SPRINGS

Designed by: Shaun Scott, Vaughn Schiweck, Nathan Cropper

All Equations and Figures From: Shigley & Mischke. Mechanical Engineering Design. Fifth Edition, 2002.

Helical Springs

Compression Torsion Extension

Extension Springs
Compression Springs Note: Loading the Extension Spring creates a shear stress in the spring.
Extension Springs: These must have a way of transferring
Note: compression produces shear stress in the spring load from a support to the body of the spring. Using Springs
with a hooked end, stress concentration must be considered.
Governing equation: F=k*y This is shown below. The lower spring has a decreased stress
8 F D
3
N 1 concentration because the moment arm is smaller.
y= 1+ ; eqn. 10-8
4 2
d G 2 C

Spring Rate k:
4

Torsion Springs
d G
K= ; eqn. 10-9
3
8 D N

Note: Twisting the Torsion Spring creates a normal stress in the spring.
End Conditions: Helical Torsion Springs:
Helical torsion springs are wound in the same manner as extension
and
compression springs. For torsion springs, the ends are designed to
transmit torque.

Critical Deflection:
Critical deflection in a compression spring: This is when
the deflection becomes too large and the spring buckles.
The equation is shown below.

1 Stress Concentration Factor:

2
C2 r_m
ycr = Lo C1 1- 1- ; eqn. 10-11 K= ; eqn. 10-10
2 r_i
λeff
Stress Concentration Factor on inside of the Spring Ki:
The effective slenderness ratio is given by: 2
4 C -C-1
; λeff = α*L/D; eqn. 10-12 Ki = ; eqn. 10-32
The chart below describes α, which is the end condition
constant.
4 C (C - 1)

Bending stress for a round wire torsion spring:

Fatigue Loading Spring Fatigue Loading:
Some springs are subjected to fatigue loading.
It must be determined whether the spring will
Ki 32 F r need to have infinite life or finite life. Helical
σ= ; eqn.10-33
3 springs are never designed to be used in both
π d compression and tension.

Displacement in torsion springs is described in radians. Alternating stress Fa:

E 2 F_max - F_min
C1 = 2 π (E - G ) Fa =
2
; eqn. 10-26
2 (E - G ) eqn. 10-13 C2 = ; eqn. 10-14
2 G+ E 64 F r D N
θ= ; 10-34 Mean stress Fm:
4
F_max + F_min
d E Fm = ; eqn. 10-27
2

< The spring rate, taking into account the curvature of the wire: Stress Amplitude τa:
4 Kb 8 Fm D
τa = ; eqn. 10-28
d E 3
k` = ; 10-37 π d
10.8 D N Mean Stress τm:
Ks 8 Fm D
τm = ; eqn. 10-29
This is the free length of the spring. π d
3