Belleville washers or disc springs are convex discs supported at the outer periphery by one force and an opposing force on the centre of the disk. This unique characteristic of the Belleville washers allows them to be used in multiple configurations to support the structure being built with the desired load. Belleville washers are arranged in series, parallel or mixed stacks to increase the load or deflection.
The biggest advantage of Belleville washers is that it can generate a large force with a very short spring length and minimal movement when compressed.
Belleville Washers Stack Configurations
Belleville washers mostly find their application in conditions requiring a very high load in a confined space or short travel.
Parallel Stack
If you stack ‘n’ number of discs one above the other, the load on your component increases by ‘n’ times. However, the maximum deflection will be that of only one disc.
Series Stack
If the Belleville washers are stacked in series, with the outer peripheries placed against each other, the deflection of the unit increases by the number of washers in series while the load remains the same.
Mixed Stack - Parallel and Series
By arranging Belleville washers in a combination of series and parallel configurations, you can achieve any amount of load vs deflection trend.
Advantages:
Standards:
DIN 6796 - Conical spring washers for bolted connections
DIN 6908 - Conical spring
DIN EN 16983 formerly DIN 2092 — Disc springs — Calculation
DIN EN 16984 formerly DIN 2093 — Disc springs - Manufacturing & Quality specifications
References
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Belleville washer - Wikipedia
Stacking Disc Springs - Belleville Springs
Belleville washers dimensions - ITA Fasteners
DIN Standards