CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

HELICAL SPRINGS
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

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:
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

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.

𝜏 = 𝜏1 + 𝜏2
𝑃 16𝑃𝑅
𝜏=𝜋 + 3
𝑑 2 𝜋𝑑
4
16𝑃𝑅 𝑑
𝜏= 3
1+
𝜋𝑑 4𝑅
This formula neglects the curvature of the spring. This is used for light
spring where the ratio d/4R is small.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

For heavy springs and considering the curvature of the spring, A.M. Wahl
formula a more precise, it is given by:

16𝑃𝑅 4𝑚 − 1 0.615
𝜏= 3
+
𝜋𝑑 4𝑚 − 4 𝑚

where m is called the spring index and (4m - 1)/(4m - 4) is the Wahl Factor.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

The elongation of the bar is

64𝑃𝑅3 𝑛
𝛿=
𝐺𝑑4

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

𝑃 𝐺𝑑 4
𝑘= = 3
𝑁/𝑚𝑚
𝛿 64𝑅 𝑛
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

SPRINGS IN SERIES

For two or more springs with spring laid in series, the resulting spring
constant k is given by

1 1 1
= + +. . . . . .
𝑘 𝑘1 𝑘2

where k1, k2,... are the spring constants for different springs.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

Springs in Parallel

For two or more springs in parallel, the resulting spring constant is

𝑘 = 𝑘1 + 𝑘2 +. . . . . .
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

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 G = 83 GPa.
Use Wahl formula
16𝑃𝑅 4𝑚 − 1 0.615
𝜏= 3
+
𝜋𝑑 4𝑚 − 4 𝑚

Where:
P = 1.5 kN = 1500 N; R = 90 mm
d = 20 mm; n = 20 turns
m = 2R/d = 2(90)/20 = 9
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

16(1500)(90) 4(9) − 1 0.615

𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 3
+ = 99.87𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜋(20) 4(9) − 4 (9)

64𝑃𝑅3 𝑛
𝛿=
𝐺𝑑 4

64(1500) 90 3 (20)
𝛿= 4
= 105.4𝑚𝑚
(83000)(20)
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

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
Wahl formula and G = 6 × 106 psi.

16𝑃𝑅 4𝑚 − 1 0.615
𝜏= 3
+
𝜋𝑑 4𝑚 − 4 𝑚
Where
P = 500 lb; R = 4 in
d = 1 in; n = 20 turns
m = 2R/d = 2(4)/1 = 8
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

16(500)(4) 4(8) − 1 0.615

𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 3
+ = 12,060.3𝑝𝑠𝑖 = 12.06𝑘𝑠𝑖
𝜋(1) 4(8) − 4 (8)

64𝑃𝑅3 𝑛
𝛿=
𝐺𝑑 4

64(500) 4 3 (20)
𝛿= = 6.83𝑖𝑛
(6 × 10 )(1)
6 4
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

A helical spring is fabricated by wrapping wire 3/4 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 G = 12 × 106 psi. Neglect curvature of
spring.
16𝑃𝑅 𝑑
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 3
1+
𝜋𝑑 4𝑅
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

3
16𝑃(4) 4
18 = 1 + 𝑃 = 356.07𝑙𝑏
3 3 4(4)
𝜋
4

64𝑃𝑅3 𝑛
𝛿=
𝐺𝑑4

64(356.07)(4)3 𝑛 𝑛 = 10.41 𝑠𝑎𝑦 10 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑠

4= 4
3
(12 ×10 )
6
4
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

Compute the maximum shearing stress developed in a phosphor bronze

spring having mean diameter of 200 mm and consisting of 24 turns of 20-
mm-diameter wire when the spring is stretched 100 mm. Use G = 42 GPa.
The spring is considered heavy spring.

64𝑃𝑅3 𝑛
𝛿=
𝐺𝑑 4
Where
δ = 100 mm; R = 100 mm
d = 20 mm; n = 24 turns
G = 42 000 MPa
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

64𝑃 100 3 (24) 𝑃 = 437.5𝑁

100 =
(42000)(20)4

16𝑃𝑅 4𝑚 − 1 0.615
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 3
+
𝜋𝑑 4𝑚 − 4 𝑚
Where
m = 2R/d = 2(100)/20 = 10

16(437.5)(100) 4(10) − 1 0.615

𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 3
+ = 31.89𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜋(20) 4(10) − 4 (10)
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

Two steel springs arranged in series as shown 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-mm diameter 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
Wahl formula and G = 83 GPa. Compute the equivalent
spring constant by dividing the load by the total
elongation.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

16𝑃𝑅 4𝑚 − 1 0.615
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 3
+
𝜋𝑑 4𝑚 − 4 𝑚

For spring 1

16𝑃(100) 4(8) − 1 0.615

200 = 3
+
𝜋(25) 4(8) − 4 (8)

P = 5182.29𝑁
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

For spring 2

16𝑃(75) 4(7.5) − 1 0.615

200 = 3
+
𝜋(20) 4(7.5) − 4 (7.5)

P = 3498.28𝑁

𝑈𝑠𝑒 P = 3498.28𝑁
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

Total elongation: 𝛿 = 𝛿1 + 𝛿2
64𝑃𝑅3 𝑛 64𝑃𝑅3 𝑛
𝛿= +
𝐺𝑑 4 1
𝐺𝑑 4
2

64(3498.28)(100)3 (12) 64(3498.28)(75)3 (10)

