Are rectangular block springs available in market?

[k.udhay]

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:

Pl. let me know if you have come across some applications similar to this. TIA.

 

[jrmichler]

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.

 

[Rive]

Flat springs are a thing, but your drawing looks more like a 'square rubber mount'. And those are (intentionally!) not linear.

 

[Baluncore]

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.

 

[Ranger Mike]

leaf spring