iVf ICROFiCHE

REFERENCE
LJBRAWY
A project of Volunteers in Asia
S&xba Desig.&
9
ulatlqn
by : R.H. Warring
Published by:
Model and Allied Publications
Argus Books Limited
P.O. Box 35, Wolsey House
Wolsey Rd.,. Hemel Hempstead
Hertfordshire HP2 4SS England
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Reproduced by permission of Model and Allied
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of the original document.
R. H. WARRING
ring Design
d Calculation
Model & Allied Publications Limited
Bridge Street, Hemel, Hempstead, Herts., England
::;
,:
CONTENTS
Model & Allied Publications Ltd
Book Division
Station Road, Kings Langley
Hertfordshire, England
First Published 1973
@ R. H. Warring 1973
ISBN 0 85242 327 6
Printed and made in England by
Page Bros (Norwich) Ltd., Norwich
1 Spring Materials
2 Simple Fiat Springs
3 Heiica! Springs
4 Tapered Helical Springs
5 Torsion Springs
6 Ciock Springs
7 Constant Force Springs
8 Multiple Leaf Springs
Appendix .A
Spring Terminology
Appendix B
Wire Sizes and Values of d3 and 6
Table I
Spring Materials and their
Mechanical Properties
Table II
Wahis Correction Factor K
for Round Wire Helical
Coii Springs
Table II1
Correction Factors for
Rectangular Wire Helical
Coil Springs
Table IV
Stress Correction Factors
for Torsion Springs
Table V
Design Values for
Tensator Springs
3
7
11
?9
21
24
27
31
33
36
38
39
39
39
39
SPRlNG MATEWbiS - 1
--
The sponginess of me& is rerated in a general way to their hardness.
Lead, for example, is a sof? meta!, with vi;t*uaiiy no spring properties.
The same with al~minium. Cxtrerns hardness, on the other hand, again
results in Lack of spring properties hecause the material is brittle rather
than eiastic. The range of suitabfe spring materials are thus those
which combine sruitable nardness with eh&icity.
lt is also impJrtar;t, if spring performance is to be consistent, that
the material retains its original properties. Many metal2 are subject to
work-hardening or a change of hardness when stressed-and ail
working springs are subject to cycles <:f str.3ss. &-ass, for example, is a
metal which is re!atively soft, htit repr~dted stressing or working
causes its hardness to increase, wiin th:; metal becoming more springy
as a consequence Thus vdniist soft brass is quite useless as a spring
material, fully-~ hardened b-ass possesses reasonably good spring
properties.
The hardness of many meta can also be improved b# heat treatment,
and as a resuh their spring properties enhan:ed. This is quite common
practice in the preparation of basic spring stock. Heat, however, can
also uioduCe the opposh result. Thus a hard, springy metal can often
be permanently softened by heating and slow cooling (or annealing).,
On the Qther hand, heating and rapid cooling a spring materiai can
increase its hardness to the point of brittleness. Without considerable
experience in the techniques of heat treatment, therefore, spring
materials should always be used as is.
With suitable knowledge. however, processed springs may often be
heat treated to advantage -. e.g. to remove inrernal stresses remaining
in the ma.teriai after cold working to shape or form. The temperature
and method of heat treatn,ent employed is dependent on the com-
position of the spring material and the method of spring application.
Another form of treatment which can produce embrittlement in a
spring is electroplating. This applies particularly in the case of carbon
steel springs, where plating may sometimes by thought desirable to
provide resistance to corrosron. If such springs are plated, regardless of
the method used they require to be baked immediately after plating to
drive out hydrogerr absorbed by the materia; during plating. Any
hydrogen remaining in the pores of the spring material will cause
embrittlement. Similar comment apolies to plated steel wire, used as a
spring material.
The range of true spring materials is fairly limited. Ordinary carbon
steel rendered in spring temper form is the most common choice for
general purpose springs of all types. In the case of wire, the necessary
temper may be produced by the method of fabrication - e.g. cold
3
SPRING MATERIALS
drawing. The spring temper may, however, be further improved by heat
treatment or oil tempering. Such spring materials are suitable for use
under ordinary temperatures, in normal stress ranges - i.e. without the
limit of proportionality of the material (see later). For use under higher
stresses, or higher temperatures, special alloy steels may be needed.
Where corrosion may be a problem, the choice of stainiess steel or
non-ferrous spring materials may be necessary - the former where high
stresses have to be carried by the spring, and the latter for lower cost,
easier working, where stresses are not so high. Beryllium copper is an
attractive choice where high resistance to stress and corrosion are
necessary, and good electrical conductivity is also required. If electrical
conductivity is the main requirement, phosphor-bronze provides a
cheaper alternative; and brass even lower cost (although brass is a
marginal spring material, even at full spring temper). A nickel a!loy
(e.g. monei) may be specified where high temperatures have to be
accommodated.
Mechanical Considerations
However good the spring material, there are limits over which it can be
expected to work consistently and show a long spring life. The
critical factor involved is the actual stress born by the material when
Fig. 1
I
I
General wfe working range
f (800/o limit of proportionality)
I
Strain -
SPRING MATERIALS
the spring is working. Up to a certain point, with increasing stress the
corresponding strain in the material follows a linear relationship -
Fig. 1. Beyond this limit of proportionality this linear relationship no
longer applies and subjecting the material to these higher stress values
may permanently change the mechanical properties of the material.
The limit of proportionality thus represents the upper stress limit for
the material.. In practice, a lower limit is normally employed - 80 per %F:
cent of the limit of proportionality -to allow a safety factor in spring
design.
Working within this limit will then ensure a consistent performance
from a spring material.
This, however, only presents part of the picture. The strength of any
material is different for different ways in which it is stressed. IVlaximum
strength is usually available when stressed in pure compression, with
an almost similar value when stressed in pure tension. If subject to
twisting or torsion, the material strength available is considerably
reduced.
Basically, in fact, the life of a spring depends on four main factors:
(i) The manner in which the spring material is stressed.
(ii) The maximum working stress.
(iii) The range of stess over which the spring material is worked.
(iv) the number of cycles of stress or the effects of fatigue on material
properties.
Items (i) and (ii) are directly related. Once the manner in which the
material is stressed is established, a safe maximum working stress can
be established for a particular material - see Table I.
The stress range is more difficult to establish. In general, the higher
the range of stress over which the,spring is worked, the lower should
be the maximum permissible stress to ensure long spring life. However,
this will vary with both differences in material properties and heat
treatment and with frequency of working. For simplicity of design it is
,best to adopt safe figures which ,err on the, side of underestimating
material performance, such as given in Table I.
Whilst material strength and stress dete~rmine the load which can be
carried by a spring of given geometry, and the life of the spring,
deflection characteristics are determined by the moduli of the material.
Again this depends on the manner in which the spring,material is
deflected or stretched. If the spring material is under tension, then it is
the modulus of elasticity of Youngs modulus which is the parameter
involved. For a spring materiel subject totorsion it is the modulus of
rigidity which is involved in calculating,deflection.
Values of modulus of elasticity (E) and modulus of rigidity (G) have,
therefore, to be known for the spring materials used before the full
5
SPRING MATERIALS
performance of a spring can be evaluated. These are also given in
Table I. The modulus of elasticity largely governs the material perform-
ance of flat springs and torsion springs. The modulus of rigidity governs
the material performance in helical springs. The actual stress produced
in a spring, on the other hand, is dependent only on the load carried by
the spring and the spring geometry. All these individual parameters
appear in the spring design formulas in subsequent chapters.
Formulas and Units
Spring design proportions are not something that can be guesstimated
with any degree of accuracy - and trial-and-error design can produce
a succession of failures. Thus this book on spring design is full of
formulas, as the only accurate method of predicting spring performance.
However, all are essentially practical working formulas; and all are
quite straightforward to use. Each calculation is nothing more elaborate
than an arithmetical calculation - aided by a slide rule or log tables.
No units are given with the formulas, since these follow quite
logically depending on whether you are working to English or metric
standards. Most quantities are linear dimensicns, and it is only necessary
to remember that stress values, etc., should be rendered in the same
units. Thus for working with all dimensions in inches, stresses, etc.,
must be in pounds per square inch. Answers will then work out
logically in the right units.
For example, the deflection per coil of a helical compression spring
is given by
deflection = g
where P is the load
D is the mean coil diameter
d is the wire diameter
G is the modulus of rigidity of the spring material.
In English units, P would be in pounds. Dimensions D and d would
be in inches. To be consistent, G must then be in pounds per square
inch. The deflection, calculated from the formula, is another linear
dimension and so would be given directly in inches.
Using metric units the point to watch is that the modulus or stress
values used (or calculated) are in the same units as the linear dimen-
sions. The latter, for example, will usually be in millimetres. Moduli and
stress figures may, however, be quoted in kilograms per square centi-
metre and would need adjusting for consistency when used with
millimetre linear units.
SIMPLE FLAT SPRINGS 2
The basic form of a simple flat spring is shown in Fig. 2. The following
are the two design formulas concerned:
SPL
Stress = -
4PL3
(tension) bt2
Deflection = -
Ebt3
in consistent
units - i.e. Stress is given in Ib/sq.in when P is in pounds and L, b and
t are in inches. The modulus of elasticity (E) is in Ib/sq.in.
Fig. 2
As a general guide it follows that: Stress in the spring material
z,;$;;,~, increases in direct proportion to spring ~length, and in inverse proportion
ij{;:;~,:, to width and (thickness)*. Thus, for example, increasing the thickness
;:,::::: of the spring will decrease the stress more effectively than increasing
,, *
the width. Deflection increases with the cube of the length (thus
,,, small changes in length will have,a marked effect on deflection); but
Eli, ca,n be decreased by increasing then width or thickness (the latter being
,;-: : ,,I, much more effective in stiffening ,the spring).
i
:::$:,~ ,Design P,rocedure
,The,design of a simple flat spring commonly callsfor a certain deflec-
tion not,t,o be exceeded under a given load. The length (L) of the
Spnng may also be predetermined, or can be given a suitable value.
The formula for Deflection can thenbe rearranged as a solution for bt3,
,,
viz:
bt3 =
4PL3
tion E x deflec
iis equation are known (the
A material selected), and can thus be
All values on the right hand, side of tt
:, value,of E ,following from the spring
calculated as a single quantity I say X
7
,:
.
SIMPLE FLAT SPRINGS
We then have
bt3 = X
From this point, either guesstimate a value of b and from this
calcu!ate the corresponding value of t to satisfy the equation; or
guesstimate t and from this calculate b. The latter is the usual method
since thickness is governed by the standard sizes of materials available,
and thus there is a choice of specific values of t (e.g. 20 swg. 18 swg,
etc.). Note: See Appendix 6 for tabular values of t3.
Any solutions derived by the above method will give spring propor-
tions satisfying the deflection under load requirements. It is now
necessary to enter these values in the Stress formula, together with
load (P) and calculate the stress resulting. Providing this is lower than
the maximum permissible stress for the material used, then the spring
geometry is satisfactory. If the calculated stress is higher than the
maximum permissible stress, then the spring geometry must be
recalculated from the def!ection formula, using different values. This is
simplest if the spring length is left unaltered. It is then only necessary
to return to the formula
bt3 = X
and use a greater thickness to calculate a new value for b. Check if
this reduced the stress to below the maximum permissible value. If not
try again.
Square Wire Springs
Use the same formulas, and procedure, substituting a3 fcr bt2 in the stress
formula: and a4 for bt3 in the Deflection formula; where a = dimension
of square.
Round Wire Flat Springs
Exactly the same formulas (and design procedure) follow in the case
of a flat spring made from round wire - Fig. 3 -except that b and t
are replaced by the wire diameter (d).
6PL
Stress = d3
4PL3
Deflection = Ed4
Flat Spring Supported at Each End
The stress and deflection formulas are modified when a flat spring is
supported at both ends - Fig. 4 - and become
3PL
Stress = 2bt2 Deflection = &
Design procedure is the same again.
