Page 414 - Analysis and Design of Machine Elements
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Analysis and Design of Machine Elements
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(a) (b)
Figure 14.6 Spiral spring and its characteristic curve.
(a) (b)
Figure 14.7 Leaf spring and its characteristic curve.
14.1.2.4 Leaf Springs
Leaf springs are essentially made of flat strips and are stressed in bending (Figure 14.7a).
Large forces can be exerted within a small space by leaf springs. By stacking leaves with
different geometry and dimensions, a desired characteristic curve similar to Figure 14.7b
can be obtained. Leaf springs are commonly used as a part of automotive suspension
systems as well in many other industrial products.
14.2 Working Condition Analysis
14.2.1 Geometry and Terminology
Most helical springs are wound from wire of solid round cross section. The main vari-
ables and terminology used to describe the geometry and to analyse the performance
characteristics of helical compression springs are illustrated in Figure 14.8 and are
explained as follows:
1) Wire diameter, d. Cross sectional diameter of wire. The specification of required
wire diameter is one of the most important outcomes of spring design. It is a
