V = Volume

m = Mass of the spring

ρ = Mass density of the spring

y1 = Initial deflection or initial compression

Design of Helical Springs

The design of a helical compression spring involves the following considerations:

Modes of loading – i.e., whether the spring is subjected to static or infrequently varying
load or alternating load.

The force deflection characteristic requirement for the given application.

Is there any space restriction.

Required life for springs subjected to alternating loads.

Environmental conditions such as corrosive atmosphere and temperature.

Economy desired.

Considering these factors the designer select the material and specify the wire size, spring
diameter, number of turns spring rate, type of ends, free length and the surface condition.

A helical compression spring, that is too long compared to the mean coil diameter, acts as a
flexible column and may buckle at comparatively low axial force.

Springs which cannot be designed buckle- proof must be guided in a sleeve or over an arbor.

This is undesirable because the friction between the spring and the guide may damage the
spring in the long run.

It is therefore preferable, if possible, to divide the spring into buckle proof component
springs separated by intermediate platens which are guided over a arbor or in a sleeve.
Design procedure for helical compression spring of circular cross section

1) Diameter of wire:

Shear stress

Wahl’s stress factor

Also refer for k value from DHB Figure

Where d = diameter of spring wire

‘c’ generally varies from 4 to 12 for general use

From data hand book select standard diameter for the spring wire.

2. Mean Diameter of Coil

Mean coil diameter D = cd

Outer diameter of coil Do= D+d

Inner diameter of coil Di= D - d

3. Number of coil or turns

Axial Deflection

where i = Number of active turns or coils

4. Free length

Where,

y = Maximum deflection
 Clearance ‘a’ = 25% of maximum deflection or a = xdi, for x value refer figure in DHB

Assume squared and ground end

∴ Number of additional coil n = 2

5. Stiffness or Rate of spring

6. Pitch

Four end types of compression springs

Problem 1

A helical spring of wire diameter 6mm and spring index 6 is acted by an initial load of 800N.
After compressing it further by 10mm the stress in the wire is 500MPa. Find the number of
active coils. G = 84000MPa.

Questions and answers

Q1. What are the objectives of a spring?

A1. The objectives of a spring are to cushion, absorb, or controlling of energy arising due to
shock and vibration. It is also used for control of motion, storing of energy and for the purpose of
measuring forces.

Q2. What is the curvature effect in a helical spring? How does it vary with spring index?

A2. For springs where the wire diameter is comparable with the coil diameter, in a given
segment of the spring, the inside length of the spring segment is relatively shorter than the
outside length. Hence, for a given magnitude of torsion, shearing strain is more in the inner
segment than the outer segment. This unequal shearing strain is called the curvature effect.
Curvature effect decreases with the increase in spring index.

Q3. What are the major stresses in a helical spring?

A3. The major stresses in a helical spring are of two types, shear stress due to torsion and direct
shear due to applied load.
Problem 1
Design a helical compression spring to support an axial load of 3000 N. The deflection under
load is limited to 60mm. The spring index is 6.The spring is made of chrome vanadium steel and
factor of safety is equal to 2

Data
F = 3000N, y = 60mm, c = 6, FOS = 2

Solution
From DHB for chrome-vanadium steel refer standard table

τy = 690MPa=690N/mm2 (0.69GPa)

G=79340MPa=79340N/mm2 (79.34GPa)

Diameter of wire

Shear stress

Wahl’s stress factor

Spring index

D = 6d

345

d = 12.89

Select standard diameter of wire from table

d = 13 mm

Diameter of coil
Mean diameter of coil= D = 78 mm

Outer diameter of coil =Do = D+d = 78+13= 91 mm

Inner diameter of coil = Di = D-d = 78-13 = 65 mm

3. Number of coil or turns

Deflection

= 11.93

Number active turns = 12

4. Free length

≥ ( +n) d+y+a

Clearance a = 25% of maximum deflection =

Assume squared and ground end

n=2

Total number of turns ’= +n=12+2=14

o ≥ (12+2)13+60+15 ≥ 257 mm

5. Pitch

6. Stiffness or Rate of spring

7. Spring specification
Material Chrome vanadium steel
Wire diameter d =13 mm
Mean diameter D = 78 mm
Free length lo = 257 mm
Total number of terms i’= 14
Style of end-square and ground
Pitch p = 19.25 mm
Rate of spring Fo = 50 N/mm

Problem 2
A helical valve spring is to be designed for an operating load range of approximately 90to135N.
The deflection of the spring for the Load range is 7.5mm.Assume a spring index of 10 and factor
safety = 2. Design the spring.

