General Spring and Spring-Damper Connectors in SOLIDWORKS Simulation

In the realm of engineering simulations, SOLIDWORKS Simulation offers a robust suite of tools to analyze and optimize designs. Among these tools, connectors allow simulation users to simplify complex assemblies by virtually representing the presence of springs, bolts, links, and other connection tools. This blog explores two essential connectors: the General Spring Connector and the Spring-Damper Connector.

General Spring Connector

The General Spring Connector in SOLIDWORKS Simulation Professional and SOLIDWORKS Simulation Premium supports static, frequency, linear dynamic, and buckling studies. It can be used between concentric cylindrical faces, nonparallel and parallel faces, or nonflat surfaces, as shown below. General Spring Connectors allow users to define up to six stiffness parameters to accurately represent the spring behavior.

A General Spring Connector on various surfaces

To define the General Spring Connector, the following parameters can be provided:

• Axial Stiffness: sets the spring’s stiffness along its axis.
• Lateral Stiffness: sets the lateral stiffness in Y and Z directions.
• Torsional Stiffness: sets torsional stiffness.
• Bending Stiffness: Defines the resistance to bending in the Y and Z directions.
• Preload Forces: Allows the application of initial compressive or tensile forces.

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The General Spring Connector uses distributed coupling to establish an enhanced spring connector formulation between two surfaces. Distributed coupling constrains the motion of the coupling nodes to the translation and rotation of the referenced nodes, thereby allowing coupling nodes on the selected surfaces to move relative to each other. General Spring Connectors can be used to virtually represent springs in complex assemblies of automotive suspension systems, mechanical seals in compressors or pumps, vibration isolators, and much more.

Spring-Damper Connector

When it comes to linear dynamic analysis studies, solution accuracy depends on factors such as the number of normal modes considered in the solution, the solution step, and the correct representation of the dynamic environment, like loads and restraints. Damping is a complex phenomenon that dissipates energy by internal or external friction, thermal effects of cyclic elastic straining materials at microscopic levels, and air resistance. Damping effects are usually represented by idealized mathematical formulations. For many cases, damping effects are adequately described by equivalent viscous dampers.

The Spring-Damper Connector is a useful tool in SOLIDWORKS Simulation to virtually represent a damper for dynamic studies where damping effects are significant. It connects any two vertices or reference points on a model to define a virtual connector that not only simulates spring behavior but also incorporates damping effects, making it ideal for dynamic analyses.

The following parameters can be defined for the Spring-Damper Connector:

• Axial and Lateral Stiffness: Defines the stiffness in the axial and lateral directions.
• Rotational Stiffness: Measures the torsional resistance between two points.
• Damping Coefficient: Specifies the viscous damping between two points, crucial for simulating real-world damping effects.
  

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There are many applications for Spring-Damper Connectors. When analyzing complex assemblies where evaluating stresses on the springs is not of importance, these springs can be virtually represented using spring-damper connectors. Some of the examples where they can be used are shock absorbers, building structures, robotic systems, and consumer electronics.

The General Spring and Spring-Damper Connectors in SOLIDWORKS Simulation are timesaving tools for designers and product engineers aiming to create accurate and efficient simulations. These connectors allow engineers to create more realistic simulations, leading to better-designed products and systems.  By understanding and leveraging these connectors, you can enhance your design analysis and achieve more reliable results.

Looking to learn more about how SOLIDWORKS Simulation can help you iterate through designs faster? Contact us here.