Nonlinear Springs using ACT

Workbench Mechanical 15.0

15.0 Release

Mohamed Senousy, Ph.D., P.Eng.

mohamed.senousy@ansys.com
2012 ANSYS, Inc.

April 14, 2014

Release 14.5

Introduction
This ACT extension allows introducing a unidirectional spring element
with nonlinear generalized force-deflection capability that can be
used in any analysis.
The extension utilizes the Combin39 element, and allows choosing among
the available key options (KEYOPT) for this element

2012 ANSYS, Inc.

April 14, 2014

Release 14.5

Key options description

KEYOPT(1) Unloading path:
0 -- Unload along same loading curve
1 -- Unload along line parallel to slope at origin of loading curve
KEYOPT(2) Element behavior under compressive load:
0 -- Compressive loading follows defined compressive curve (or reflected tensile curve if not defined)
1 -- Element offers no resistance to compressive loading
2 -- Loading initially follows tensile curve then follows compressive curve after buckling (zero or negative
stiffness)
KEYOPT(3) Element degrees of freedom (1-D) (KEYOPT(4) overrides KEYOPT(3)):
0, 1 -- UX (Displacement along nodal X axes)
2 -- UY (Displacement along nodal Y axes)
3 -- UZ (Displacement along nodal Z axes)
4 -- ROTX (Rotation about nodal X axes)
5 -- ROTY (Rotation about nodal Y axes)
6 -- ROTZ (Rotation about nodal Z axes)
7 -- PRES
8 -- TEMP
KEYOPT(4) Element degrees of freedom (2-D or 3-D):
0 -- Use any KEYOPT(3) option
1 -- 3-D longitudinal element (UX, UY and UZ)
2 -- 3-D torsional element (ROTX, ROTY and ROTZ)
3 -- 2-D longitudinal element. (UX and UY) Element must lie in an
X-Y plane
KEYOPT(6) Element output:
0 -- Basic element printout
1 -- Also print force-deflection table for each element
(only at first iteration of problem)
2012 ANSYS, Inc.

April 14, 2014

Release 14.5

force-deflection curve

2012 ANSYS, Inc.

April 14, 2014

Release 14.5

Spring Selection
A spring ahs to be defined first in the Mechanical environment.
Thereafter, it will be selected using the current extension and
modified to a nonlinear spring element
1

2012 ANSYS, Inc.

April 14, 2014

Release 14.5