𝛿= 4
+ 4
= 153.99𝑚𝑚
(83000)(25) (83000)(20)

Equivalent spring constant, kequivalent:

𝑃 3498.28
kequivalent = = = 22.72 𝑁/𝑚𝑚
𝛿 153.99
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

A rigid bar, pinned at O, is supported by two identical springs as shown

Each spring consists of 20 turns of 3/4-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. Assume light
spring.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

16𝑃𝑅 𝑑
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 3
1+
𝜋𝑑 4𝑅
3
16𝑃(3) 4
20000 = 1 +
3 3 4(3)
𝜋
4
𝑃 = 519.75𝑙𝑏
For this problem, the critical spring is the
one subjected to tension. Use P2 = 519.75 lb.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝛿1 𝛿2 1
= 𝛿1 = 𝛿2
2 4 2

64𝑃1 𝑅3 𝑛 1 64𝑃2 𝑅3 𝑛
4
=
𝐺𝑑 2 𝐺𝑑 4

1 1 𝑀𝑂 = 0
𝑃1 = 𝑃2 = (519.75)
2 2
7𝑊 = 2𝑃1 + 4𝑃2
𝑃1 = 259.875𝑙𝑏
7𝑊 = 2(259.875) + 4(519.75)

𝑊 = 371.25𝑙𝑏
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

A rigid bar, hinged at one end, is supported by two identical springs as

shown. Each spring consists of 20 turns of 10-mm wire having a mean
diameter of 150 mm. Compute the maximum shearing stress in the light
springs. Neglect the mass of the rigid bar.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝛿1 𝛿2 1
= 𝛿1 = 𝛿2
2 6 3

64𝑃1 𝑅3 𝑛 1 64𝑃2 𝑅3 𝑛
4
=
𝐺𝑑 3 𝐺𝑑 4
𝑀𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 = 0
1
𝑃1 = 𝑃2
3 2𝑃1 + 6𝑃2 = 98.1(4)
1 1
𝑃1 = (58.86) (2) 𝑃2 + 6𝑃2 = 98.1(4)
3 3
𝑃1 = 19.62𝑁 𝑃2 = 58.86𝑁
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

16𝑃𝑅 𝑑
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 3
1+
𝜋𝑑 4𝑅

For spring at left: For spring at right:

16(19.62)(75) 10 16(58.86)(75) 10
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥1 = 1+ 𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥2 = 3
1+
𝜋(10) 3 4(75) 𝜋(10) 4(75)

𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥1 = 7.744𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥2 = 23.232𝑀𝑃𝑎
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

As shown in the figure, 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 light spring.
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝐹𝑉 = 0

𝑃1 + 𝑃2 + 𝑃3 = 490.5

𝑀1 = 0

𝑃2 (1) + 𝑃3 (3) = 490.5(1.5)

𝑃2 + 3𝑃3 = 735.75
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

𝛿2 − 𝛿1 𝛿3 − 𝛿1
=
1 3
1 2
𝛿2 = 𝛿3 + 𝛿1
3 3

64𝑃2 50 3 (24) 1 64𝑃3 75 3 (48) 2 64𝑃1 50 3 (24)

4
= 4
+
(83000)(10) 3 (42000)(20) 3 (83000)(10)4

3 9 1 3 9 1
𝑃2 = 𝑃3 + 𝑃1 𝑃2 = 𝑃3 + 𝑃1
830 8960 415 166 1792 83
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

3 9 1
𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 ∶ 𝑃1 + 𝑃2 + 𝑃3 = 490.5 𝑃2 = 𝑃3 + 𝑃1
166 1792 83
𝑃1 = 490.5 − 𝑃2 − 𝑃3

3 9 1
𝑃2 = 𝑃3 + (490.5 − 𝑃2 − 𝑃3 )
166 1792 83

3 9 981 1 1
𝑃2 = 𝑃3 + − 𝑃2 − 𝑃3
166 1792 166 83 83
5 981 1045
𝑃2 = − 𝑃3
166 166 148736
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES

5 981 1045
𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚: 𝑃2 + 3𝑃3 = 735.75 𝑃2 = − 𝑃3
166 166 148736
2943
𝑃2 = − 3𝑃3
4

5 2943 981 1045 𝑃3 = 195.01𝑁

− 3𝑃3 = − 𝑃3
166 4 166 148736
2943
𝑃2 = − 3 195.01 = 150.72𝑁
1045 15 981 14715 4
− 𝑃3 = −
148736 166 166 664 𝑃1 = 490.5 − 150.72 − 195.01 = 144.77N
CE 234 MECHANICS OF DEFORMABLE BODIES
For steel at right:

16𝑃𝑅 𝑑
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 1+ 16(150.72)(50) 10
𝜋𝑑 3 4𝑅 𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥2 = 3
1+
𝜋(10) 4(50)

For steel at left:

𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥2 = 40.30𝑀𝑃𝑎

16(144.77)(50) 10 For phosphor bronze:

𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥1 = 3
1+
𝜋(10) 4(50)
16(195.01)(75) 20
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥3 = 3
1+
𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥1 = 38.709𝑀𝑃𝑎 𝜋(20) 4(75)

𝜏𝑚𝑎𝑥3 = 9.932𝑀𝑃𝑎