Engineering Archives | Page 15 of 24 | European Springs Ireland

Metal fatigue is the weakening of a metal caused by loads that are applied repeatedly, causing both progressive and localised damage to the structural integrity of the metal. When above a certain threshold, microscopic cracks appear at stress concentrators, such as the metal’s surface or at grain interfaces. Cracks eventually become critical, causing a structure to fracture and collapse.

In a study published in the journal Nature, metal fatigue is demonstrated to be reduced when minute linear boundaries in the atomic lattice of a metal line up, in complimentary pairs called ‘nanotwins’. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Science and the Brown University showcased how the nanotwins deform into correlated necklace dislocations, or linear bands, under repetitive strain. Remaining parallel to each other, these dislocations don’t block each other’s motion, which means that their effects can be reversed and fatigue reduced.

Professor at Bron University’s School of Engineering and author of the paper, Huajian Gao, states that “in a normal material, fatigue damage accumulates because dislocations get tangled up with each other and can’t be undone.

“In the twinned metal, the correlated necklace dislocations are highly organised and stable. So when the strain is relaxed, the dislocations simply retreat and there’s no accumulated damage to the nanotwin structure.”

Experiments were conducted through electroplated bulk samples of copper composed of closely spaced twin structures. These were compressed and stretched a high number of times at different strain amplitudes, which showcased quick stabilisation responses to stress at each strain amplitude. The nanotwinned copper continued the same even as the experiment cycle was conducted for the second time.

The strain amplitude started at 0.02 percent, which increased every 1,500 cycles to 0.04 percent and to 0.06 percent before the value peaked at 0.09 percent. Similar experiments were conducted on non-nanotwinned samples, showcasing significant softening and hardening that depended on the material. The samples also displayed cumulative effects of fatigue, which are common in most metals.

According to Professor Gao, this “tells us that the reaction to cyclic strain is history-independent – the damage doesn’t accumulate the way it does in common materials.” Researchers hope that nanotwinning can be an inexpensive solution to be applied in large components. This is due to there being a slowing down effect of the fatigue process, even though damage still accumulates at the boundaries between grains.

Within each crystalline grain, there is still damage accumulating at the boundaries between grains. The within-grain resistance to fatigue, however, “slows down the degradation process, so the structure has a much longer fatigue life”, says Professor Gao.

Nanotechnology can provide the answer for engineering problems in the near future, and continual investment in this technology can open the way to fortified metals that will ensure both springs and metal pressings are improved.

Here at European Springs Ireland, we are always enthusiastic about engineering developments and how they help to improve the industry. Get in touch with our expert team to find out how we can help you and learn more about the services we provide.

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Engineering is a critical component of the UK’s economy, providing both employment and innovative solution to global challenges. As a nation, the UK needs to invest in engineering and, of course, in the professionals that work in this field. One of the issues surrounding the industry is the skills gap, which is affecting its future.

According to EngineeringUK (PDF), a non-profit that aims to promote the crucial role of engineering and inspire the next generation, there is a need for 186,000 skilled engineers to meet future demands through to 2024. Without engineers, our society – and economy – would not be the same!

So, what can you do to help inspire the future generation of engineers?

Apprenticeships

One of the ways to promote an interest in engineering in young people is by letting them experience it for themselves. The theory is necessary, of course, but, when it comes to creating an interest in the industry, the idea is that practical exercises and ‘learning while doing it’ is a lot more advantageous.

The idea of hands-on learning can already be found in apprenticeships, for example, which is being considered a solution to the current skills gap. Marrying academic knowledge with working life can benefit businesses as much as apprentices, and allow new talent to be placed in key areas of the industry.

With the government committing to create 3 million apprenticeships by 2020, the future seems brighter.

The Maker Movement

But inspiring the next generations to become STEM and engineering professionals starts when they’re young. Addressing misconceptions about engineering and finding a way to inspire children to pursue engineering and STEM professions is crucial to creating more positive feelings toward the industry.

Children enjoy getting hands-on and often learn better that way, which can help to promote an early interest in engineering. The aim behind projects such as the Maker Movement, which can be found in many Canadian and American schools, is to interest children in the industry – they start small and carry on building increasingly complicated things, for example, and always ‘learn it by doing it’.

The Maker Movement gained momentum in the 2000s, with the aim being emphasising learning-through-doing, or active learning. Creating feelings of self-fulfilment, the movement sought to engage more students in STEM subjects and instil an active interest.

