Paper number 102

MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF CIRCULAR COMPOSITE SPRINGS WITH EXTENDED FLAT CONTACT SURFACES

Ping-Cheung Tse

Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University,
Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Summary

Theoretical expressions based on the principle of minimum potential energy are presented which describe the stiffness and strain distributions of circular composite rings with extended flat contact surfaces subject to uniform-end-shortening. Comparison studies of the results obtained from the analytical models are made with experimental data, and the results are found to be in good agreement. The semi-included angle of the flat contact surface is a vital parameter to spring stiffness and strain distributions of the composite ring. Strain-free locations are found on both the inner and outer surfaces of the shell. These strain-free locations are of great potential to the future development of the composite springs, as they can be used to facilitate attachment of additional accessories or discontinuities, such as holes or fitments.

Keywords

spring stiffness, strain distributions, extended flat contact surfaces, minimum potential energy, uniform-end-shortening, strain-free locations.