Which is the most appropriate method for modeling a double hinged expansion joint?

1) Two single joints in parrallel, or,
2) One joint with the expansion joint segment spanning 3 rigid elements?

Also caesar also requests expansion joint stiffnesses in movements that are in my case, restrained (Torsional, axial, translational etc)(Assuming I model case 1 above). If I modeled case 2, a tranlational stiffnes may apply (which our EJ manufacturer has specified for the double expansion joint).


Any of your thoughts would be appreciated.
Many Thanks.

I'm not sure what you are reffering to as a double hinged expansion joint.... do you have a sketch or picture of it you can add to your post???? (Sounds like a gimballed maybe)


And another piece of advice.... the online help for Chapter 5 of the applications guide has detailed and quite a bit of discussion on EJ modeling that you should review before going any further....

I would thing this double hinged is the one where instead of rods plates are used and there are hinges in the middle of bellows' elements. It can move in one lateral direction and can rotate around one axis.

Jouko... I suspect that having read through the extensive online help information that this issue is closed nice looking EJ's by the by!

I am not an artist and I cannot draw anything in 2D so I use 3D Inventor. It makes nice pictures. Good enough to hang on board room walls :-)