General data : to specify the name of your spring, and the two end nodes for the spring.

  • Basic Properties : to define all the spring properties.

  • Variable length : used to specify variable reference length to model winches

  • Drawing : to define all the geometrical parameters used to display the spring in the 3D view window.

When a spring element is created, the following panel is displayed: