Spring calculator

Does anyone have a good spreadsheet and or links to good (free) websites
that calculate parameters for compression and extension springs?

I've found one or 2 links that are OK up to a point, but none are ideal.

My immediate need is to be able to calculate the maximum safe working length
of an extension spring of known dimensions. The material is galvanised
music wire, but I don't know what its safe working stress is considered to
be, nor do I know how to calculate the stress for a given extension of this
particular spring.

Any help would be appreciated.

Regards,
John H

 

The best I can think of is MITCalc. It has lots of sections, one of which
is springs. I haven't looked at it for your question, but it might do it
very well.

WT

 

Google "advanced spring design" . Its not free ( ~$700 ), however there
is a free trial period which may be long enough for you. Its highly robust
software specifically tailored to spring design.

 

Hi John

www.leespring.co.uk

pick the select on line button top right

select spring type, then find spring by specification.

they have 3d models as well, in fact I'm pretty sure they use SW

steve

 

I've used the Engineer's Toolbox. It works well and gives data you
can copy and paste into a SWQx drawing for the spring manufacturer.

http://www.engineerstoolbox.com/

The online version is free, but there is a stand alone app that you
can buy.

===========================================================================
Chris

 

This isn't free, but the Spring Manufacturer's Institute has a Handbook of
Spring Design for $15 and an Encyclopedia of Spring Design for $48. They
also have $600 software.

http://www.smihq.org/

For an extension spring, you usually need to calculate the stresses at the
ends and this will depend on the exact configuration of the ends. The
allowable stress depends on the diameter of your wire (smaller wire is
stronger) and on the loading conditions (static or fatigue). I don't have
any idea how the galvanizing effects the strength of the wire.

If you don't find something better, I could walk you through the equations
from the design handbook for your particular spring.


Jerry Steiger
Tripod Data Systems
"take the garbage out, dear"

 

You could try winFSB 6.1 I have used it for a while and seems to be
reliable, its free.

 

Thanks for the suggestions - some of them look useful.

Cheers,
John H