Data: Maximum load F2= 135N, minimum load F1 =90N; y’=7.5mm, c=10, FOS=2

Solution:
From DHB for chrome-vanadium steel

(Refer table physical properties of spring materials)

τy = 690MPa = 690N/mm2 (0.69GPa)

G=79340MPa = 79340N/mm2 (79.34GPa)

Maximum deflection

= 22.5mm

Design the spring for Maximum load and deflection

Diameter of wire

Shear stress

Wahl’s stress factor =1.1448

Spring index

10

D = 10 d

345 =

d = 3.37 mm

Select standard diameter of wire

d = 3.4 mm

Diameter of coil

Mean diameter of coil = D = 34mm

Outer diameter of coil = Do= D+d = 34+3.4 = 37.4mm

Inner diameter of coil = Di = D-d = 34-3.4 = 30.6

Number of coil or turns

Deflection
 22.5 =

= 5.62

Number active turns = 6

Free length

o ≥ ( +n)d+y+a

Clearance a = 25% of maximum deflection = = 5.625 mm

Assume squared and ground end

Number of additional coil n = 2

Total number of turns ’= +n = 12+2 = 14

o ≥ (6+2)3.4+22.5+5.625

≥ 55.325 mm

Pitch

= 8.0875mm

Stiffness or Rate of spring

= 6 N/mm

Total length of wire

= πDi’ where = +n=6+2=8

= πx34x8 = 854.513mm

Problem 3
Design a valve spring for an automobile engine, when the valve is closed, the spring produces a
force of 45N and when it opens, produces a force of 55N. The spring must fit over the valve bush
which has an outside diameter of 20 mm and must go inside a space of 35 mm. The lift of the
valve is 6 mm. The spring index is 12. The allowable stress may be taken as 330 MPa. Modulus
of rigidity 80GPa.

Data:
Maximum load F2= 55N, Minimum load F1 = 45N;

y’= 6mm, c =12

Solution
For chrome-vanadium steel

࣎y= 330MPa = 330N/mm2

G = 80000MPa = 80000N/mm2 (80GPa)

Maximum deflection

= 33mm

Diameter of wire

Shear stress

Wahl’s stress factor =1.119

Spring index

12

D = 12d
 330 =

d = 2.387mm

Select standard diameter of wire d = 2.5mm

Diameter of coil

Mean diameter of coil = D = 30mm

Outer diameter of coil = Do= D+d =30+2.5 = 32.5mm

Inner diameter of coil = Di = D-d = 30-2.5 = 27.5mm

Check

Do = 32.5mm > 35mm

Di = 27.5mm < 20mm

Design is safe

Number of coil or turns

Deflection

33 =

= 8.68

Number active turns =9

Free length

o ≥ ( +n)d+y+a

Clearance a = 25% of maximum deflection = = 8.25mm

 Assume squared and ground end

Number of additional coil n = 2

Total number of turns ’= +n=9+2=11

o≥ (9+2)2.5+33+8.25

≥ 68.75mm

Pitch

= 7.083mm

Stiffness or Rate of spring

= 1.667 N/mm

Total length of wire

= πDi’ where ’=i+n=9+2=11 = πx30x11=1036.725mm

Problem 4
Round wire cylindrical compression spring has an outside diameter of 75 mm. It is made of
12.5mm diameter steel wire. The spring supports an axial load of 5000N, Determine

(i) Maximum shear stress,

(ii) Total deflection if the spring has 8 coils with squared-ground end and is made of SAE
9260 steel.

(iii) Find also the pitch of coils and

(iv) The natural frequency of vibration of the spring if the one is at rest.

Data: Do=75mm; ’=8; D=12.5; F=5000N; Material –SAE 9260

Solution:

From table for SAE 9260

G = 79340MPa = 79340N/mm2 (79.34GPa)

