Belleville springs are disc-shaped washers made of hardened steel and other metals, used in environments requiring heavy load capacity. They can be made in various sizes and configurations, and are useful in areas prone to thermal expansion, vibration, and high bolt loads. They are used in shock absorption systems, manufacturing equipment, and electronics.
Belleville springs are a type of disc-shaped washer with extremely high tensile strength. Originally developed in the mid-19th century by Julian Belleville, Belleville springs are used in a variety of environments where heavy load capacity is required. Many performance cars use a type of Belleville spring in their shock absorption systems, and Belleville springs are also used in manufacturing equipment and electronics.
Belleville springs can be made in a wide range of sizes, from very small washers to very large discs. In shape, they resemble a shallow soup bowl with the bottom cut out, and are usually made of hardened steel and other similar metals that can withstand immense pressure. Most manufacturers pre-stress Belleville springs before shipping them to consumers, to ensure they will not fail in practical applications.
Due to their construction, Belleville springs can be subjected to very heavy loads and will distribute weight evenly around their circumference. As a result, they can be used to support considerable loads and to space machinery parts apart from each other. They are very useful in areas prone to thermal expansion or contraction, vibration, high bolt loads and bolt creep, where bolts can move or wedge.
In the simplest applications, Belleville springs can be placed convex side out between a bolt and the surface to which they are attached. Sometimes, a small washer is used to help further balance the load, although the Belleville spring is usually strong enough on its own. If a washer is used, it is placed under the outer diameter of the spring. When the bolt is subjected to stress, the Belleville spring will help distribute it evenly so the bolt does not inadvertently move or release.
However, there are numerous other configurations for Belleville springs in practical use. Sometimes they are installed in a parallel stack, increasing the amount of load they can accept. In other cases, the springs may be stacked in series, either front to front or back to back, to increase deflection. In a parallel series, the two systems are combined to increase load capacity and deflection. In all cases, the Belleville springs are said to have reached their maximum load capacity when they have flattened out.
Belleville springs are used in a wide variety of consumer and commercial environments. In many cases where the ability to carry a heavy load in a small space is required, Belleville springs are a good choice to balance that load safely and evenly.
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