Docking Cone Positioning

The Docking Cone Positioning model defines a Docking cone connection between a Body and an earth connection.

Model characteristics and limitations:

  • The model will give a contact force when a point (representing the tip of a docking pin) enters into a cylinder and comes in contact with the internal cylinder walls. It will be detected if the entry into the cylinder opening is successful or not. Until a successful entry is made, the model will give zero forces.

  • Rotation symmetric stiffness around the longitudinal axis is assumed. The contact force acts normal to the internal surface of the cylinder (which can be conical).

  • The transverse relative motion between the two will be limited by the radial clearing at the respective longitudinal distance, DZ, see Figure 3. Outside this limit, structural stiffness will give a restoring force directed towards the center.

  • Friction forces are neglected. Any contact forces in longitudinal direction may be modeled by an additional spring.

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