Maximum Shear stress

Shear stress

Do = D+d

75 = D+12.5

D = 62.5 mm

=1.3105

=533.95N/mm2

Total deflection

For squared and ground end n=2

’=i+n

8 = +2

’= 6

= = 30.25mm

Pitch

o ≥ ( +n)d+y+a

Clearance a = 25% of maximum deflection = = 7.5625mm

Total number of turns ’= +n=6+2=8

o≥ (6+2)12.5+30.25+7.5625
 ≥ 137.8125mm

= 18.8mm

Natural frequency

Natural frequency of vibration one end is at rest

f=

= 165.28925 N/mm = 165289.25 N/m

Mass m = Volume x density

Volume V = πD

Density ρ =7.81gm/cc = 7.81x10-6kg/mm3 for steel

m = πx62.5x6xπx x7.81x10-6 = 1.129 kg

f= = 86.1 Hz

Problem 5
The spring loaded safety valve for a boiler is required to blow off at a pressure of 1.3MPa. The
diameter of the valve is 65 mm and maximum lift of the valve is 17.5mm. Design a suitable
compression spring for a valve assuming spring index to be 6 and providing initial compression
of 30mm take ࣎ = 0.45GPa and G= 84 Gpa.

Data: p1 = 1.3MPa; Diameter of a valve = 65mm, y’ = 17.5mm, c = 6, y1 = 30mm

 τ = 450MPa = 450N/mm2 (0.45GPa)

G = 84000MPa = 84000N/mm2 (84GPa)

Solution:

Maximum deflection y2=y1+y’ = 30+17.5 = 47.5 mm

 Minimum load F1= P1xArea of valve = 1.3x x652 = 4313.8N

Maximum deflection

47.5

-4318.8 = 0.3684x

= 6838.1 N = maximum load

Design of spring for maximum load and maximum deflection.

Diameter of wire

Shear stress

Wahl’s stress factor =1.2525

Spring index

D=6d

450 =

d = 17.053 mm

Select standard diameter of wire

d = 8mm

Diameter of coil

D= 108 mm = mean diameter of coil

 Do= D+d = 108+18 = 126 mm = Outer diameter of coil

Di= D-d = 108-18 = 90 mm = Inner diameter of coil

Number of coil or turns

Deflection y2

47.5 =

=6.078

Number active turns =7

Free length

o ≥ ( +n)d+y+a

Clearance a = 25% of maximum deflection = =11.875 mm

Assume squared and ground end

Number of additional coil n=2

Total number of turns ’= +n=7+2=9

o≥ (7+2)18+47.5+11.875

≥ 221.375mm

Pitch

= 26.48 mm

Stiffness or Rate of spring

= 143.96 N/mm

Total length of wire

= πDi’ where ’=i+n=7+2=9

= πx108x9=3053.63mm
Problem 6

The valve spring of a gasoline engine is 40mm long when the valve is open and 48mm long
when the valve is closed. The spring loads are 250N when the valve is closed and 400N when the
valve is open. The inside diameter of the spring is not to be less then 25mm and factor of safety
is 2.Design the spring

Data: F1= 250N F2= 400N Di = 65mm, y’=48-40=8mm, FOS=2

Solution:

Maximum deflection

= 21.33 mm

Design of spring for maximum load and maximum deflection.

Assume chrome vanadium alloy steel from table 20.14

 τ= 690MPa=690N/mm2 (0.69 GPa)

G=79.34x103MPa=79340N/mm2 (79.34GPa)

Diameter of wire

Shear stress
Assume k=1.25 since ‘c‘is not given

Di = D –d i.e., D – d =25

∴ D = d+25

i.e., 0.271d3 - d – 25 = 0

By hit and trial method d = 4.791mm.

Select standard diameter of wire from

∴ d=5mm
Diameter of coil

∴ D=d+25 = 25+5 = 30mm Mean diameter of coil

Do=D+d=30+5=35mm=Outer diameter of coil

Di=D-d=30 -5 =25mm=Inner diameter of coil

Check

Spring index

Wahl’s stress factor

τcal = 306.2 N/mm2 < τallow (i.e., 345N/mm2)

Therefore design is safe.

Number of coil or turns

Deflection

=12.24

Free length

lo≥ (i+n)d+y+a
 Assume squared and ground end

Number of additional coil

∴ n =2

∴lo≥ (13+2)5+21.33+5.3325

≥ 101.6625mm

Pitch

Stiffness or Rate of spring

Total length of wire

= πDi’ where

= π x 30 x 15 = 1413.72mm

Problem 7

A single plate friction clutch transmits 20kw at 1000 rpm. There are 2 pairs of friction surfaces
having a mean radius of 150 mm. The axial pressure is provided by six springs. If the springs are
compressed by 5 mm during declutching, design the spring, take c=6, G = 80GPa and ࣆ = 0.3, ࣎
=0.42GPa. G=80 Gpa and