8
SIMPLE FLAT SPRINGS
Fig. 3
P
Fig. 4
In the case of a flat spring made from round wire, supported at both
ends, bt2 in the Stress formula is replaced by d3; and bt3 in the
Deflection formula is replaced by d4
Design of Contact Springs
A contact spring is simply a flat spring designed to apply a certain
pressure at a particular point (contact point) along its length - Fig. 5.
It can be derived from the standard Stress formula, rewritten as a
solution for load (P) or actual contact pressure produced when
deflected, viz
p - bt*S
6L
P
Fig. 5
deflection
Fig. 6
400
350
3oc
1CU
5c
0
SIMPLE FIAT SPRINGS
I
HELICAL SPRINGS
where S is the design maximum working stress for the material to be
used (i.e. use 80 per cent of the limit of proportionality of the spring
material from Table I).
The simplest way of tackling design is to fix suitable values of
spring length L and width (b), from which the required material
thickness can be calculated. Ii this yields a not standard thickness, then
the nearest standard thickness (up or down) can be adopted, and the
corresponding width m-calculated to provide the required contact
pressure.
It can also be instructive, having decided on a suitable spring length
and width, to calculate the maximum contact pressure available over a
range of thicknesses for different spring materials. This is done in
Fig. 6 for a spring length of 2 and width $, and clearly indicates the
superiority of beryllium copper as a contact spring material.
Limitations to Flat Spring Calculations
Whilst the design formulas provide accurate theoretical solutions, actual
performance may be modified somewhat by the manner in which the
end (or ends) of a flat spring is (are) clamped.
In the case of contact springs, performance may be further modified
by the fact that such springs are not necessarily simple beam shapes,
but may be irregular in width. Calculation applied to such shapes is
tedious. It is best to design the spring on the basis of a mean or
typical width and check the performance by practical experiment.
HELICAL SPRINGS 3
In the case of helical springs which are either compressed or extended
under load, the spring material is stressed in torsion and so the following
basic formulas apply for round wire springs:
8PD
Torsional stress = -
sd
Deflection = g x N
where P = load
D = mean diameter of spring
d = wire diameter
G = modulus of rigidity of spring material.
N = number of active coils in the spring
(see also Fig. 7)
11
HELICAL SPRINGS
I
Fig. 7 P
active coils active coils
L-o-4
The stiffness of a helical spring, therefore, is proportional to :he
fourth power of the wire diameter, and variesinversely as the cube of
neter. Both d and D thus have,a marked effect on spring
.
In spring diameter 6~ can .co,nsiderably increase: the deflf
small decrease in D~Can make thespring much~stiffer~.
,
:estimat&d, from~ experience,&&, it,wiil, :varv with ,the quality ,of the
Fig. 8 TENSION SPRING ENDS
Long round end Long square ,d
hook on centre hook on centre
Extended eye on
either centre or side
Coned end with
short sv*i:.~l eye
Half Hook on centre
Full eye on side
Eye and Hook show in line
Eye and Hook at right angles
HELICAL SPRINGS
Plain Ends
One end
ground Rot
V hook on
centre
Straight and onneoled
to allow forming
Coned end to hold
iong swivel eye
Coned end with
swivel hook
Half eye on centre
=illU?
Double loop
Coned end with
swivel bolt
Small eye on centre
Small eye on side
on centre
Eye and hook
shown at right cngles
%il eye cm side and
small eye on centre
13
HELICAL SPRINGS
in the case of a plain compression spring to produce parallel ends. Thus
geometrically the spring has a total number of coils equal to N + 1% (or
N + 2), the number of active coils being calculated for the required
deflection performance. Extension springs, on the other hand, com-
monly have all the coils active, the ends being made off at right angles
to the main coil, e.g. see Fig. 8.
Another important parameter is the spring rate (or load rate), which
is simply the load divided by the deflection.
Spring Rate = defleLtion
Gd4
= 8ND3
Where the spring is of constant diameter and the coils are evenly
pitched, the spring rate is constant. A spring can be given a variable
rate by tapering the coil, or using a variable pitch. Constant rate springs
are the more usual, and much easier to work out.
Basically, spring design involves calculating the spring diameter and
wire size required to give a safe material stress for the load to be
carried. It is then simply a matter of deciding how many coils are
required (i.e. how many active turns) to give the necessary spring rate
or stiffness in pounds per inch of movement. This may also be affected
by the amount of free movement available for the spring.
The same considerations apply to both compression and extension
springs, with one difference. Extension springs may be wound with
initial tenslon, which in some cases can be as high as 25 per cent of
the safe load. To open the coils of the spring this load must be applied,
and only the remainder of the load is then available for deflection. This
does not modify the spring design formula - merely the value of the
applied load effective in producing deflection.
Whilst the working formulas are straightforward, spring design is
complicated by the fact that three variables are involved in then spring
geometry-diameter (D), wire diameter (d) and number of active
coils (N). However, only D and d appear in the Stress formula, which is
the one to start with. So here it is a case of guesstimating one figure
and calcu!ating the other on that basis.
Design Procedure
(i) Either
(a) fix a value for D and calculate d fo: the safe value of working stress
from
HELICAL SPRINGS
(Note: From the value of d3 so found the corresponding wire
diameter can be found from the tables of Appendix B - there is no
need to work out the cube root of the answer to the formula)
or
(b) fix the va!ue of d (from an estimated suitable or readily available
wire size), and from this calculate the required value or D from
D=-
nSd3
8P
(Note:Ageinyou can !ookupd3directlyin thetablesofAppendix B.)
(ii) Check that the sizes are practical. For example, if the value of D
is fixed the calcuiated value of d may be a non-standard wire size. In
this case, recaiculate for the nearest standard size to yield an acceptable
value of S. This can be avoided by fixing the value of d to start with,
but could yield an impractical value for D.
(iii) Having arrived at suitable values for D and d, calculate the
number of active turns required for the deflection to be accommodated.
N=
Cd x deflection
8PD3
(Note: you can look up values of d4 directly in the Appendix tables).
That, in fact is all there really is to designing helical compression or
extension springs, provided extreme accuracy is not required. Remember
to add on $ or 1 turn to each end for closed end compression springs.
