A software tool or online resource designed to assist engineers and designers in determining the appropriate dimensions and characteristics of coned disc springs (also known as Belleville washers) for specific applications. Such tools typically require inputs such as desired load, deflection, and material properties, and then output parameters like spring dimensions, stress levels, and spring rate. A simple example would be inputting a desired load of 1000 Newtons and a deflection of 2 millimeters, with the tool then calculating the required disc spring diameter and thickness.
These resources are invaluable for streamlining the design process, ensuring optimal spring performance, and preventing costly failures due to incorrect spring selection. They remove the need for complex manual calculations, significantly reducing design time and potential errors. Historically, disc spring selection relied on extensive look-up tables and iterative calculations, a time-consuming and potentially inaccurate process. Modern computational tools represent a significant advancement, enabling faster and more precise design solutions.