COIL SPRINGS
COIL SPRINGS
(OP)
Hello,
I´m trying to model coil springs, and I wonder and I´m open to any sugestion on what type of elements that I should use?
I was thinking BEAM4 or PIPE16.
Thaks for your help.
I´m trying to model coil springs, and I wonder and I´m open to any sugestion on what type of elements that I should use?
I was thinking BEAM4 or PIPE16.
Thaks for your help.





RE: COIL SPRINGS
If you're looking to capture how the coils deform, then beam4 or beam188/189 are your best bet. Just be sure to set your element size small enough that you don't over-facet the coil geometry. Also, if you're looking at how the coils come into contact with eachother, then you're getting very complex, and may be better to model it as a solid or shell.
Either way, if you're assigned with analyzing a spring, use equations from Shigley or some other Mechanics book...very easy to do and they are widely accepted in most industries
Good luck.