12.

Spring
Theory at a Glance (for IES, GATE, PSU)
1. A spring is a mechanical device which is used for the efficient storage and release of energy. 2. Helical spring stress equation
Let us a close-coiled helical spring has coil diameter D, wire diameter d and number of turn n. The spring material has a shearing modulus G. The spring index, C = ends as shown. The work done by the axial force 'P' is converted into strain energy and stored in the spring.

D . If a force P is exerted in both d

U=(average torque) (angular displacement) T = 2

From the figure we get, = Torque (T)= PD 2 TL GJ

length of wire (L)= Dn Polar m om ent of Inertia(J)= Therefore U= 4P 2D 3 n Gd 4 d4 32

According to Castigliano's theorem, the displacement corresponding to force P is obtained by partially differentiating strain energy with respect to that force.

Therefore =

4 p 2 D3n 8PD3n U = = Gd 4 P P Gd 4
8 PD 3 n Gd 4

Axial deflection =

Spring stiffness or spring constant

(k ) =

P Gd 4 = Page 344 of 429 D3n 8

Chapter-12

Spring 16T 16 ( PD / 2 ) 8PD The torsional shear stress in the bar, 1 = = = d3 d3 d3

The direct shear stress in the bar, 2 =

S K Mondals

d 4
2

4P

d2

8PD 0.5d d3 D

Therefore the total shear stress, = 1 + 2 =

8PD 0.5d 8PD 1+ = Ks 3 D d d3

= Ks
Where K s = 1 +

8PD d3

0.5d is correction factor for direct shear stress. D

3. Wahls stress correction factor

=K
8PD d3

Where K =

4C 1 0.615 + is known as Wahls stress correction factor C 4C 4

Here K = KsKc; Where K s is correction factor for direct shear stress and Kc is correction factor for stress concentration due to curvature.

Note: When the spring is subjected to a static force, the effect of stress concentration is neglected
due to localized yielding. So we will use, = K s

8PD d3
Spring in Parallel ( e = 1 = 2 )

4. Equivalent stiffness (keq)

Spring in series ( e = 1 + 2 )

1 1 1 = + K eq K1 K 2

or K eq =

K1 K 2 K1 + K 2

K eq = K1 + K 2

Shaft in series ( = 1 + 2 )

Shaft in Parallel ( eq = 1 = 2 )

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Chapter-12

Spring

S K Mondals

1 1 1 = + K eq K1 K 2

or K eq =

K1 K 2 K1 + K 2

K eq = K1 + K 2

5. Important note

If a spring is cut into n equal lengths then spring constant of each new spring = nk When a closed coiled spring is subjected to an axial couple M then the rotation,

64 MDnc Ed 4

6. Laminated Leaf or Carriage Springs

3PL3 Central deflection, = 8Enbt 3

Maximum bending stress, max =

3PL 2nbt 2

Where P = load on spring b = width of each plate n = no of plates L= total length between 2 points t =thickness of one plate.

7. Belleville Springs
Load, P = 4 E (1 2 ) k f D02

3 ( h ) h 2 t + t
Do

Where, E = Modulus of elasticity

= Linear deflection =Poissons Ratio

kf =factor for Belleville spring Do = outside diamerer h = Deflection required to flatten Belleville spring t = thickness
P t ho

Note:

Total stiffness of the springs kror = stiffness per spring No of springs In a leaf spring ratio of stress between full length and graduated leaves = 1.5 Conical spring- For application requiring variable stiffness Belleville Springs -For application requiring high capacity springs into small space

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