More Accurate Working
,Stress calculation by the above method assumes that the spring material
isstressed in pure torsion. In fact, further stress is added because of
the curvature in the wire. Thus the true stress in the material is higher
than predicted from simple calculation, viz
True stress = K x S
where K is a correction factor for wire curvature
(normally known as the Wahl correction factor).
Unfortunately, the value of ,K depends on the spring geometry and
thus the spring diameter (D) and wire diameter (d) have to be deter-
mined before the correction factor can be found.
K= 471 +0.615
4c+4 c
where c = D/d (which ratio is also known
as the spring index).
15
HELICAL SPRINGS
Having determined a suitable size of spring, therefore, the true stress
should be calculated, using the Wahl. correction factor calculated as
above. If this true stress works out higher than the maximum permissibie
material stress, then the whole spring geometry must be recalculated
through.
To save a lot of worki~ng, values of K are shown graphically against
spring index in Fig. 9, and also in Table II.
Solid Height of Spring
The solid or closed length of a helical spring follows by multiplying
wire diameter (d) by the total number of coils (N + dead turn at each
end, where appiicable). This length may be reduced somewhat by
grinding the dead turns flat on a closed end spring see Fig. 10.
Helical Springs in Rectangular Wre Section
Similar formulas apply, with wire width (b) a~nd thickness (a) replacing
d - Fig. 11. Also additional stress factors are introduced to take into
account the additional stresses imparted by bending rectangular
section wire into a helical coil.
PDKK,
Stress = 2a2b Deflection =
PD3NK3 ;
Ga3b
Values of K, and K, are given in Table Ill. The spring index, for
determining the value of K the Wahl correction factor K, is found as
follows.
For rectangular wire coiled on edge, c = D/a
For rectangular wire coiled on flat c = D/b
For non-critical applications the design of helical coil springs
wound from rectangular section, wire can ignore the corrections to
stress, by adopting an appreciably lower value of maximum permissible
material stress. This will not utilise the full spring potential of the
material, but considerably simplifies calculation.
Stress = $&
PD3N
Deflection = Ga3b
16
Fig. 9
1.7
1 .6
1.5
HELICAL SPRINGS
!
\
~
6
WC 5 correction for stress
in Hel icol coil springs
I I
-
-
-
-
-
%
-
9 10 11 12 13 14
D/d Ratio or Spring Index
17
HELICAL SPRINGS
Fig, 10
dead turn
1
dead I turn
ground flat
ground flat
Energy Stored in Helical Springs
The energy stored in a compression or extension spring can easily be
calculated from
Energy =
P x deflection
2
Fig. 11
b
wire coiled on edge
18
wire coiled on flat
TAPERED HELICAL SPRINGS
4
.
With the tapered or conical sprmg, each coil is of different diameter.
This gives the spring a variable rate. The stress imposed by any load
causing deflection is also variable from coil to coil. For design purposes
it is the maximum stress, which is most important. This will occur in
, 1,
the largest active coil - Fig. 12 - and the stress is largely tension.
,,,
Max. stress = 3 x K
I
where K is the Wahl correction factor
(Note: since stress is proportional to spring diameter D, it follows that
the stress in any coil can be calculated by using the appropriate coil
diameter; also that the maximum stress will occurwhen~D is~a maximum,
i.e. equal to that of the largest coil).
Fig. 12
(smallest active coil)
dead turn
dead I turn
(largest active coil)
Deflection under a constant load will vary. In the case of a com-
pression spring, first the largest coil will bottom, then the next largest,
and so on - Fig. 13. An extension spring will open in a similar pro-
gressive manner.
8PD;N
Total deflection = Gd4
where, D;
active cdi
..-I--- -c ^-.:. .^ L_ .__
N is the number WI ~CLIV~: IWIS
r is the mean diameter of the smallest
I
19
Fig. 13
P
TAPERED WELICAL SPRINGS
170
P
1
1
P
largest active coil
bottom first
This formula can also be rewritten in terms of the maximum load to
close the spring solid
P
Gd x deflection
max =
8DzN
The design of tapered springs, therefore, follows the same lines as
for helical coil springs (Section 3), using these modified formulas.
Solid Height
The solid height of a tapered spring is less than that of a helical spring
since the individual turns stack to a certain extent - Fig. 14. The
Fig. 14 //
i
1, ,,,,,
TORSION SPRINGS
effective height (y) per coil can be determined from the right-angled
triangle shown, where
d2 = x2 + y2
or y= JF=-?
The solid height of the spring then follows as
Solid height = Ny
where N = number of active turns.
Remember to add 2d to this to account for one dead turn at each end
in the case of springs with closed ends.
=rORSlOhl SPRlNeS
5
;:
A helical torsion spring is designed to provide an angular deflection of
an arm at one end of the spring - see Fig. 15 -the other end of the
spring being anchored. The stiffness of such a spring (or its resistance
:~!,,~~
to deflection is directly proportional to the fourth power of the wire
d
(degrees)
anchored end
diameter; and inversely proportional to its diameter. The coil diameter
is commonly fixed (e.g. the spring has to fit over a shaft or spindle);
and thus choice of different wire sizes will have a considerable effect
on spring performance.
21
,,, , ,~,
TORSION SPRINGS
The following basic formulas apply:
Stress = 3~~~R x K,
where K, is the stress correction factor for round wire
springs in torsion (see Table IV)
Angular deflection (degrees) =
3665PRDN
Ed
where E = Youngs modulus of
spring material
Design calculations are again based on working the spring material
within acceptable limits of stress. The force (P) acting on the spring is
applied over a radius (R), equal to the effective length of the free arm
of the spring. Design calculations can proceed as follows:
(i) Knowing the force to be accommodated and the spring arm
leverage required (R), use the stress formula (without correction
factor K4) to calculate a suitable Wire size:
22
d3 _ 32PR _ 10.18PR
76 S
where S is the maximum permissible
material. stress.
I,, ,,
., :
,,,
(ii) Adjust to a standard wire size, if necessary.
(iii) Calculate the angular deflection of such a spring, using a
specified value of diameter D, from the deflection formula, and ignoring
the factor N. This will give the deflection per coil. Then simply find out
how many coils are needed to produce the required deflection.
