Topological Optimization of Spiral Springs

Storage of energy and disposal of energy according to the requirement are essential during periods of fluctuations in the energy demand. An effective energy storage mechanism is inevitable, as it plays a crucial role in the functionality and development of the modern power grid system. The application of mechanical springs has been one of the conventional and reliable mechanisms to store energy. Although springs were initially used for motion control, it has emerged widely as an energy storage reservoir for elastic potential energy. The mechanical elastic energy storage technology in a flat spiral spring is a novel technology employed in various machineries. This research focuses on studying spiral springs by analyzing four kinds of structures and shapes of flat spiral springs. The springs are modeled in SolidWorks software, and finite element analysis is carried out using ANSYS software. The study aims to determine the total deformation of the springs, energy stored per unit mass, and conduct pure topology optimization using ANSYS software. The outcomes of this research provide promising insights into the development of structural design and dynamic analysis in the future.