How can I calculate the reaction forces of a torsion spring on a wall?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the reaction forces of a torsion spring on a wall, specifically during CAE analysis using CATIA. Key points include the necessity of defining contact points for the spring legs and understanding the torque values at maximum deformation. Participants emphasized the importance of local point contacts for accurate force application and suggested using the formula F2 = Max torque / L to determine the forces at contact points. The complexity arises from the non-radial contact between the spring and wall, necessitating precise calculations for accurate deformation analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of torsion spring mechanics and terminology
  • Familiarity with CAE analysis in CATIA
  • Knowledge of torque calculations and their application in mechanical systems
  • Ability to define and analyze contact points in mechanical assemblies
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Calculating reaction forces in torsion springs" for detailed methodologies
  • Learn "CATIA CAE analysis techniques" to enhance simulation accuracy
  • Explore "Torque and force relationships in mechanical systems" for foundational knowledge
  • Investigate "Spring design principles" to understand the implications of spring geometry on performance
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical engineers, product designers, and CAE analysts involved in spring design and structural analysis will benefit from this discussion.

coldadler
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Hi guys,
I am working on design where I am using a torsion spring. And I need make an analysis and see the deflection of the walls. How can I calculate the forces that applied from Spring's legs to walls.

Thank you all in advance.
 

Attachments

  • 1582995414997.png
    1582995414997.png
    21.2 KB · Views: 1,113
Engineering news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF.

I expect the spring leg will become slightly curved, and that the wall will be dented slightly.
You will probably need to better define the contact points of the spring and legs with the wall.
 
What do you mean by deflection of the walls?
Do you know the RPD (rate per degree) of this spring?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: coldadler
We need to see a side view of the assembly to understand how and where the two walls are supported along their lengths.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: coldadler and Lnewqban
Baluncore said:
Welcome to PF.

I expect the spring leg will become slightly curved, and that the wall will be dented slightly.
You will probably need to better define the contact points of the spring and legs with the wall.

First of all Thank You.
You're right, contact points will be different than that. But I need to make a calculation on this conditions.

Lnewqban said:
What do you mean by deflection of the walls?
Do you know the RPD (rate per degree) of this spring?
I'm making CAE Analysis at Catia and I want to see the wall deformation which happens at set and full stroke positions of springs (under load). To make this analysis I need the enter the force values. But I'm not sure how to calculate it.
I have the values of springs, I know the Torque values under this positions but how can i find the leg's reaction forces?

One of my colleague said we need to take the torque value as a spring reaction force and we need the apply this force to walls. ?

JBA said:
We need to see a side view of the assembly to understand how and where the two walls are supported along their lengths.
I attached one more pic. I hope I could show it clearly.
 

Attachments

  • 1583044570416.png
    1583044570416.png
    1.9 KB · Views: 313
You do show a local point contact for F2 on the green.

F1 will not be spread over the length of the leg as you show.
You need to provide a local point of contact for F1 on the yellow.
If necessary provide a bump of yellow to contact the end of the leg.

You must also consider which (three?) points of contacts hold the coil of the spring in place.
That may be F3 where the coil touches yellow material.
 
Baluncore said:
You do show a local point contact for F2 on the green.

F1 will not be spread over the length of the leg as you show.
You need to provide a local point of contact for F1 on the yellow.
If necessary provide a bump of yellow to contact the end of the leg.

You must also consider which (three?) points of contacts hold the coil of the spring in place.
That may be F3 where the coil touches yellow material.

But when I make analysis I only give forces at contact points to see the deflection. I clamp the green part and I specify the rotation axis of yellow part and forces that applying on the part and it's show me the results. I don't even put spring into analysis, I only give forces. But in this case I don't know the forces. How can I calculate the spring leg's reaction forces that applied to walls under the load? Dividing the spring torque into leg length will give me the true result? And you are right, at coil contact point there will be F3 force.
 
The helical spring generates a torque. The force F1, applied by the spring leg to the yellow wall will depend on the distance from the spring axis, or maybe coil contact point.

The force applied to the yellow wall by that leg will become a torque about the centre of rotation of the yellow wall.

Unfortunately the spring and wall do not share a common axis of rotation, and the contact line is not truly radial about either centre. Therein lies the complexity.

If you reduce the spring leg to contact the yellow wall at only one point on the wall, then the problem becomes tractable.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: hutchphd
coldadler said:
...
I'm making CAE Analysis at Catia and I want to see the wall deformation which happens at set and full stroke positions of springs (under load). To make this analysis I need the enter the force values. But I'm not sure how to calculate it.
I have the values of springs, I know the Torque values under this positions but how can i find the leg's reaction forces?
...
My humble suggestion:
Application of ##F_2## seems to be the weakest link, according to your last schematic.
If you have the value of torque for the spring at maximum deformation (200-75 degrees), then:

##F_2=Max~torque/L##

The wire will slide respect to the points of contact of ##F_1## and ##F_2## as the mechanism moves, reason for which those surfaces will need some form of lubrication.
The other important thing is to loosely restrict movement of the coil, which will tend to rotate and relocate itself when supported by ##F_1## and ##F_2## only.
The diameter of the coil will decrease some when compressed.

Please, see:
https://www.thespringstore.com/coil-torsion-spring-calculator.html

http://www.faculty.fairfield.edu/wdornfeld/ME311/AssocSpringBarnes-SpringDesignHandbook.pdf#page106
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
7K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
9K