This stage may, of course, be varied. The load moment PR may be
the critical factor - i.e. the spring is required to exert (or resist) a
certain force (P) at a radius R with a specific deflection. In this case,
having adopted a specific value for D, the deflection formuia can be
used to find a solution for the number of turns required.
(iv) Having-arrived at a possible spring geometry, recalculate the
true stress as a check, using the correction factor K,.
If,necessary, ,readjust the spring geometry to reduce the stress and
recalculate the spring.
If the spring is to be fitted over s shaft, or spindle a check should
also be made that in itstightened position it does not bind on the shaft.
TORSION SPRINGS
Final mean diameter = D x c
whereINi is the final number of turns when
tightened.
This is simple enough to work out. A deflection of x degrees is equivalent
i
to x/360 turns.
Thus
N,=N+L
360
Remember that the final inner diameter of the coil will be equal to
the final mean diameter minus d.
Torsion Springs in Rectangular Section Wire
Exactly the same procedure is involved, except that the basic formulas
are modified slightly (see also Fig. 16).
Stress =-f? x
a2b
K
5
:j;?~, :j;?~,
,:, ,:,
;s;: ;s;:
21 GOPRDN 21 GOPRDN
&:; &:;
Angular deflection (degrees) = Angular deflection (degrees) =
Ea3b Ea3b
!I;<;;: !I;<;;: Square wire section is simp!y a special case of rectangular wire section Square wire section is simp!y a special case of rectangular wire section
,,hI /, :,:, ,,hI /, :,:,
where a = b. where a = b.
Fig. 16 Fig. 16
23
CLOCK SPRINGS
Energy Stored in Torsion Springs
This is easily calculated from the deflection and moment.
Stored energy =
PR x deflection (degrees)
115
The same formula applies to both round and rectangular wire sections.
CLOCK SPRINGS 6
-
A clock spring is a special type of spiral or torsion spring, wound from
flat strip. Main interest is in the turning moment or torque, and the
power such a spring can develop.
The stress developed in the spring material can be calculated from
the spring dimensions in a close wound and fully released conditions.
If R, is the radius of a particular point in the spring in a fully wound
condition and R, the radius of the same point in an unwound condition,
a close approximation to the stress is given by:
Bending stress (Sb) = E
(see Fig. 17 for notations)
fully released
fully wound
Point X
point X
Note that it is the material stress in bending (or torsion) which applies
in this case, not the tensile stress (which is lower),
24
CLOCK SPRINGS
The Deflection formula can be rendered in terms of the number of
turns (T) the spring can be wound up.
T - 6PRL
xEt3b
this can also be rewritten in terms of the stress (S,)
(see Fig. 18 for notation)
Fig. 18
Deflection = number of turns
r-7
wound up
unwound
b
= Length of spring
This is by far the more convenient form, but is not strictiy correct
since it does not allow for the effect of curvature on stress (see Torsion
Springs). The complete formula for number of turns is thus
T=,g;
whert K, is the curvature stress
factor (see Table V)
The length of spring (L) can be derived from basic geometry.
L=ltDN
where N = number of active coils
25
,,
CLOCK SPRINGS
In the fully wound condition
D = 2 R, + R ; Rw
but R, - R, = Nt
or R, = Nt + R,
Thus D=2 R,+
(
Nt + R, -
2
= 2R, + Nt
Substituting in the first formu!a
L = xN(2R, + Nt)
These formulas can be used to determine the required spring
geometry, with the mechanical output given by
Turning moment or torque Q, = PR,
If the applied torque is known, then the number of turns to wind up
the spring also follows directly as
T= 6QL
rrEt=y
Horsepower Calculation
The stored energy in a clock spring can be released at various rates,
according to the manner in which the movement is governed or
restrained.
Note the relationship between number of turns (T) and stress.
No. of turns (T) to produce
LS
stress S in spring material = -
rcEt
Thus
EEtT
stress (S) = L
also:
Energy per revolution =
rtSbt*
6
To determine the energy produced by a clock spring, proceed as
follows:
(i) Calculate length L from the geometry
26
CONSTANT FORCE SPRINGS
(ii) Calculate stress produced from the number of turns available to
wind up (this must not exceed the maximum permissible bending
stress of the material).
(iii) From the stress, calculate the energy per revolution (E,)
If the energy per revolution (E,) is determined in units of inch-pounds
(which will follow using inch units for the spring geometry and stress
in Ib/sq.in).
E, x rpm
Horsepower = 396,000
or say
E, x rpm
400,000
as a suitable approximation.
The time for which the spring will develop power also follows as
T/rpm, in minutes - i.e. the number of turns which can be wound on,
divided by the rate of unwinding in revolutions per minute.
The whole series of calculations can, of course, be worked in
reverse. That is, starting with a horsepower output requirement and a
+j;,,r:,,
known value of maximum permissible stress, suitable geometric
&c:~ ,
& proportions for the spring can be determined, together with the number
$i:;&
!f;&
of winding turns available for the required rate of revolution and
&, number of complete revolutions.
1g.a. ,,,, ,,
&
Note: as a practical design feature the diameter of the inner coil of
the spring, in the fully wound condition, should not be less than 12
times the spring strip thickness. That is, the spring should be wound
on an arbor of this minimum size. If wound up to a smaller diameter the
spring is likely to suffer from fatigue effects.
CONSTANT FORCE SPRINGS 7
Constant force springs are a special type of fiat strip spring, prestressed
to have a uniform tendency to curl along its whole !ength.* They can
be used in two ways (see also Fig. 19).
(i) Rolled onto a bushing to form a constant force extension spring,
because the resistance to unrolling is the same at any extension.
(ii) Reverse-wound around a second drum to provide a constant
torque spring, or constant torque spring motor.
* Springs of this type are made by Tensator Limited, Acton Lane, Harlesden, London.
NWIO. They are known as Tensator springs in this country; and Negater springs in
America.
