Discrete model for 3D motion of helical springs

Abstract

Large displacements of coiled springs are affected by both contact between coils and geometric non-linearities. The two phenomena also interact with each other and the only technology that efficiently accounts for both is Finite Elements Method (FEM). Such analysis can become very expensive, especially when a great number of elements and contacts are involved, as it is often the case. A discrete 3D model for fast and efficient simulation of non-linear springs is presented. The discrete model is based on equivalent beam theory and each node is associated with a contact region placed on the helix. Thus contact is accounted on its real occurrence and fast non-linear solution procedure is implemented. A study case is presented and comparison with FEM is discussed.