Spring2 forces

[engm]

Hi,
I am using spring2 elements for connecting two structures in my model. Can anyone tell me what output variables I can specify for its element forces, and what are its element elongation output variables? Thanks.
engm

 

[Drej]

Typical outout variables for springs are spring force and nodal displacement. Check the manual to be sure.

 

[engm]

Drej,
Thank you. I assigned s11 to the spring2 to get force output, according to the manual. But it didn't work. I've tried to find the right output variable for this element, but no success. Can you advise? Thanks again.
engm

 

[Drej]

engm - S11 is a directional stress in ABAQUS parlance, not a force. Check the manual (I do not have one with me) to see the syntax for a directional force output (see 'Output Variables' under the element description).

Cheers,

-- drej --

 

[engm]

Drej,
The S11 is just what the manual said for the spring2's force output (on page 17.2.2-2 in analysis user manual vol.4, version 6.4). On the same page, it also put E11 as the relative displacement across the spring, which does not look right either. I was wondering where in the manual can I find the right element output for spring2.
engm

 

[Drej]

What does your input deck look like?

 

[Drej]

By the way, if S11 is the axial stress output from the spring then, of course, it is a doddle to find the axial force:

axial force = axial stress * cross sectional area of spring


Same goes for the displacement:

axial displacement = axial strain * spring length

Just a thought.

-- drej --

 

[engm]

Hi, Drej,
I found out that the spring2's force and relative displacement: S11 & E11 are for *el print only (writing to .dat). The *element output does not support them to be written to .odb. That's where I encountered problem. I was hoping to plot the spring2 force and relative disp contour in viewer, but it looks like I can only write them to *.dat file.
engm