Letting kids tinker and be as creative as they want can benefit them in many ways, from helping them to develop their skills to instil in them an interest in the industry. After all, not only will they be able to be innovative and get hands-on, but they will also have the satisfaction of knowing that they have built something by themselves.

Seeing the results of their commitment and hard work is a great way to motivate them into following a career in the industry – especially because it also breaks down barriers. After all, there is still the idea that engineering is too difficult and/or boring so, by allowing students to actually give it a go, they might change their preconceptions about engineering.

By helping students to develop their skills at such an early age and to learn from their mistakes, children learn to be problem-solvers as well. And, once the notion that engineering is ‘too hard’ to understand is broken down, children will feel a lot more connected and receptive to the idea of embarking on an engineering journey.

How to Start

Creating something doesn’t have to mean jumping straight into a complicated app or a piece of hardware. In fact, starting small can help to expand skills and open students’ minds to the principles of engineering. For example, be it playing with shapes by creating wire forms, making a battery out of a potato, or creating a 3D-printed design, there are so many simple things that can start children on their engineering path.

Focusing on practical applications and dedicating part of the class to building something is a great starting point, as children are learning-through-doing.

Instilling passion for the industry also requires passionate teachers and instructors, as students learn better when they’re taught by someone who loves what they do. In order to inspire others, you need to feel inspired yourself!

Participating in programmes, such as the ones provided by the Royal Academy of Engineering, for instance, can also contribute to building more positive perceptions of engineering. The ‘YES’ programme, by leading consultancy Atkins, also strives to interest students in STEM careers by helping students to learn hands-on. And, of course, investing in practical lessons in classes can impact the way students view engineering.

At European Springs, we believe that helping students become more interested in engineering from a young age can have a positive impact the future of the industry, and there is no denying that learning-through-doing offers great advantages.

Feel free to contact us at any time to learn more about our products, which includes springs, pressings and wireforms. Also, find out more about our services and how we can assist your project – be it for your business or to help children learn with a hands-on experience!

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Perhaps one of the most common types of metal spring, the compression spring is used either as an energy producer, a shock absorber, a vibration damper or a force generator. They are used in everything from the automotive industry to furniture and are an essential part in the functioning of many products upon which we depend.

Due to their effective energy build up, they have countless potential applications, hence their use in many objects. Through the various types of compression springs, from conical to barrel and even variable pitch, whatever type of compression spring, high quality is of extreme importance. How you determine the quality of a compression spring is equally important as you need to know if you are using the correct spring for the job. So, what are some of the ways you can find the best quality compression spring for the intended application and how can it affect the way your compression spring does its job?

Force

Your selection of compression spring for specific uses is directly linked to the amount of force you will need. If the spring you use in your product or item cannot compress as desired when a load is applied to it, then it is most likely not going to perform how it is meant to.

A spring which is too strong won’t compress sufficiently, but a spring which is too weak will not generate enough force for a heavy load and its pressure. You will need to calculate the exact amount of required force for the design process in order to get the highest of quality compression spring.

Height

In terms of compression springs, the term ‘Solid Height’ refers to the point where all the coils of the spring are touching- essentially the point where the spring cannot gain any more force. The solid height is vital to the quality of your compression spring and your product. Compression springs should never be compressed to the solid height.

Design

Since there is more than just one type of compression spring and they all have different intended purposes, you will need to figure out the exact design you will need. Think of factors such as the shape and length and diameter. Ask yourself questions such as:

Is a conical shape going to work?
Would I benefit from a barrel shaped compression spring?
How long does the spring need to be?
What about the diameter?

This can often be a complex task and if you aren’t completely sure about what you require, don’t just guess, as if you want your compression spring to of the highest quality. Consult a manufacturer or expert with plenty of experience for the best results and the best quality compression spring.

Materials

The type of material used for your compression spring should be informed by your intended purpose or product.

If you only need a light load you will not need to utilise expensive and heavy-duty steel alloys, as materials such as normal carbon spring steel would do the job. If the force needed is heavy, like in a car the spring would need to withstand the pressure and be much stronger.

You don’t want your spring to break with any impact, so be sure to get the materials to be the thickest and strongest necessary, and of course the highest quality material needed, especially for heavy industrial uses.

Functionality

Like even many everyday objects, compression springs are used in an array of items and are a vital tool to industries such as home furnishings, automotive fields and even stationary. The humble pen wouldn’t work without a compression spring!

