WHAT IS SPRING?
Spring is an elastic body (generally metal) that can be twisted, pulled, or
stretched by some force.
It deflects when loaded (i.e. applied force ) and returns to its original
shape when the load is removed.
It is also termed as a resilient member, which stores energy once
deflected and release the same as it recovers to its original shape.
CLASSIFICATION OF SPRINGS
1) Helical springs:
a) Open coiled or Tension helical spring
b) Closed coil or Compression helical spring
c) Torsion spring
d) Spiral spring
2) Leaf springs
HELICAL SPRING CLASSIFICATION
Helical springs are made of wire coiled in the form of helix.
1. Open coiled or Tension helical spring
2. Closed coil or Compression helical spring
3. Torsion spring
4. Spiral spring
CLOSE COILED OR TENSION HELICAL SPRING
1. The wire is coiled in a sequence that the plane containing each turn is at right
angles to the spring axis.
2. The gap between the successive coils or turns is small.
3. The spring is loaded along the axis.
4. By applying load the spring elongates or lengthens in action.
5. Also known as extension springs.
6. Applications
Garage door assemblies
Vise-grip pliers
Carburetors
Types of End Hooks
OPEN COILED OR COMPRESSION HELICAL SPRING
1. The wire is coiled in cylindrical shape with a constant pitch between coils.
2. The gap between the successive coils or turns is large.
3. The spring is loaded along the axis.
4. By applying load the spring shortens in action.
5. Applications
Ballpoint pens
Pogo sticks
Internal combustion engine valves
TORSION SPRING
1. It is also a form of helical spring, but it is subjected to torque about the axis of
the spring.
2. Mainly used for torque transmission.
3. The spring ends are attached to things. When those things rotate about the
spring axis, the spring tries to push them back.
4. Applications
Door hinges
Clip boards
Automobile starters
SPIRAL SPRING
1. It made of flat strips of rectangular section wrapped around itself a number of
times to create a geometric shape.
2. Its inner end is attached to an arbor and outer end is attached to a retaining
drum.
3. It releases power when it unwinds.
4. Also called as clock, power or coil springs.
5. Applications
Alarm timepiece
Watch
Seat recliners
LEAF SPRING
1. It consists of a number of metal plates (leaves) of rectangular cross-section
held together by means of clams and bolts.
2. Leaves are stacked one upon the other to ensure rigidity and strength.
3. Mostly used in automobiles.
4. In addition to energy absorbing ability, the leaf spring can withstand loads.
5. It can carry lateral loads, brake torque, driving torque in addition to shocks in
automobiles.
LEAF SPRING
1. It is also called as a semi-elliptical spring as it takes the form of a slender arc
shaped length of spring steel.
2. The center of the arc provides the location for the axle, while the tie holes are
provided at either end for attaching to the vehicle body.
3. A shackle is an integral component of the suspension system that attaches
between the leaf spring and the vehicle frame. It allows for the leaf spring to work
through length changes during suspension articulation.
4. The leaves are graduated in length to obtain a constant stress throughout the
spring .
5. Depending upon the load bearing capacity of the vehicle the leaf spring is designed
with graduated and ungraduated leaves.
NIPPING IN LEAF SPRING
Because of the difference in the leaf length, different stress will be there at
each leaf. To compensate the stress level, pre-stressing is to be done.
Pre-stressing is achieved by bending the leaves to different radius of
curvature before they are assembled with the center clip.
The radius of curvature decreases with shorter leaves.
The extra initial gap found between the extra full length leaf and graduated
length leaf is called as nip. Such pre- stressing is achieved by a difference in
the radius of curvature is known as nipping.
SPRING MATERIALS
The mainly used material for manufacturing the springs are as follows:
1) Hard drawn high carbon steel 9) Chrome vanadium
2) Oil tempered high carbon steel 10) Chrome silicon
3) Stainless steel
4) Copper or nickel based alloys
5) Phosphor bronze
6) Inconel
7) Monel
8) Titanium
MATERIAL SELECTION CHART FOR SPRINGS
NOMENCLATURE OF A COMPRESSION HELICAL SPRING
Solid length (Ls) Compressed spring until
coils come in contact.
Solid length = n d
Initial Deflection - Generally springs are
compressed initially with some force and
this deflection.
Free length (L0) = Solid length + Maximum
compression (working range) + Clearance
between adjacent coils.
Clash Allowance is given to avoid direct
contact of coils during operation. It prevents
wear and tear, noise as well.
NOMENCLATURE OF A COMPRESSION HELICAL SPRING
(d) (D)
Spring index (D / d) Defined as the ratio of mean diameter of the coil to the
wire diameter.
Spring rate Defined as the force required to produce unit deflection.
Spring constant (K) = F/
Pitch Defined as the axial distance between adjacent coils in uncompressed
state.
Pitch of the coil = Free length / (n-1)
TERMINOLOGIES IN A COMPRESSION HELICAL SPRING
1)Free length 12)Set
2)Pitch 13)Spring rate
3)Endurance limit 14)Spring index
4)Slenderness ratio
5)Pitch
6)Active coils
7)Solid length
8)Pitch angle
9)Hysterisis
10)Initial tension
11)Permanent set
Kequivalent - when springs are in series
2
Kequivalent-when springs are in parallel
PARALLEL (SYMMETRIC DISPLACEMENTCASE)
(1= 2)
1 2
UNSYMMETRICAL DISPLACEMENT(1, 2, TOTAL)
WHEN THE SPRINGS ARE IN PARALLEL (1 2)
COMBINED SYSTEM(BOTH SERIES AND PARALLEL)
APPLICATIONS OF SPRINGS
1) To apply forces and controlling motion, as in brakes and clutches.
2) Measuring forces, as in the case of a spring balance.
3) Storing energy, as in the case of springs used in watches and toys.
4) Reducing the effect of shocks and vibrations in vehicles and
machine foundations.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
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4) [Link]/spring_terms.html
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8) [Link]/content/engine/4037/css/14037_77.html
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