Creates an area spring element that assigns unique springs to each node that lies on the input area polygon. Spring properties are assigned in units of density (force per length cubed), such as pounds per cubic inch (pci).
After the model is meshed, the program will determine which nodes lie on the input polygon. Then it will loop through all nodes that lie on the input polygon. For each node, it then loops through all elements connected to the node. If any elements are shells, it will check if the shell lies in the same plane as the input polygon. If so, a boolean intersection is performed on the shell polygon and input area spring polygon. The area of the intersection polygon and the number of shell nodes that fall within the input polygon are used to distribute tributary area (evenly between each shell node that lies on the input polygon). The sum of the tributary areas from all shells connected to a node (that lie on the input polygon) is multiplied by the spring constants (in force per cubic length) to produce a spring stiffness (in force per length). This stiffness is then assigned ;to the node.
Area springs can be tension/compression only, and can be defined in either the global coordinate system or the local coordinate system of the input polygon. If the local coordinate system is selected, the local spring X-axis will be oriented parallel with the local polygon Z-axis (which is normal to the polygon plane). Local Y & Z axis rotations about the local X-axis are also allowed.
| Number | Name | Object Type | Description | Optional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Area | GH_Curve or GH_Surface | A closed planar polygon that can be converted into a GH_Curve. Alternatively, a planar surface that can be converted into a GH_Surface. | No |
| 2 | Area Spring Properties | DesignAreaSpringProperties | Area spring properties to assign to the nodes within the area. | No |
| Number | Name | Object Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Area Spring | DesignAreaSpring | A new area spring element. |