27
CONSTANT FORCE SPRINGS
Fig. 19
by rolling onto a bushing or spool
produces a constant force extension spring
by reverse winding onto a larger drum
produces CI constant twque spring motor
Constant force springs of this type have the advantage of being more
compact when relaxed, compared with helical springs, plus the fact
that very iong extensions are possible. Either end can be fixed to
produce an extension spring as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 20. The
fixed free-end configuration, for example, has proved particularly
effective for brush springs on electric motors.
Fig. 20 __----~----__
\
I
,I
fixed end
28
CONSTANT FORCE SPRINGS
The constant torque or spring motor form is particularly interesting
since it offers a performance far superior to an ordinary clockwork
motor, particularly in the length of run possible and the greater
mechanical efficiency because of the absence of intercoil friction. Its
performance can also be predicted quite accurately.
Extension Spring Design
Fig. 21 shows the static parameters of a Tensator extension spring.
Fig. 21
strip width = b
.77 D1
P
__-.
1.25 D1---
The load to extend can be calculated directly from the load factor for
the material (see Table V) and the spring width and thickness.
P = Qbt
The working extension of the spring (X) will be specified, but can
also be determined from the actual length of spring strip.
x = L-6D,
where L is the total length of spring.
(Note: this formula allows for 13 dead turns on the coil).
The following formulas can also be used to determine D, and D,.
D, = ,,/I .275(X + 4.75DJ t + 0;
In design this should be increased by at least 10 per cent to be on the
safe side, to allow for air space between the coils.
D, = I.2 x natural free diameter of spring, as made.
29
CONSTANT FORCE SPRINGS
Torque Motor Design (see Fig. 22)
The torque output (M) available from a constant torque Tensator
spring motor is given by the formula
M=
Qbt D,
2
where 0 is the load factor (see Table
w
The horsepower output can be derived from the rate of unwinding,
as with clockwork motors (see Section 6).
Fig. 22
t-
centre distance
maximum build-
of turns -
output drum --
The following formulas will also be useful in
Optimum value of D, = $
I t design.
where Sf = bending factor (see Table V)
Optimum value of t
M . Sf
=
J- 3bQ
Optimum centre distance =
D, + 4
2 + 30t
D, = 1.2 times natural free diameter of spring, as made
D, = jl.275Lt + D;
where L = total length of spring
D, = $.275Lt + 0:
L = 11 (D,N + tN2) approx
where N = number of working revolutions of D,
30
MULTIPLE LEAF SPRINGS
8
Basically a laminated spring consisting of a number of individual leaves
is no different to a single leaf spring, except that the additional leaves
increase the effective thickness and thus reduce both deflection and
stress in the individual leaves for a given load. Stress calculations are
usually based on the assumption of a proportionate load on each leaf
(i.e. proportionate to the number of leaves).
Fig. 23
semi-elliptic
quarter elliptic
semi-elliptic cantilever n=number of leaves
Three common configurations for multiple leaf springs are shown in
Fig. 23. The following deflection formulas apply:
Half elliptic:
Deflection = 4Epb::n
Quarter elliptic: 4PL3
Deflection = Ebt3n
Half elliptic Cantilever:
Def!ection = 2Epb:ln
where E = modulus of elasticity
of spring material
n = number of leaves
31
MULTIPLE LEAF SPRINGS
The corresponding stress formulas are (the material being stressed
in bending as with simple flat springs).
Half elliptic:
Stress = zzEL
Quarter elliptic:
Stress = g
Stress = 2
Half elliptic Cantilever:
There are several possible design approaches. If the thickness of
each leaf (t) is decided, the spring width (b) necessary to produce the
required deflection with 2, 3, 4, etc., leaves can be calculated, using
the appropriate deflection formula. For example, in the case of a quarter
elliptic spring
b=
4PL3
Et3n x deflection
This will give suitable spring geometry with 2, 3, 4 leaves, etc., from
which the most attractive can be selected. This value of b can then be
used in the stress formula to check that the maximum permissible
material stress is not exceeded. If so, then an alternative solution must
be adopted (e.g. more leaves and smaller width); or the calculations
re-done starting with a different (higher) value of thickness (t).
Sometimes it is simpler to work directly from the load the spring will
carry, which can be arrived at by rewriting the stress formulas:
Load capability:
bt2nS,
Half elliptic = 1 .5L
bt2nS,
Quarter elliptic = 6L
.
Half elliptic Cantilever =
bt%S,
3L
where S, is the maximum permissible material
stress in bending.
A series of alternative spring designs can then be worked out in
32
APPENDIX A
terms of different values of width (b), thickness (t) and number of
leaves, all of which would be capable of carrying the required load.
It is then a matter of calculating the deflection of each of these springs
and deciding on the most suitable one. If none give a suitable value
for deflection, then further alternatives must be worked out, bearing in
mind:
spring stiffness increases in direct proportion to spring width (b) and
number of leaves (n);
increases in direct proportion to the cube of the leaf
thickness.
APPENDIX A SPRING TERMINOLOGY
(and standard units)
Load (P) is the force in pounds (or kilograms) exerted on or by a
spring producing or modifying motion, or maintaining a force system
in equilibrium. Load is directly proportional to deflection and is limited
by the elastic limit of the spring material.
Deflection is the maximum movement of a spring from its free length
or free position to a specified operating position. In the case of helical
coil springs, deflection per coil is equal to the total deflection divided
by the number of active coils.
Rate or load rate is equal to load divided by deflection, and is thus
inversely proportional to the number of active coils in a coil spring.
Free length is the true dimensional length of a spring in ils unloaded
position.
Solid height is the geometric height (or length) of a coil spring when
it is fully compressed.
Active coils-the number of coils in a coil spring which deflect under
ioad. End turns or part-turns on a compression spring which do not
take part in deflection are referred to as dead coils.
Pitch is the spacing or pitch dimension between adjacent active coils
in a coil spring. Pitch determines the number of coils per unit length.
Spring rate is also dependent on pitch, being substantially constant if
the pitch is constant.
33
,::~,
,,,
,~Z,,~
,:
.,,,,,
;
,, ,,
APPENDIX A
Stress is the operating stress on the spring material under working
conditions. It is important both to use the right stress value for the
material (e.g. depending on whether the spring material is being
subject to tension or compression, bending or torsional loading); and
also ensure that a maximum permissible stress figure is not exceeded.
