A contribution to wave spring design

An analytical model for stamped ring wave springs is proposed, based on the theory for circular beams loaded normal to the plane of curvature. The model profits from the adoption of Castigliano's theorem as a tool for mathematical treatment. Closed-form expressions for both load—deflection and load—stress relationships are presented. Because of the particular shape of the spring in the undeformed configuration, the load—deflection curve is found to be appreciably bilinear in character. A similar but less pronounced behaviour is displayed also by the relationship between load and internal stresses. The analytical results are compared to earlier theoretical findings and are shown to correlate well with experimental measurements.