If you aren’t using the right spring for your need, the quality diminishes and you can destroy the functionality of the product. When it comes to quality everything matters from the materials to the force, the solid height, the design and above all the suitability to specific requirements.

After all, you need to make sure your compression spring is reliable, safe, durable and of the highest of quality!

European Springs are a proud compression spring manufacturer and produce only the highest quality of springs, both from our stock catalogue and bespoke to your needs.

If you require any more information regarding our compression springs, and require a spring for your product, we can help you with the details. Don’t know what force is required, or what the solid height you will require? Well, our team at European Springs Ireland do! Don’t hesitate to spring to your phone and have a chat with us– we would love to help!

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All over the world, there are groups of knowledgeable individuals and teams on a constant search for new and innovative solutions in science, engineering and technology. Here at European Springs Ireland, we love to keep on top of it. We have a great piece of news for all those interested in related news and research, and this one is sure to put a spring in your step. That’s right… Energy recycling stairs which are spring-loaded! But what is this innovative technology and how will it work?

Research from the US

Researchers in the US have built energy recycling stairs that can store the user’s energy during their movement, returning the energy to the user during the ascent. This ultimately makes their trip easier and could be a potential way to improve health and help certain injuries and mobility issues.

Easy on the Knees and Ankles

The invention of these stairs can not only save energy through impact but can brake forces from the ankle by 26%. When a person is ascending the stairs, the technology will give the user a boost as it releases the stored-up energy from the descent. It will make it 37% easier on the knee compared to conventional stairs. This lower power device doesn’t require a complete separate staircase but can be placed on an existing one. It also doesn’t have to be permanent.

Spring in Your Step

When we thought going up stairs was a bit too difficult, springs come to the rescue! It works through each and every step being tethered by springs and also equipped with pressure sensors on each step. When the walker descends the staircase, each step will slowly sink until it locks and is level with the next step. The stair then stays this way until someone walks up the stairs.

When someone then goes to ascend the staircase on the sensor, the latch on the lower step releases and the energy which has been stored in the springs are released, lifting the back leg.

The research was published in a journal in the US in PLOS ONE, where the author explained their initial idea to use energy recycling prosthetic shoes to assist in going up stairs. Karen Liu, an associate professor in Georgia Techs school of Computing, states:

“Unlike normal walking where each heel-strike dissipates energy that can be potentially restored, stair ascent is actually very energy efficient; most energy you put in goes into potential energy to lift you up”

“But then I realised that going downstairs is quite wasteful. You dissipate energy to stop yourself from falling, and I thought it would be great if we could store the energy wasted during descent and return it to the user during ascent.”

She worked alongside a professor in Biomedical Engineering at the same university to develop the research and prototypes.

The Story and The Benefits

When conducting the research, they didn’t expect, prior to the design, that their invention would actually see ease of impact. The professor initially got the idea when she attended an industry conference where she saw an ankle brace that did a similar thing using springs, to store and release energy. When she thought about her 72-year-old mother and her difficulties upstairs, she knew that she would never wear the brace. Then came the idea of smart stairs.

The researchers believe that the stairs could have numerous health benefits and also be extremely helpful to anyone recovering from surgery or for pregnant women. It could be useful for people who only need assistance for a short amount of time.

This is proof that with innovative thoughts, an engineering mindset, some springs and some research, you can conjure up an engineering marvel!

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The building of bridges and buildings designed to withstand earthquakes is an important discipline of engineering, especially in a world where buildings are becoming increasingly taller. Avoiding all damage in minor incidents and avoiding as much damage as possible during a major earthquake is the aim of this strand of engineering.

As engineers, foreseeing the potential risks is almost as important as creating a building that can withstand earthquakes in the first place.

Seismic Design

The seismic performance of a building is the factor which determines whether or not it is safe following earthquakes. If it does not endanger the lives of people in or surrounding the building as a result of the partial or complete collapse, then it is considered to be a seismically safe building.

Earthquake engineering aims to maintain a standing building in the case of a rare and terrible earthquake, whilst keeping the building serviceable in the case of more minor incidents. The lesser the damage and the continued functioning of the building is the crux of this form of engineering. Simulations are created using a scaled model of the proposed building structure, which is then tested using a shake-table to determine whether or not it would remain intact depending on the severity of the earthquake. Experiments such as this have been performed for over a century, aiming to increase the safety of cities.