Given data

N = 20kw c=6

n = 1000rpm ࣎ = 0.42GPa = 420Mpa

i = number of active surfaces

Rm=150 mm ∴ Dm = 300 mm

Number of springs = 6 y = 5mm

Solution:

Clutch

Torque Mt =9550x1000x

Also, Mt=

x0.3x

Fa=2122.22 N =axial force

1. Diameter of the wire

Shear stress

Stress factor k=

Spring index c=

Diameter of wire = d=4mm

2. Diameter of coil
Mean diameter of coil D=6d= 6x4= 24 mm

Outer diameter of coil =Do =D+d =24+4=28mm

Inner diameter of coil Di=D-d= 24-4=20 mm

3. Number of turns
 Deflection y=

i.e. 5=

Problem 8

A single plate friction clutch is to be designed for a vehicle. Both sides of plate are to be
effective. The clutch transmits 30KW at a speed of 3000rpm and should cater for an overload of
20%. The intensity of pressure on the friction surfaces should not exceed 0.085N/mm2 and the
surface speed at the mean radius should be limited to 2300m/min. The outside diameter may be
assumed as 1.3times inside diameter and ࣆ=0.3. If the axial thrust is to be provided by six
springs of about 25mm coil diameter design the springs selecting the wire from following table.

Design the spring selecting the wire from the following gauges. Safe shear stress is limited to
0.42 GPa and modulus of rigidity 84Gpa

SWG. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Dia 5.893 5.385 4.877 4.470 4.064 3.658 3.251

Data:

Number of active surfaces for clutch, i = 2

N = 30Kw; Number of springs = 6

n = 3000rpm; D = 25mm;

Over load = 20%; G = 84000Mpa; p = 0.085N/mm2;

v = 2300m/min; D2= 1.3D1; ࣆ =0.3

Solution:

Clutch
 For Disc clutch

Assume uniform wear

Spring

(i) Diameter of wire

Problem 9

It is required to design a helical compression spring subjected to a maximum force of 1250 kN.
The deflection of the spring corresponding to the maximum force should be approximately
30mm. The spring index can be taken as 6. The spring is made of patented and cold drawn steel
wire. The ultimate tensile strength and modulus of rigidity of the spring material are 1090 and
81370 N/mm2 respectively. The permissible shear stress for the spring wire should be taken as
50% of the ultimate tensile strength. Design the spring and calculate;

i. Wire diameter;
ii. Mean coil diameter;
iii. Number of active coils;
iv. Total number of coils;
v. Free length of the spring; and
vi. Pitch of the coil.

Draw a neat sketch of the spring showing various dimensions.

Solution:

The permissible shear stress is given by,

τ = 0.5 σut = 0.5(1090) = 545 N/mm2

From Eq. (10.7),

From Eq. (10.13),

d= 6.63 or 7mm (i)

D = cd =6x7 = 42mm (ii)

From Eq. (10.8),

Deflection

N = 7.91

Number active turns N=8 (iii)

It is assumed that spring has square and ground ends. The number of inactive coil is 2. Therefore

Nt = N+2 = 8+2 = 10 coils (iv)

The actual deflection of the spring is given by,

Solid length of spring = Nt d = 10x7 =70mm

It is assumed that there will be a gap of 1 mm between consecutive coils when the spring is
subjected to the maximum force. The total number of coils is 10.

The total axial gap between the coils will be (10-1) x1 = 9mm.

Free length = solid length + total axial gap + δ

= 70+9+30.34 = 109.34 or 110mm (v)

 (vi)

The dimension of the spring as shown in figure

Problem 10

A helical compression spring, made of circular wire, is subjected to an axial force that varies
from 2.5kN to 3.5kN. Over this range lf force, the deflection of the spring should be
approximately 5mm. The spring index can be taken as 5. The spring has square and ground
ends. The spring is made of patented and cold drawn steel wire with ultimate tensile strength of
1050 N/mm2 and modulus of rigidity of 81370 N/mm2. The permissible shear stress for the
spring wire should. Design the spring and calculate:

i. Wire diameter;
ii. Mean coil diameter;
iii. Number of active coils;
iv. Total number of coils;
v. Solid strength of the spring;
vi. Free length of the spring;
vii. Required spring rate and
viii. Actual spring rate.

