Calculations of compressive springs

To whom it may concern,

I am helping a company to replace worn out compressive springs from a mechanical vibratory tumbler also known as finishing mill. Right now I have replaced the old springs to new ones but I need to test its stiffness and compressive strength of these new springs if they match with the old ones.

I have asked a couple of companies specialize in testing the springs but I have been told that I need to work out some calculations first. I need to calculate if the springs are equally subjected to the load which is 2100 pounds.

I would like to know where can I get the necessary formulas. I would appreciate if you could be able to help me.

Yours faithfully,

I don't know that you will have to do a big calculation. Look at the machine. Are the springs evenly spaced around the perimeter of the bowl? Did you try to contact the bowl manufacturer to get the spring specs? I might also look at using a level in various positions across the bowl to see if it sits level. If it sits level, then I would assume that the weight is evenly distributed (assuming that all the springs are alike).

The easiest way for me to calculate linear springs is to think of them as parts of a circuit. The force can be treated like a current. The displaced distance can be treated like a Voltage, and 1/k (where k is the spring constant) can be treated as resistance. Notice that springs in parallel will have equal deflections, and that springs and series with have equal forces. Note: If you are using belleville springs, the calculations will be much more complex.

Hope I helped,
Jay