The latter depends on both load and frequency of deflection.
Mean diameter (D) The mean diameter of a helical coil spring is
specified as the diameter to the centreline of the coil. The overall
diameter of a coil spring is thus equal to D + d; and the inner diameter
of a coil spring to D -d. Note that diameters can vary with working
in the case of a torsion spring.
Wire diameter (d) the actual diameter or wire size used in a spring
made from round wire.
Spring index. This is the ratio D/d and is used to determine stress
correction factors where the stress loading on a spring is not simple
(e.g. helical compression and extension springs, and torsion springs).
APPENDIX B: WIRE SIZES AND WALUES OF d3 AND d4
d
wg
--
33
32
30
24
23
22
21
20
IS
18
17
in d3 da
0~010 0~000001000
0.01 I 0~00000133!
0.012 0~000001728
0.013 0-000002197
0.014 O-000002744
o-01 5 0-000003375
O-016 0-000004096
O-01 7 0-000004913
0.018 O-000005832
0.019 0-000006859
0.!700000010000
0-000000014641
0~000000020736
O-OOOOOQ028561
0-000000~38416
0~00000005~625
0~000000065636
0-000000083523
0~000000104976
0-000000130321
O-060 0~00021600 0~0000129600
0.061 0~00022698 0.0000138458
0,062 0.00023833 0.0000147763
0.063 0~00025005 0-0000157530
16 O-064 0~00028214 0.0000167772
0,065 0.00027463 0~0000178506
0.066 0~00028750 0-0000189747
0.067 0.00030076 0-000020151 I
O-068 0~00031443 0-0000213814
0.069 0~00032851 O-0000226670
0.020 0~000008000 0~000000160000 0.070 0-00034300 0~0000240100
0.021 0~000009261 0-000000194481 0.071 0-00035791 0~0000254117
O-022 0~000010648 O-000000234256 15 .,~ O-072 0.00037325 0.0000268739
0,023 0~000012167 0-000000279840 O-073 0~00038902 0~0000283982
0.024 0~000013824 0~000000331780 0,074 O-00040522 0~0000299866
0.025 O-00001 5625 0~000000390620 OG75 O-O@5421 88 0~0000316406
0,026 O-000017576 0-000000456980 o.oii O~OW43898 0~0000?33622
0,027 0~000019683 0~000000531440 0-077~;. 0.00045653 5~0000351530
0,028 0~000021952 0-000000614660 0.078 ;,, 0.00047455 0~0000370!51
0.029 O-000024389 0-000000707280 0.079 ~9~00049304 0-0000389501
0.030 0-000027000 0-00000081000 14 0.080 o-0G051200 0~0000409600
0-000029797 0-00000092352 O-081 oao&53144 0-0000430467
0.000032768 0-00000104858 O-082 0-00055~37 O-0000452122
0-000035937 0~000001 I8592 O-083 0-00057~ 79 0.0000474583
0-000039304 0~00000133634 0.084 0~0005927O 0-0000497871
0~000042875 0~00000150062 0.085 0~00061412 ., O-0000522006
O-000046656 0-00000187962 0.086 0.00063606 O-0000547008
0~000050653 0~00000187416 O-087 0.00065850 0.0000572898
0.000054872 0-00000208514 0.088 o.oon68147 C:0000599695
0-000059319 O-00000231344 0.089 O~C~70497 O-COO0627422
0,031
0~032
0.033
0.034
O-035
O-036
0.037
0.038
0.039
0.040
0.041
O-042
0.043
0,044
0.045
0.046
O-047
0.048
0-04s
0.050
O-051
o-o.52
0.053
0.054
0.055
O-O%
o-05: O-0001 8519
0.058 7-00019511
0.059 0~30020538
0~000064OOJ3
O-000068921
O-000074088
0-000079507
0~000085184
0~000091125
0~000097336
0~000125000
0.00013265
0-00014061
0~00014888
0~00015746
O-00016638
O-0001 7562
0~00000256000 O-090 0~00072900 o-0001?666100
0~00000282576 0.091 0.00075357 o-0000bS5750
0~00000311170 13 0~092 0~00077869 0~0000719393
0~00000341880 0.093 O-00080436 0~0000748C52
0~00000374810 0.094 0.00083058 0.0000780749
0-00000410062 0.095 0.00085738 O-0000814506
0.00000447746 0.096 O-00088474 O-0000849347
0~00000487968 0.097 0.00091267 0~0000885293
0~00000530842 0.098 @00034119 0~0000922368
0~90000576480 0~099 0-00097030 0-0000960596
0~00000625000 0.100 0~00100000 0~00010000
0.0000067652 0.101 0~00103030 0~00010406
~0000073116 0.102 0~00106121 0.00010824
O-0000078906 0.103 0~00109273 0.00011255
0-0000085031 12 0.104 0~00112486 000011699
0~0000091506 0.105 0.00115762 0~00012165
0~0000098345 0.106 0~00119102 0~00012825
0~000010F560 0.107 @00122504 0~00013108
0~0000113165 0.108 0~00124971 0.00013606
0.00001:: i74
0109 O-00129503 0-00014116
-
d
wg in. d da
,,,
APPENDIX B: WIRE SIZES AND VALUES OF d3 AND d
d
w
in. da da
0.110
0.111
0.112
0.113
0.114
0.115
O-116
0,117
0.118
0.119
O.Wl3310
Cl.0013676
0~0014049
O~W14429
Wool 4815
04015209
O~Wl5603
04016016
O~W16430
0.0018852
0.00014641
040015181
O~OW16735
O~WO16305
0~00016890
0~00017490
O~WO18106
0-00018739
O~WO19388
0~0002W53
0.120 0~0017280 O-W020736
