Nonlinear Spring Elements

Nonlinear spring characteristic for modelling a plastic joint
Nonlinear spring characteristic for modelling a plastic joint

To facilitate the modeling of special mechanical properties, the program offers spring elements. They can be used to model numerous effects, including spring deflection, plastic joints, contact with friction and tearing, etc. in a structure. Spring elements are supported in static as well as dynamic calculations.

The spring elements are directly entered between two nodes in the structure. For every degree of freedom, a separate characteristic curve can be defined.

Spring Exhibiting Tear Behavior

Spring characteristic
Spring characteristic

In the illustration below a spring element was entered with the characteristics as shown. The spring only works under tension and exhibits a plastic behavior if a force of 50 kN or more is applied. As soon as the yield strength of 6 cm is reached, the spring tears.

System behavior for a load increase
System behavior for a load increase

The animation documents the system behavior for a load increase (point load on the lower girder) beyond the yield strength