Are rectangular block springs available in market?

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SUMMARY

Rectangular block springs, resembling mechanical keys and preferably made of metal, are not commonly available in the market. The discussion highlights the calculation of spring stiffness using the formula k = AE/L, where the modulus of elasticity for the material is determined to be 20 MPa, significantly lower than metals. It is noted that elastomers can achieve this modulus but exhibit nonlinear stress-strain characteristics. The conversation also mentions flat springs and square rubber mounts, which are designed to be nonlinear in their load deflection behavior.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of spring mechanics and stiffness calculations
  • Familiarity with material properties, specifically modulus of elasticity
  • Knowledge of nonlinear stress-strain characteristics in materials
  • Basic concepts of Poisson's effect in solid mechanics
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  • Research the properties and applications of elastomers in spring design
  • Explore the design and functionality of flat springs and their nonlinear behavior
  • Investigate the use of magazine springs and their construction from flat steel strips
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Mechanical engineers, product designers, and anyone involved in spring design and material selection will benefit from this discussion.

k.udhay
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TL;DR
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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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.
 
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Flat springs are a thing, but your drawing looks more like a 'square rubber mount'. And those are (intentionally!) not linear.
 
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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.
 
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leaf spring
 

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