The 3D coil spring model is created in SpaceClaim and meshed in Ansys Mechanical, as shown in Figure 61.1: 3D Model of a Coil Spring System.

The spring head blocks are meshed using SOLID186 structural solid elements with the full integration option (KEYOPT(2) = 1). The spring and lugs are meshed using SOLID187 tetrahedral structural solid elements.

Frictional contact (µ = 0.1) is modeled between the spring and the blocks by overlaying the spring surfaces with contact elements (CONTA174) and overlaying the block surfaces with target elements (TARGE170).

Always-bonded contact (KEYOPT(12) = 5) between the lugs and blocks is modeled by overlaying the lug surfaces with contact elements (CONTA174) and overlaying the block surfaces with target elements (TARGE170).

Default values are used for all other element KEYOPT settings.