Construction

Methods for helping relieve the stress of earthquakes upon buildings have varied over the centuries. The Incas, for example, mastered the art of creating stone walls that did not use mortar. Instead, the bricks were tightly packed together, so if there was an earthquake the walls could move alongside the tremors without necessarily fully collapsing. This was a result of energy dissipation.

Today, modern engineering takes a different approach to earthquake-resistant construction. One such approach is using spring with damper-based isolator, which is placed in the foundations of a building to help with momentum and energy absorption during an earthquake. Buildings with such a foundation have been known to survive severe earthquakes with very little damage.

Lead rubber bearing, roller and friction pendulum bearing are also ways that engineers have attempted to reduce the damage of earthquakes on buildings in recent years.

Are you interested in the power of springs in your next engineering project? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 028 9083 8605 to enquire about our springs and pressing services.

Alternatively, you can find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to see our news and updates.

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The connection between engineers and mechanics can sometimes be unclear, and although they work together to put all the pieces of industry puzzles together, they are both very separate entities. In terms of automotive engineers and mechanics, engineers work on vehicles in a broader sense and are involved in everything from designing and developing new vehicles to improving performance. On the other hand, mechanics diagnose and repair vehicles, typically in a garage or workshop.

But what are the main differences and how do they work together to complete the entire process?

What are the Responsibilities of an Automotive Engineer?

Engineers in the automotive industry tend to not only work for auto manufacturing companies, but for engineering firms, governmental agencies and other industries and firms that require the skills and expertise of an engineer. Many engineers work on the actual creation of vehicles, assisting in the act of designing the systems and all components involved. Some engineers assist in analysing the systems and any problems that may occur to hope for improvements or changes.

Engineers are vital to the manufacturing industry and all the processes that connect to it, from ongoing oversight to ensuring the automobile is safe for public use. As a branch of vehicle engineering, not only do automobile engineers work in the conventional car design and manufacturing, but they are equally as important in aerospace and marine engineering, which can incorporate skills and elements of safety, electronic, mechanical, electrical and software engineering. These skills are all assets of an automotive engineer applied from design to manufacturing, and operations of trucks, motorcycles, trains, and all subsystems within.

What About the Responsibilities of an Automotive Mechanic?

Automotive mechanics usually aren’t involved in the design side of the industry and usually work in repair shops or garages, either at a shop which repairs vehicles or with a dealer that works with a specific brand. Mechanics in this sense usually work in direct correlation with drivers – in the way that engineers don’t.

Mechanics work to identify a source of a problem with aim to fix the issue. They can discuss the operations of a vehicle, and use their knowledge to ensure the vehicle operates to optimum level. A part of an automotive mechanics job is to also make sure that the vehicle is safe for road operation, which is similar in certain ways to the responsibilities of an engineer. Many mechanics can specialise in a certain area, but with the advancement in technology, the job role of a mechanic has evolved to needing a wider spread knowledge, including electronical technology knowledge. Vehicles now possess modern technology which gives extra demand to the workers in this industry.

Does the Training and Education Differ?

Engineers tend to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related industry, but many will progress onto further education to allow them to specialise more closely in the industry. Mechanics in this industry usually need to have a minimum of high school education or equivalent, but unlike an engineer, they will receive extensive training in their area. This will require years of hands on training and tutoring to be ready to take on the industry fully.

How Do the Two Work Together?

Not only in the automotive industry but any type of engineer, whether electrical, civil or mechanical, technically needs the aftercare of a mechanic to keep the industry striving. An engineer could be said to be the backbone behind the automotive businesses, needed for design and specifics in creation of the technology, although mechanics will also know basics of their industry, and vice versa to synergise the entire process smoothly. Although the two jobs are different, and some may complicate the two sometimes, they would not work without each other.

An engineer needs to apply skills and principles of physics and material science into the design, manufacturing and analysis of the mechanical systems, although the tradesmen in mechanics will utilise their skills to build or repair the machinery alongside.

Without either of these job titles, the industry could not be what it is today, and both are equally as important as one another. At European Springs Ireland we are proud to be a part of the industry, and not only do we work in conjunction with the automotive industry, but in many related businesses, such as Electronics and Hydraulics. If you would like to know any more about our skills and services including manufacturing torsion springs, tension springs and compression springs, we would love for you to:

Get In Touch

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Category: Engineering

Apprenticeships

The Maker Movement

How to Start

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