Linear Springs

Linear springs are simulation elements that move components around an assembly using Physical Simulation. Physical Simulation combines simulation elements with other tools such as mates and Physical Dynamics to move components in a realistic manner within the components degrees of freedom.

NOTES:

• Springs apply a force to a component. A spring with a higher spring constant will move a component faster than a spring with a lower spring constant. Also, a component with a smaller mass will move faster than a component with a larger mass if acted upon by an equal strength spring.

• Motion due to a spring stops when the spring reaches its free length.

• Motion due to motors supersedes motion due to springs. If you have a motor moving a component to the left and a spring pulling a component to the right, the component moves to the left.

See Recording and Replaying a Simulation for more information on creating a simulation.

To add a spring:

1. Click Linear Spring on the Simulation toolbar, or click Insert, Simulation, Linear Spring.

   The Linear Spring PropertyManager appears.

2. Select two Spring Endpoints to connect the spring. You can select linear edges, vertices, or sketch points.

   If you select an edge, the Spring Endpoint attaches to the midpoint of the edge.

3. Type a value for Free Length to determine if the spring is stretched or compressed.

4. Type a value for Spring Constant to determine the strength of the spring.

5. Click OK .

   A LinearSpring icon is added to the FeatureManager design tree under the Simulation icon.

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