Design of Compliant Nonlinear Torsional Springs Through Parametric Finite Element Analysis

This paper presents the design and optimisation of compliant nonlinear torsional springs by parametric finite element analysis. The springs are created based on a single B-spline curve, which exhibits a compact, lightweight, and simpler design than existing works. The spring is created by a combination of computational finite element analysis methods and optimisation algorithms that analyse and optimise spring designs. The models and methodology of spring creation are presented with results. The constant-torque spring was able to outperform the generic constant spring design in some aspects as well as cosine-torque spring which perform an outstanding output in term of output accuracy. This thesis explores a new type of nonlinear torsional spring with advantages above generic nonlinear torsional spring as well as difficulties, limitations and recommendations of the spring design method used.