Learning Forum

[Sunjung Kim]

Hello All,

I am using ANSYS workbench to model a ligament using a spring element. but I am wondering if I can make a non-linear spring without manually putting the parameter for the force-deflection curve in COMBIN 39 element type. I noticed that there is an option for material type in spring properties but I am not sure if I place the non-linear material in spring properties in the COMBIN 14 (linear spring type), the spring behavior can appear as non-linear. 

[Chandra Sekaran]

COMBIN14 is linear only even if you define nonlinear material properties. I think the combin39 approach you mention is best. 

[wrbulat]

If you want your nonlinear behavior to be based on a nonlinear material property and not entered manually in tabular fashion (as required by COMBIN39), you might try LINK180. The nonlinear material models that this element supports are shown below: