Large deformation elastoplastic FEM analysis of a nonstandard disc spring used in separation of aerocrafts

Static stresses and deformation of a nonstandard disc spring were elastoplastically investigated using the finite-element method (FEM). Its load-deflection relationship was presented to study the influence of compression on the stiffness characteristic of the disc spring. The computational results of stresses and load-deflection relationship agreed well with the test results. The computational method applied in this paper can be used to static mechanical analysis of any other disc springs.