3.34Define Spring Supports

You can define elastic supports (springs) using the Process/Springs Supports command. You can specify translational (linear) springs for truss structures, and both translational and rotational springs for frame structures.

•From the Process menu, select Spring Supports. The dialog box of Figure 3-22 appears. Some text boxes may not be available, depending on the structure type selected.

•From the JOINT LIST list box, select the joint that you want as a spring support.

•For frame structures, enter the translational and rotational spring constants for the active degrees of freedom (Kx, Ky, Kz, KRx, KRy, KRz) in the corresponding text boxes.

 

Figure 3-22 Spring Supports dialog box

•For truss structures, enter the translational spring constants for the active degrees of freedom (Kx, Ky, Kz) in the corresponding text boxes.

•Choose the ADD button. The data entered are added to the list box at the bottom.

•Repeat the steps above for each spring support entry you have.

•To edit an entry that has been added to the list box, select that entry from the list box, modify its values, and choose the MODIFY button.

•To remove an entry that has already been added to the list box, select that entry from the list box and choose the DELETE button.

•Choose the OK button.