Create Spring Elements

Use the Spring tool to create 0D/1D spring elements.

A spring element is an element created in a space between two nodes of a model where a spring connection is desired. Additionally, grounded springs can be created via single node selection in the model.
Note: Springs that contain one to four nodes as part of their selection is allowed. For example, SPRING2, SPRING3, SPRING4 equivalents are based on keyword.
  1. From the 1D ribbon, select the Springs 0D or Springs 1D tool.


    Figure 1.
  2. Define the element.
    Option Action
    Type Select an element type.
    Linear 1D Create one-dimensional elements based on a projection of Elems A to Elems B.
    Elems A Select the elements where you want the elements to begin.
    Restriction: Only available when the Linear 1D check box is selected.
    Elems B Select the elements where you want the elements to end.
    Restriction: Only available when the Linear 1D check box is selected.
    Node A Select the first end of the spring element.
    Node B Select the second end of the spring element.
    Node C Available for SPRING3, based on keyword.
    Node D Available for SPRING4, based on keyword.
    Density A-B Specify the number of spring elements you want created between each of the selected elements.
    Restriction: Only available when the Linear 1D check box is selected.
    Orientation Type
    Direction
    Select three points to define a plane whose normal serves as the vector using the N1, N2, and N3 selectors.
    Node
    Select a node to specify the vector orientation using the direction node selector.
    System
    Orient the element based on a selected local coordinate system.
    Note: Orientation type is applicable for selective spring element types.
    C1(dof)/C2(dof) Select the degree of freedom (DOF) that applies to the element.
    Property Select a property to assign to new and existing spring elements.
    Note: For certain Spring element types, stiffness and damping values can be directly input on element definition.
  3. Click Create.

Update Spring Elements

Use the Entity Editor to update spring 0D/1D elements for the desired keyword.

This includes modifying the assigned nodes, property, orientation, DOFs, and so on where applicable for the solver.

Note: To change the element type, see Change Element Type.