Are rectangular block springs available in market?

  • #1
k.udhay
170
13
TL;DR Summary
Spring design - Rectangular block springs
Dear all,

I am interested to know if there is any spring available which is just a rectangular block - Looks more like a mechanical key. Preferrably made of metal. The dimensions / numbers shown in the following image are indicative:
1733928316214.png


Pl. let me know if you have come across some applications similar to this. TIA.
 
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  • #2
Start with some basic calculations. The equation for column stiffness is ##k = AE/L##, where:
##k## = spring stiffness
##A## = cross sectional area
##E## = material modulus of elasticity
##L## = length (height) of the column

The only unknown is the material modulus, so solving for that results in a modulus of 20 MPa. That's four orders of magnitude less stiff than metals. Elastomers are available with modulus in that range, however there are two things to be aware of:

1) Elastomers have nonlinear stress-strain characteristics.
2) Even if the material has a linear stress-strain curve, the load deflection curve of a solid block is nonlinear. As the block is compressed, it squishes outward due to the Poisson effect, which increases the cross sectional area, which steepens the load deflection curve.
 
  • Informative
Likes berkeman
  • #3
Flat springs are a thing, but your drawing looks more like a 'square rubber mount'. And those are (intentionally!) not linear.
 
  • #4
k.udhay said:
Pl. let me know if you have come across some applications similar to this. TIA.
A zigzag, or "magazine spring", made from a strip of flat steel.
Google images 'gun magazine springs'

Five coil springs, each 10 mm diameter, arranged in a row.

One thin walled, spring steel tube. 50 mm long by say 8 mm diameter.
 
  • #5
leaf spring
 

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