Characteristics of polymer ring springs

Purpose: The paper discusses selected aspects of the use of polymeric materials in the construction of ring springs. Design/methodology/approach: Special attention is paid to differences in characteristics of such materials in comparison to springs made of traditional material - steel. Findings: The result of the work is a static-dynamic model of polymer ring springs. An analysis of the influence of friction on the performance characteristics was carried out. The results of the preliminary experimental studies confirm the correctness of the model. Practical implications: Analytical models have been developed, as tools to support the design processes of ring spring structures, in the field of innovative material solutions. They are a tool for the selection of geometric and material characteristics of springs, meeting the set operational expectations. Originality/value: Extensive possibilities in the selection among a group of structural polymer materials allow the formation of structural solutions with a variety of characteristics, both elastic and impact or damping. The area of application ranges from mechanical engineering to construction or transportation. The characteristics complement the possible field of solutions in cases of use of traditional metallic materials, especially high-grade steels. Material solutions make it possible to achieve significant economic effects in addition to unavailable performance characteristics, both static and dynamic. These are due to competitive prices for polymer materials, including composites, and manufacturing costs. They open up a wide field for utility innovations.