Flat/parabolic mono-leaf spring design --- where to start?
Flat/parabolic mono-leaf spring design --- where to start?
(OP)
I'm working on a design project and need to figure dimensions, type of material and curvature.
Are there any good reference sites that could help me out here? This was not covered in school, lol.
I'm basically designing something like the springs on this: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/new-fitnes...
but with metal instead of thermo-plastics.
Thanks for any tips.
Are there any good reference sites that could help me out here? This was not covered in school, lol.
I'm basically designing something like the springs on this: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/new-fitnes...
but with metal instead of thermo-plastics.
Thanks for any tips.





RE: Flat/parabolic mono-leaf spring design --- where to start?
You should have covered curved beams in college. Roarks Equations for Stress and Strain will be a good reference for you. Springs like this are like cantilever beams. Beam equations are helpful.
Your deflections will be large. Double integration method is only accurate when deflections are less than 10% of the length. Consider read up on basic bending theory. A lot of FEA also is for small deflections. Watch out!
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JHG
RE: Flat/parabolic mono-leaf spring design --- where to start?
I have analysed stuff like this, although it was not for shoes. If this thing is metal, it is going to be ultra stiff, to the point of being a structure, rather than a spring.
You need a material with a low elastic modulus. This is why beryllium copper is a popular material for springs. I can see why these things are made of (reinforced?) plastic. Large deflections on and off means high stresses and metal fatigue.
If someone bounces up high on these things and makes a bad landing, can you get sued?
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JHG
RE: Flat/parabolic mono-leaf spring design --- where to start?