Experimental analysis on stacking of Belleville spring

Abstract Belleville springs are frusto-conical in shape, can support high load with small deflection. Load-Deflection characteristics of a Belleville spring can be altered by stacking of springs. In this research work, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of Belleville spring was carried out and compared against experimental analysis using strain gauge. FEA was carried out on a plain spring and results were compared with theoretical analysis. Experimental investigation was carried out using strain gauges for different configuration of Belleville springs such as plain spring and spring with stacking. From the studies it was concluded that theoretical, Finite Elemental and Experimental analyses were in good agreement. Spring stacking was done up to 6 numbers, and deflection was significantly altered from 1.46 mm to 8.14 mm (Deflection from one spring to six springs). With the stacking of springs, change in the magnitude of maximum stress was 1.5%. Thus, required load- deflection characteristics can be achieved by stacking of springs when space is not a constraint and large deflection is required.