Bow-like leaf spring calculations

[LTD]

I'm building a composite leaf spring for a specialized research application. It's going to be &quot;C&quot; or &quot;J&quot; shape.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tapering thickness etc.<br><br>I'd appreciate any sources where I could find relevant engineering tables, calculations, etc.<br><br>I have a good idea of what I need it to do, but now I have to engineer the spring before I build it.<br><br>I don't have FEA right now.&nbsp;&nbsp;I do have flexibility to vary the width and number and thickness of leaves etc.<br><br>Thanks<br>Larry

 

[Nigel]

The first thing you will have to do is determine the bending moments along your spring.&nbsp;&nbsp;You could simplify this bt assuming it to be a single leaf.&nbsp;&nbsp;An accurate analysis would require simultanious analysis of all springs, matrix inversion - much work!<br><br>There are many ways to analyse this type of structure, I prefer the strain energy method.&nbsp;&nbsp;This will allow you to determine the redundent end moments and&nbsp;&nbsp;thus you will be able to calculate bending and deflection at anypoint along the spring; essential info don't you think.&nbsp;&nbsp;FEA will be a great help as long as you're skilled in this area, it's not the easy answer as many think!<br><br>Any good mechanics of materials text will help you, also have a look at Castiglianos method! <p>Nigel Waterhouse<br><a href=mailto:n_a_waterhouse@hotmail.com>n_a_waterhouse@hotmail.com</a><br><a href= > </a><br>A licensed aircraft mechanic and graduate engineer. Attended university in England and graduated in 1996. Currenty,living in British Columbia,Canada, working as a design engineer responsible for aircraft mods and STC's.

 

[LTD]

Thanks Nigel,<br><br>I like the strain energy idea. It is indeed important to have info all along the spring.<br><br>Thanks<br><br>Larry