Title: FEA design and computation system for springs

Authors: Ulf Kletzin, Derk Micke, Hans-Jurgen Schorcht

Addresses: Ilmenau Technical University, P.O. Box 100565, 98684 Ilmenau, Germany. Ilmenau Technical University, P.O. Box 100565, 98684 Ilmenau, Germany. Ilmenau Technical University, P.O. Box 100565, 98684 Ilmenau, Germany

Abstract: Nowadays, new kinds of springs have been applied. Their design is adapted specifically to the construction environment as well as for the fulfilment of several tasks (multifunction springs). For their calculation, standard methods of analysis fail. The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) offers itself as a computation possibility. But, in most cases, design engineers cannot meet the demands connected with the FEA application on account of their tasks and position in the design process as well as their training. A coupled CAD/FEA system is adapted to the specifications of the design of springs and spring assemblies and facilitates the application of the FEA essentially by a design engineer. The SPRINGPROCESSOR, as the heart of the described system, is completely realised. It uses in an exemplary way the programming possibilities of the FEA system ANSYS. Starting with the problem arising in the application of the Finite Element Analysis in spring engineering, solution ideas and the basic architecture of the CAD/FEA system are described and, by means of selected examples, the basic procedure and the capability of the program system is illustrated.

Keywords: spring design; spring computation; design and computation system; Finite Element Analysis (FEA); Computer Aided Design (CAD); interface; data exchange.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2001.002915

International Journal of Technology Management, 2001 Vol.21 No.3/4, pp.315-328

Published online: 08 Jul 2003 *

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