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: (A.M.Wahl 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