Abstract
The cylindrical rubber torsion spring consists of three essential members — an intermediate member of flexible rubber, securely bonded to two rigid cylindrical metal shells, forming concentric inner and outer members. If such a spring is stressed in torsional shear, many advantages are realized, such as versatility of design, no static friction, inherent stability, elimination of serious stress concentrations, and elimination of lubrication needs. Laboratory tests have been performed to establish the load-deflection modulus, creep, and fatigue properties of rubber torsion springs. Other work has been done to a limited degree to investigate the effect of temperature on all of the properties mentioned. Such a program necessitated the development of test methods for these particular investigations. Methods have been developed to find accurately and conveniently the static and dynamic moduli of any rubber torsion spring if its physical dimensions and the fundamental data of the rubber are known.
