A finite element model is developed to investigate the instantaneous as well as long-term (time-dependant) structural response of a pre-loaded torsional spring. Torsional springs belong to a class of spiral springs that are commonly made out of Elgiloy - an alloy of Cobalt, Chromium, Nickel and Iron. Elgiloy has very high yield strength, and is commonly used as a spring material in clocks. The research involves development of a detailed component-level model, using Abaqus/Standard, to investigate the instantaneous static moment-rotation response, and the long-term stress relaxation response of the spring system, along with, understanding the sensitivity of this response on the various design parameters. Frictional self contact, large deformation and nonlinear material behavior (plasticity and creep) are among the major challenges in solving this problem. The modeling effort also involves understanding the experimentally-observed hysteresis associated with the cyclic moment versus rotation response, and development of simple analytical models which can approximately describe the structural response of a typical torsional spring system with varying parameters.
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