There are only two basic parameters of a helical spring which depend on the working load only, namely the wire diameter and the spring mean diameter. These parameters are interdependent and must satisfy the over-riding requirement that the working stress equal the allowable stress. The problem is complicated by the well known fact that the yield strength in shear is a function of the not yet known wire diameter. The number of mathematically feasible solutions is infinite, but by considering certain technological limitations, the number of solutions is reduced to a few springs which will be easiest and cheapest to produce. This range of springs could be easily determined by computer using a prepared "Spring Design Program". The final selection of the "most suitable" spring is by a visual inspection of the computer-designed and computer-draughted range of springs, and subsequent decision-making by a competent and experienced designer.
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