In NX if I want to show how a spring compress as load is applied we would create a deformable spring and this would simulate the spring as it compresses. I'm trying to do this in SW but not sure how to go about doing it.
In NX if I want to show how a spring compress as load is applied we would create a deformable spring and this would simulate the spring as it compresses. I'm trying to do this in SW but not sure how to go about doing it.
Check this video if it helps: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=528E4lXxgCg
And for making automatic springs in SolidWorks, check this macro
Hi Deepak,
Not sure what language the first video is in but I couldn't follow the demonstration. Is it possible that this is the wrong video or maybe I did not explain what I am looking to acheive properly.
I would like to simulate and show a spring as it compresses under varous loads. I have a compression spring located between two flat surfaces. One surface is fixed and the other is supposed to compress the spring as it moves closer to the fixed surface. My simulation is to move the movable surface and at the same time the spring compresses and maintain the distance between the movable and fixed surfaces.
Deepak,
Maybe I don't fully understood the Macro. I thought the macro is another way to model the spring. How do I get what I'm looking for without modeling the spring and add it to my assembly?
There are two things here:
1 A spring part for the assembly: Model it or download the macro from the above link to create the spring model automatically (you'll need a user login at 3DCC to download the macro)
2 Analysis with Spring effects: Suppress the spring model/part file (if any in the assembly) and then use Spring connectors in the simulation study.
OK, I got it this far but I don't want to do a full blown assembly to show the spring compression. I would like to use the dynamic drag > select the components to move and manually drag the movable surface to compress the spring so I can do a show and tell in my design review.
Model the spring in context of assembly and then you can show the spring compression by dragging.
For analysis, suppress the srping part and use spring connectors.
OK, Thanks - I'll try the context asesmbly method.
Check this video on How to Animate a spring
And get the SW files by Dustin here: Re: how do you animate/mate a spring
Deepak,
Thansk for all your help. I'm trying to follow on the video but I keep getting stuck at the point where the instructor moves the straight line and in my model I can't get the line to move unless I'm in "Edit Sketch" mode. He doesn't seem to be in edit sketch mode when he is moving the top point of the vertical line. There was another video on Youtube also using the same principle but I couldn't get the point to move there also. I've attached sketch. Could you see what I'm doing wrong? Thanks again for being so helpful.
Make sure you have the Instant 3D on and then drag the point of the vertical line.
Refer attached is the video in case you don't have the icon on the tool bar
Deepak,
I have been posting for months about how the assembly relationship mentioned in the video you've posted disappears when you take that assembly and put it in another assembly. Seems like the spring has to be a part within an assembly, and not part of a subassembly within that assembly, for the relation to work.
Did you set that sub-assembly as flexible and checked??
Yes.
My understanding is that when the endpoint of the line that determines the height of a helical sweep is set coincident with the edge or surface of a part in an assembly, the relation that produces the much sought-after "spring simulation" is local to within that assembly.
So if you make a spring part, A, put it in an assembly B and mate the endpoint within that assembly, and take B and place it another assembly C, the simulation effect will disappear as you move assembly B.
Bulent,
If Spring A in assembly B changes length because of changes you make in assembly B, it will work the same when you place Assembly B in Assembly C, provided that you follow Deepak's advice and make Assembly B flexible.
Jerry Steiger
I have tried it repeteadly, while making sure that the sub-assy including the spring is flexible, and it simply does not happen.
Make sure you have the Instant 3D on and then drag the point of the vertical line.
Refer attached is the video in case you don't have the icon on the tool bar