SWAY STRUT

Posted by: flexMen

SWAY STRUT - 06/07/05 04:58 AM

My doubt is the following:



I need to know how to model, in CAESAR, a sway strut or mechanic restriction forming the wished angles with the Cartesian system.

My technical question is if these elements, supporting great traction loads, also work in compression.



Best Regards,
Posted by: Richard Ay

Re: SWAY STRUT - 06/09/05 02:10 PM

Modeling of sway struts is discussed in this newsletter article .
Posted by: Dave Diehl

Re: SWAY STRUT - 06/09/05 02:42 PM

Your strut needs not run along the X, Y or Z axis. To identify your own restraint "vector", follow the vector name (typically X) with the three components that point in the direction of the restraint action. For example, to define a strut working in the horizontal (X-Z) plane and off the X axis by +30 degrees about Y simply enter as "X(0.866,0,-0.5)" or "X(1.73,0,-1)".

If you want the restraint to work only in tension, add a sign in from of the X as in "+X(0.866,0,-0.5)" or "-X(0.866,0,-0.5)". It's up to you to use the proper + or the -. The vector you are defining is the direction of unrestrained motion. (As in +Y means the pipe is free to move in the +Y direction.) I know it sounds backwards. But check the results to be sure it's working the way you want it.

Using this definition it should be evident that "+X(0.866,0,-0.5)" is the same as "-X(-0.866,0,0.5)".