Hi Pros,
I am trying to figure out how to simulate a torsional spring to simulate a torsion spring axle. In reality, a square shaft is sandwiched in a square tube with ruber in the corners of the tube. Does anyone have any ideas on how to simulate this? I have seen in the help files, that a torsional spring can connect two verticies. How can you connect it to the center of a square, or round, shaft?
I am using Simulation 2011 Premium.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Jody
David,
Thanks for the reply. I do have data on the axle with the full load deflection and want to use the nonlinear spring element that you suggested. I have played with it some but can't figure out how to connect the spring between the square shaft and the square tube. I am planning on playing with it again this afternoon and try and get it figured out.
Jody
remember, you will need load vs deflection for cases inbetween no load and full load for the NL spring.
Thanks David. I meant to say linear spring. That should be close enough to get what I need.
Jody
to do this accurately requires a nonlinear solution using contact elements at the interface of the rubber and axle for the contact area will change w/deflection. furthermore you will need the nonlinear material properties of the rubber as its stiffness changes w/deflection, which is geometry dependent. a simple analysis becomes complicated by the nonlinear behavior of the rubber.
once possible solution is you could test a single piece of rubber of the proper geometry and of the same load condition and collect stiffness data versus deflection. then, you could replace the rubber element inf your FEA model w/a nonlinear spring element having the same stiffness as the rubber. this would eliminate the need for contact elements and drastically simplifiy the problem.