Use of spring elements

[midhunmohan]

hi,
I have a Two solid rectangular blocks meshed using solid 3-D Brick elements. Spring elements have to be used to connect the two blocks. So i have used node to node spring elements at the interface of the two rectangular blocks. My doubt is to whether divide the total stiffness by no of springs OR give the total stiffness to each spring element.
Thanks in advance

 

[GregLocock]

Divide the total spring rate by the number of springs. On the other hand, spring elements are very weird. Use with care.

Cheers

Greg Locock

 

[Drej]

Divide the total stiffness by the number of springs.

 

[DRDearth]

If you are connecting spring elements to other elements you might have DOF instability problems with the interface. A simple 1D spring acts like a Truss and your model might "fall down". Other spring element types provide for maintaining stability in the model for other DOF's. Check your FEA code and try a few sample problems that you can work out using a pencil & paper.

David R. Dearth, P.E.
Applied Analysis & Technology