Nipping analysis of rectangular leaf springs

Abstract Nipping analysis of graduated-length leaf springs with uniform rectangular cross section of all leaves is presented. Initial gaps between leaves of the pre-assembled spring are determined such that the maximum bending stresses in all the leaves of the assembled and externally loaded spring become equal to each other. The expressions are derived for leaf springs consisting of two-to-five graduated-length leaves, which are stiffened by an additional full-length leaf placed atop. The reduction of the maximum bending stress achieved by nipping is quantified in each case. The deformed shapes and the residual gaps between the leaves in the loaded spring configuration are determined and discussed.