LCF Fracture in Helical Tension Springs of Medium Voltage Switches

Abstract Helical tension springs used in switch mechanisms of medium voltage switches failed prematurely in test rigs. The switch mechanism assemblies did not reach the required number of cycles to failure. The springs failed by low cycle fatigue fracture. They were phosphate coated for corrosion protection but not shot peened. The material used for the springs is a usual patented spring steel. Chemical composition, mechanical properties, and microstructure of the failed springs and a reference spring alike were all unremarkable. The subject springs were assembled and rig tested at three different locations but failed only at two of them, not in the third. It was concluded that misalignment from assembly was the root cause of failure.