You can define a spring connector with entities (faces or edges) belonging to surfaces and sheet metal bodies. The spring connector is available for static, frequency, buckling studies, and nonlinear studies. For nonlinear studies you can define point-to-point springs.
You define a spring connector when you want to model actual springs in your simulation, for example, shock absorbers in an automotive suspension. Without spring connectors, you must model the actual geometry of the spring, mesh it, and impose necessary contact conditions. By using spring connectors, you reduce the number of elements and analysis time while incorporating the behavior of the shock absorber.
The three types of springs are listed below:
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Compression Extension
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These are general purpose springs that generate forces as soon as parts connecting them start to move.
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Compression
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You can use them to model rubber bumpers or springs that provide a compressive interface when sandwiched between two parts.
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Tension
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You can use them to model cables or ropes that cannot take compressive loads but can significantly affect the overall stiffness under tension.
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