Rectangular Wire Torsion Springs

• Torsion Spring Design Resources – Rectangular Material

Rectangular-wire torsion springs have higher energy storage capacities than similar round-wire springs. The general comments on round-wire torsion springs apply to springs with rectangular wire. In producing springs from rectangular wire, the wire cross-section distorts and becomes "keystoned." The wire axial dimension b1 can be estimated from:

b₁ = b ((C + 0.5) / C)

When axial length is critical, keystone-shaped wire can be purchased. This wire will have a near rectangular shape after coiling. The rate equation is:

R = M / = Ebt³ / 6.6DN_a

And the stress equation is:

S = (6M / bt²) K_B

These equations are for torsion springs wound either on edge or on flat (shown in the diagram below). Stress correction factor KB is slightly lower than for round wire and can be approximated by:

K_BID = 4C / (4C - 3)

K_BOD = 4C / (4C + 3)

Sharp corners on rectangular wire cause stress concentrations and should be avoided, while generous corner radii of rolled wire reduce the wire cross sections sufficiently to lower the rate.

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