0.121 O.Wl7716 @OW21438
0.122 O.Wl8158 O~WO22153
0.123 0~0018609 O~WO22889
0.124 O~WlBO66 O~ooO23642
0,125 0~0019531 O~WO24414
O-I 26 O~W20004 O~OW25205
0.127 O~W20484 O~WO26014
0.128 O~W20972 O-00026844
0.129 O.W21467 O-W027692
O-130 O-0021 970
O-131 0.0022481
O-132 O-0023000
0.133 0.0023526
0.134 O~W24061
0.135 om24604
0.138 O-00251 55
0.137 0.0025714
0.138 O-0028281
0.139 aW26856
O~OW30360
O~WO312BO
O~OW32242
0.00033215
O-W03421 0
O-W035228
O-00036267
O~OW37330
0.140
0.141
@I42
0.143
0.144
0.145
0.146
0.147
0.148
0.149
OGO27440
O~W28032
0.0028633
O~W29242
0~0028860
OGO30486
0m31121
04031765
0+032418
0~0033079
O-00038416
O~WO39626
0GGO40659
0~00041816
O~WO42998
OW544205
omo45437
0-OW46895
0.00047979
O~WO49288
0.150 O~W3375W O+W50625
0.151 O~W344295 O~WO51889
0.152 O~W361181 ewo53379
@153 0~00358160 O~WO54798
@154 OGO365230 0.00056245
0.155 OGO372390 OGOO57720
0.156 oGO37964o O~OW59224
0.157 000886990 0~00060757
0.158 O~W394430 O~WO62320
O-159 0ao401970 O&JO63813
d
;wg in. d= d
0,160 OGO40960
0,161 0.0041733
0.162 0.0042515
0.163 O-0043307
0.184 0~0044109
O.i65 0~0044921
0.166 0.0045743
0,167 0.0046575
0.168 0.0047418
O-169 O~W46288
0.00066636
0.00067190
O~WO68875
0~00070591
O~WO75933
O~WO77780
O~WO79659
0.00081573
0.170 0~0049130 @00083621
0.171 O.OC5CiOOZ 0.00085504
0.172 O-W50884 0~00087521
0.173 0.0051777 0~00089575
0.174 0~0052680 0~00091664
0.175 0~0053594 O-W937899
O-176 0.0064518 0.00095951
0.177 o-0055452 0~00098051
0.178 0~0058398 0~00100388
0.179 0.0057353 0.00102683
O-180 0 0058320
0.181 0-0059297
0.182 O-0060286
O-183 O.W61285
0.184 0~0062296
O-185 0.0063316
0.186 O-0064349
O-187 O~W65392
0.188 0.0066447
0.189 0.0087513
0-00104976
O-00107328
0~00109720
0~00112151
0.00114623
0~00117135
0~00119688
O~WI22283
0~00124920
0~00127599
0.190
0.191
0~192
0.193
0.194
0195
0.196
0.197
0.198
0-199
00068590
0~0069679
O~W70779
O.W71891
0~0073014
O~W74149
O~W75295
O.W76454
0.0077624
0.0078806
0.0013032
0~0013309
@0013590
0.0013875
0.0014165
0.0014459
0.0014758
0.0015061
0~0015370
0.0015682
0.200
0.212
0.232
0.252
0.276
0.300
0.324
O~OOEOW
O~W9528
0-012490
0.108000
0~0016W
0~002020
0.002897
@W4003
0.005803
@OOElOO
0~011000
J
, ,IArnLC I srKlNLi
Math31
Piano wire up 10 0.1 dia.
Oil tempered steel wire
Hard drawn steel wire
Stainless steel 18.8 wire
Steel NI wire
anadium
bronze
MAI tMlALS, ANU~rHtlR ~MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Litnil of
proportionality
lb/w in+
-
-
-.
70.000
Maximum safe working stress
4 4
lO,SlO fenslo
180.000 120.000
150.000 100.000
150.000 100.000
90-120.000 6~80.000
120.000 80,OW
90.000 60.000
Modulus of
elasticity
E (Ib,sq in,
30.000.000
30.000.000
30.000.000
28~000~00
29.000.000
30,000.000
15.000.000
Modulus of
rigidity
G (Ib/sq. in)
12.000.000
11.500.000
11.500.000
9 70 00
Brass 52.500 35.000 9000.000
100-110.000
-
45-50.000
30,000 60,000
-
16
26.000.000
-I 8,500.OOO
11.500.000
11.500.000
6.300.000
5.500.000
9.000.000
67.000.000 Beryhn copper
Nickel *iIwY 16.000.000 5.500.000
. Con1act spring materials
i Use 80 per cent of this value for design of fiat contact springs.
TABLE I! WANLS COR- TABLE III CORRECTION FACTORS FOR
RECTION FACTOR K FOR RECTANGULAR WIRE HELICAL COIL SPRINGS
ROUND WIRE HELICAL COIL
SPRINGS
spring index D/d K
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
12
15
20
25
2.06
; .5ij
1.40
1.31
1.25
1.18
1.14
1.12
1.09
1.07
1.06
Number
of active
coils
1 .o
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
4.0
6.0
10.0
20
50
100
Stress Deflection
factor factor
K* KS
4.80 5.55
,,I,
4.28 _ 4.01
3.90 3.32
3.72 3.07
3.60 2.92
3.45 2.76
3.30 2.61
3.15 2.50
3.09 2.40
3.04 2.38
3.02 2.37
ABLE IV STRESS CORRECTION TABLE V DESIGN VALUES FOR
ACTORS FOR TORSION SPRINGS TENSATOR SPRINGS
Stress Stress
Number factor for factor for
Design Carbon
of active round rectangular
life no. of steel
coils wire K, wire K,
cycles Q
Sf
Stainless
steel
Q
Sf
s 1.61 1.33 1.54 1.29
4 1.23 l-20
5 1.18 1.15
6 1.14 1.12 I----
5000 ,521 0.023
10,000 418 0.020
20,000 271 0.015
40,000 169 0.010
70,000 123 0,009
8 1.10 1.09 200,000 101 0.008
10 1.08 1.07 ,OOO,OOO 81
12 1.06 1.06
:: 1.09 1.05 1.04 1.03
, 25 1.04 1.03
30 1.03 1.02
above 30 1.0 1 .o
660 0.027
502 0.023
350 0,019
233 0.012
151 0.009
87 0.008
70