Sign Convention
for the
One-Dimensional Spring Element

The nodal and elemental solution quantities obtained from a finite element analysis are in accordance with the sign convention of the one-dimensional spring element shown in the table below. This sign convention is used to formulate the one-dimensional spring element.

Solution QuantityCommon UnitsNodal or Element
Quantity		Positive Value(s)Negative Value(s)
Axial
(Horizontal)
Displacement (u)		inches
or
millimeters
Nodal
Positive to the right.
Negative to the left.
Axial (Normal)
Force (f)		lbs
or
Newtons
Nodal
Positive to the right.
Negative to the left.
Axial Deformation

(Δ)
 

inch
or
millimeter
Element

Elongation (+Δ)

Shortening (-Δ)

Return to the 1-D Spring Element Index