Helical Compression Spring Sizing Guide
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ScribdTranslationsSizing Detailed conception
Helical compression spring
1. Principle.
As its name does not indicate, this type of spring works
essentially in torsion. This spring can therefore be considered
like a torsion bar that one would have wrapped in a helix.
2. Characteristics, definitions.
F1 F2 Fn Fc
Free state State constrained 1 Constrained state 2 Maximum constrained state Ultimate state or at full throttle
do not exceed spires joints
L0 : resting length of the spring (mm) L0 = n. p + 3d (for close ends)
L1, L2 : length under load F1 or F2 (mm) L1 = L0 - S1
Ln : maximum load length (mm)
Lc : length at block (mm) Lc = n.d + d
If : spring deflection (mm) Si = L0 - Li
d: wire diameter (mm)
D: diamètre moyen d’enroulement (mm)
From : outer diameter (mm)
From: diamètre intérieur (mm)
Dh : minimum diameter of the bore capable of guiding the spring (mm)
Dd : maximum diameter of the tree capable of guiding the spring (mm)
Fi : applied charge (N)
n: Number of useful turns to round to the nearest ½ turn (without dimension)
p: pitch of the propeller (mm)
k: spring stiffness (N/mm)
G: transverse elastic modulus or Coulomb modulus of the material (MPa)
Rpg : practical slip resistance of the material (MPa)
3. Arrow of the spring.
8. Fi.n.D3
The resistance of materials gives us the deflection: Si
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Sizing Detailed conception
Helical compression spring
4. Relation effort-deformation: stiffness.
The effort-deformation relationship of a spring is considered linear as long as the coils remain
slightly inclined (<7°): F(N)
Fi G.d4
The stiffness is worth
If 8.n.D3 S (mm)
indicative value of G for a C60 steel 8.104MPa
5. Resistance condition.
8.F2 .D
The constraint must remain less than the practical resistance: maxi Rpg
.d3
8.F2 .D
We derive from this formula :d 3
.Rpg
6. Manufacturing constraint.
It imposes the proportions of the spring:
The ratio m = D/d is almost always between 5 and 13 and most often between 7 and 10.
Below 5, up to 3.5, one can hardly wrap the wire cold anymore. Above
12 or 13 the wire tension after winding no longer allows to ensure the value accurately
diameter D.
7. Space constraints.
They impose the outer diameter De (or Dd, Dh if the spring is guided) and the lengths
under load L1 and L2 that meet the available space.
8. Calculation of a spring.
The calculation is complex and iterative, it must adhere to the different constraints:
Desired efforts F1 and F2.
Operating course = S2 - S1.
Wire diameter d standard.
Number of turns rounded to the nearest ½.
Manufacturing constraints (proportions)
Space constraints.
Resistance condition (acceptable shear stress for the chosen material).
Today, there are software programs available on the market that allow for the realization of the
rapid and iterative calculation. They provide effective assistance in spring design.
In any case, it remains to carry out the optimization...