How to simulate a compression spring in Catia V5?

Abhijeet

17 Jan, 2012 05:45 PM

Tutorial: Simulation of a compression spring in Catia V5?

1. Step 1:

   Open a new file in DMU Kinematics-> insert->existing part (insert all the components made for the purpose)
   

   

2. Step 2:

   Insrt->new mechanism-> fix the bottom part
   

   

3. Step 3:

   Click on "prismatic joint"->in line 1:select the middle line about which the helix was created,in line2, select the bottom plate,in plane1 and 2 select the zx planes of both the components respectively as above.
   

   

4. Step 4:

   Check the result by simulating the components.
   

   

5. Step 5:

   Enter the part file which is fixed (here the bottom plate).Create the upper plane (as shown in figure) at the top end point of the helix parallel to the x axis.Exit the part. Again enter the part file which is movable (here the spring) and create a plane at the bottom point of the helix parallel to x axis.
   

   

6. Step 6:

   Remaining in spring part file , double click on "pitch". Now right click on the value.-> edit formula
   

   

7. Step 7:

   Now click on height and see that it is added to the place shown in the figure. Divide it by the no. of turns of the spring. I had 10 turns in my spring, so I divided it by 10.
   

   

8. Step 8:

   Now double click on height. Right click on the value-> measure between-> select the 2 planes created in the earlier stage-> ok
   

   

9. Step 9:

   Click on "update mechanism
   

   

10. Step 10:

    Now click on "simulation"-> activate sensors->set product/measure between/length to "yes" by clicking on it.
    

    

11. Step 11:

    Update the mechanism
    

    

12. Step 12:

    Now to make an animation click on "tools"->image->video
    

    

13. Step 13:

    Configure the video settings if required. Then click on record. See that nothing happens. Now click on the spring, still nothing happens. Now click outside the model area you'll see it recording the first frame.
    

    

14. Step 14:

    Now click on pause button. Simulate the model with only one step. Click on record again. Select the spring and click outside. See that it records a 2nd frame. Similarly proceed till you get the required frames to make an animation video. The last part of the video contains the animation which had 45 frames. Be sure to hide the sketches and planes for a better view.