Helical Springs
When close-coiled helical spring, composed of a wire of round rod of diameter d wound
into a helix of mean radius R with n number of turns, is subjected to an axial load P
produces the following stresses and elongation:
The maximum shearing stress is the sum of the direct shearing stress τ1 = P/A and the
torsional shearing stress τ2 = Tr/J, with T = PR.
This formula neglects the curvature of the spring. This is used for light spring where the
ratio d/4R is small.
For heavy springs and considering the curvature of the spring, a more precise formula is
given by: ([Link] Formula)
where m is called the spring index and (4m – 1) / (4m – 4) is the Wahl Factor.
The elongation of the bar is
Notice that the deformation δ is directly proportional to the applied load P. The ratio of P
to δ is called the spring constant k and is equal to
SPRINGS IN SERIES
For two or more springs with spring laid in series, the resulting spring constant k is
given by
where k1, k2,… are the spring constants for different springs.
SPRINGS IN PARALLEL
Solved Problems in Helical Springs
Problem 343
Determine the maximum shearing stress and elongation in a helical steel spring
composed of 20 turns of 20-mm-diameter wire on a mean radius of 90 mm when the
spring is supporting a load of 1.5 kN. Use Eq. (3-10) and G = 83 GPa.
Solution 343
Problem 344
Determine the maximum shearing stress and elongation in a bronze helical spring
composed of 20 turns of 1.0-in.-diameter wire on a mean radius of 4 in. when the
spring is supporting a load of 500 lb. Use Eq. (3-10) and G = 6 × 106 psi.
Solution 344
Problem 345
A helical spring is fabricated by wrapping wire ¾ in. in diameter around a forming
cylinder 8 in. in diameter. Compute the number of turns required to permit an
elongation of 4 in. without exceeding a shearing stress of 18 ksi. Use Eq. (3-9) and G =
12 × 106 psi.
Solution 345
Problem 346
Compute the maximum shearing stress developed in a phosphor bronze spring having
mean diameter of 200 mm and consisting of 24 turns of 200-mm-diameter wire when
the spring is stretched 100 mm. Use Eq. (3-10) and G = 42 GPa.
Solution 346
Problem 347
Two steel springs arranged in series as shown in Fig. P-347 supports a load P. The
upper spring has 12 turns of 25-mm-diameter wire on a mean radius of 100 mm. The
lower spring consists of 10 turns of 20-mmdiameter wire on a mean radius of 75 mm. If
the maximum shearing stress in either spring must not exceed 200 MPa, compute the
maximum value of P and the total elongation of the assembly. Use Eq. (3-10) and G =
83 GPa. Compute the equivalent spring constant by dividing the load by the total
elongation.
Solution 347
Problem 348
A rigid bar, pinned at O, is supported by two identical springs as shown in Fig. P-348.
Each spring consists of 20 turns of ¾-in-diameter wire having a mean diameter of 6 in.
Determine the maximum load W that may be supported if the shearing stress in the
springs is limited to 20 ksi. Use Eq. (3-9).
Solution 348
Problem 349
A rigid bar, hinged at one end, is supported by two identical springs as shown in Fig. P-
349. Each spring consists of 20 turns of 10-mm wire having a mean diameter of 150
mm. Compute the maximum shearing stress in the springs, using Eq. (3-9). Neglect the
mass of the rigid bar.
Solution 349
Problem 350
As shown in Fig. P-350, a homogeneous 50-kg rigid block is suspended by the three
springs whose lower ends were originally at the same level. Each steel spring has 24
turns of 10-mm-diameter on a mean diameter of 100 mm, and G = 83 GPa. The bronze
spring has 48 turns of 20-mm-diameter wire on a mean diameter of 150 mm, and G =
42 GPa. Compute the maximum shearing stress in each spring using Eq. (3-9).
Solution 350