2.4.3 Constructing Flexible Connectors

ADAMS/View provides 5 types of flexible connectors: bushings, translational spring- dampers, torsion spring, massless beam, field element.

2.4.2.1. Working with Bushings

A bushing is a linear force that represents the forces acting between two parts over a distance. The bushing applies a force and a torque. You define the force and torque using six components (F_x, F_y, F_z, T_x, T_y, T_z).

To create a bushing:

1) From the Create Forces tool stack or palette, select the Bushing tool .

2) In the settings container, specify the force applied and oriented to parts.

If desired, enter stiffness (K) and damping (C) coefficients in the Settings container.

3) Click the bodies.

4) Click one or two force-application points depending on the location method you selected.

5) If you selected to orient the force along a direction vector using a feature, move the cursor around in your model to display an arrow that shows the direction along a feature where you want the force oriented. Click when the direction vector shows the correct z-axis orientation.

2.4.2.2 Working with Translational Spring-Dampers

A translational spring-damper represents forces acting between two parts over a distance and along a particular direction. You specify the locations of the spring-damper and points on two parts. ADAMS/View calculates the spring and damping forces based on the distance between the locations on the two parts and their rate of change, respectively.

To create a spring-damper:

1) From the Create Forces palette or tool stack, select the Translational Spring- Damper tool .

2) If desired, enter stiffness (K) and damping (C) coefficients in the Settings container.

3) Select a location for the spring-damper on the first part. This is the action body.

4) Select a location for the spring-damper on the second part. This is the reaction body.

2.4.2.3 Adding a Torsion Spring

A torsion spring force is a rotational spring-damper applied between two parts.

From the Create Forces palette or tool stack, select the Torsion Spring tool to create a torsion spring.

2.4.2.4 Adding a Massless Beam

You can create a massless beam with a uniform cross-section. You enter values of the beam’s physical properties, and ADAMS/Solver, calculates the beam transmits forces and torques between the two parts.

To create a beam:

1) From the Create Forces palette or tool stack, select the Massless Beam tool .

2) Select a location for the beam on the first part. This is the action body.

3) Select a location for the beam on the second part. This is the reaction body.

4) Select the direction in the upward (y) direction for the cross-section geometry.

2.4.2.5 Adding a Field Element

The field element can apply either linear or nonlinear force.

To specify a linear field, enter values that define a six-by-six stiffness matrix, translational and rotational preload values, and a six-by-six damping matrix. The stiffness and damping matrixes must be positive semidefinite, but need not be symmetric.

To specify a nonlinear field, use the user-written subroutine to define the three force components and three torque components.

From the Create Forces palette or tool stack, select the Field Element tool to create a field.