The physics of simple springs in their different types, helical and beam forms. The simplest is cantilever beam. There are a lot of applications of springs in everyday life. In our models we employ them to great effect. This page looks at the fundamentals.
Spring Types
Cantilever Beam
where
E = Youngs modulus [Nm-2]
I = area moment of inertia [m4]
l = length [m]
Beam fixed at each End
where
E = Youngs modulus [Nm-2]
I = area moment of inertia [m4]
l = length [m]
Simply Supported Beam
where
E = Youngs modulus [Nm-2]
I = area moment of inertia [m4]
l = length [m]
Helical Springs
where
k = stiffness [Nm-1]
G = shear modulus [Nm-2]
d = wire diameter [m]
D = mean coil diameter [m]
n = number of turns
Axial Load on a Rod
where
E = Youngs modulus [Nm-2]
A = cross sectional area [m2]
l = length [m]
Tapered Rod with Axial Load
where
E = Youngs modulus [Nm-2]
D,d = end diameters [m]
l = length [m]
Quarter-Elliptic Laminated Leaf Spring
where
E = Youngs modulus [Nm-2]
n = number of leaves
b = width of leaves [m]
t = thickness of leaves [m]
l = span [m]
Semi-Elliptic Laminated Leaf Spring
where
E = Youngs modulus [Nm-2]
n = number of leaves
b = width of leaves [m]
t = thickness of leaves [m]
l = span [m]
Hooke’s Law
Hooke’s Law states that, in a linear system, the restoring force is proportional to the displacement of the body, acting in a direction as to restore equilibrium.
Mechanical Shock Absorber
The mechanical shock absorber is a mechanical device designed to smooth out or dampen a sudden shock impulse and dissipate kinetic energy. The shock absorber turns kinetic energy into thermal energy within the working fluids of system.