Equivalent stress and strain distribution in helical compression springs subjected to bending

Abstract

Stress and strain analyses of helical compression springs have long been an important factor in machine design. Designs routinely incorporate helical springs, either tensile or compressive, to transmit uniaxial loads. Recently, multiaxial loading has become more commonplace, with devices such as flexible shaft couplings. Through static mechanical experiments, coupled with finite element analysis, the equivalent stress distribution in uniformly deformed springs is developed based solely upon visual inspection of the bent helix. Equivalent strains are also approximated, with satisfactory correlation between predicted and observed strains. In situations that involve space constraints, stress monitoring equipment may be intrusive; as such, approximations have been based solely on visual inspection of the deformed helix.