Solution:

The permissible shear stress is given by,

τ= 0.5 Sut = 0.5(1090) = 545 N/mm2

From Eq. (10.7),

From Eq. (10.13),

d= 10.55 or 11mm (i)

D = cd =5x11 = 55mm (ii)

From Eq. (10.8),

Deflection

N = 4.48 or 5 coils

Number active turns N=5

For square and ground ends. The number of inactive coil is 2. Therefore

Nt = N+2 = 5+2 = 7 coils (iv)

Solid length of spring =

Nt d = 7x11 =77mm (v)

The actual deflection of the spring under the maximum force of 3.5kN is given by.

It is assumed that there will be a gap of 0.5 mm between consecutive coils when the spring is
subjected to the maximum force3.5kN. The total number of coils is 7.

The total axial gap between the coils will be (7-1) x 0.5 = 3mm.

Free length = solid length + total axial gap + δ

= 77+3+19.55 = 99.55 or 100mm (vi)

The required spring rate is given by,

(vii)

The actual spring rate is given by,

(viii)

Problem 10

It is required to design a helical compression spring subjected to a maximum force of 7.5kN. The
mean coil diameter should be 150 mm from space consideration. The spring rate is 75 N/mm.
The spring is made of oil hardened and tempered steel wire with ultimate tensile strength of 1250
N/mm2. The permissible shear stress for the spring wire is 30% of the ultimate tensile strength
(G = 81370 N/mm2). Calculate:

i. Wire diameter;
ii. Number of active coils;

Solution:

The permissible shear stress is given by,

τ = 0.3Sut = 0.3(1250) = 375 N/mm2

.….. (a)

Substitute Eq. (a) in above expression.

 Kc3 = 441.79

…. (b)

Equation (b) is too solved by trial and error method. The values are tabulated in the following
way,

C K Kc3

5 1.311 163.88

6 1.253 270.65

7 1.213 416.06

8 1.184 606.21

7.5 1.197 504.98

7.1 1.210 433.07

7.2 1.206 450.14

7.3 1.203 467.99

It observed from the above table that spring index should be between 7.1 and 7.2 to satisfy Eq.(b)

c= 7.2

N= 7.81or 8 coils

Problem 11

It is required to design a helical compression spring for the valve mechanism. The axial force
acting on the spring is 300N when the valve is open and 150N when the valve is closed. The
length of the spring is 30mm when the valve is open and 35mmwhen the valve is closed. The
spring is made of oil hardened and tempered valve spring wire and the ultimate tensile strength is
1370N.mm2. The permissible shear stress for spring wire should be taken as30% of the ultimate
tensile strength. The modulus of rigidity is 81370N/mm2. The spring is to be fitted over a valve
rod and the minimum inside diameter of the spring should be 20mm. Design the spring and
calculate
i. Wire diameter;
ii. Mean coil diameter;
iii. Number of active coils;
iv. Total number of coils;
v. Free length of the spring; and
vi. Pitch of the coil.

Assume that the clearance between adjacent coils or clash allowance is 15% of the deflection
under the maximum load.

Solution:

The spring forced and spring length corresponding to closed and open position of the valve is
illustrated in fig. The permissible shear stress is given by,

The permissible shear stress is given by,

τ = 0.3 σut = Sut = 0.3(1370) = 411 N/mm2

Di = 20mm

D = Di+d = (20+d) mm

(a)

It is observed from the above expression that there are two unknowns, viz. K and d and one
equation, therefore, it cannot be solved. As a first trial, let us neglect the effect of Whal’s factor
K or substitute (K=1).At a later design stage, wire diameter d can be increased to account for K.
Substituting (K=1) in eq. (a)

(b)

The above equation is solved by trial and error method. The values are tabulated in the following
way:

d d3/(20+d)

5 5

4 2.667

3 1.174

The value of d is between 3 to4 mm in order to satisfy Eq. (b). The higher value of d is selected
to account for Wahl’s correction factor.

Therefore,

d= 4mm

D = di+d = 20+4 = 24mm

C = D/d = 24/4 = 6
Therefore,

Design is safe.

Deflection

N = 6.28 or75 coils

Number active turns N=7

It is assumed that the spring has square and ground ends. The number of inactive coils is 2.
Therefore,

Nt = N+2 = 7+2 = 9 coils

The deflection of the spring for the maximum force is given by,

The total gap between the adjacent coils is given by,

Gap = 15% of δ = 0.15x11.15 = 1.67mm

Solid length of spring = Nt d = 9x4 =36mm

Free length = solid length + total axial gap + δ

=36+1.67+11.15 = 48.82 or 50mm

Pitch of coil =