Modeling of Clevis Pin Connection

[pachard]

Hi all,

I am trying to model a connection between a clevis-type two-force member (a placeholder for a tensioner-type part) and a bearing mount:

http://i.imgur.com/otzNHoX.png

I already have a model of the part running with pin constraints at the mounting points, without the clevis part, but I want to capture the sort of directional reaction force applied by the two-force member.
I haven't found a good way to connect these two parts in such a way that no moment gets transferred in the pin axis.
Here are the methods I could think of:

1. Model a solid pin, define glued interface between pin and parts: this would work without too much hassle, but would transfer a moment between the parts.
2. Model a solid pin, define contact interface with realistic coefficient of friction between the two parts: I want to stay away from contact interfaces to reduce computing time.
3. Modeling the interface as mesh elements: I could maybe create a small mesh, connecting the faces of part and clevis, with a decent radial stiffness but with no rotational stiffness.
4. Somehow use the coupling options to define a relation: I think this could work but I have no experience using this method.

Has anyone had success modeling such an interface? Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[pachard]

I figured I would bump this question as I'm looking into this part again.
The method I intend to use now is to work out the reaction force at the 2-force member using a FBD, and applying that directly to the model (i.e. removing the dummy link from the study). I'll have to apply a rotational constraint at the lower pin constraint, and verify that I'm not getting too much torsional stress in the z-axis in that area. I don't expect this to give very realistic deformation, but should be useful for weight relief nonetheless.

Any suggestions are helpful!