Failure Analysis of Helical Suspension Springs under Compressor Start/Stop Conditions

During testing of compressors under start/stop conditions, several helical suspension springs failed. The ensuing failure investigation showed that the springs failed due to fatigue. The analysis showed that during start/stop testing the springs would undergo both a lateral and axial deflection, greatly increasing the torsional stresses on the spring. To understand the fatigue limits under these test conditions, a bench test was used to establish the fatigue strength of the springs. The bench tests showed that the failed springs had an unacceptable surface texture that reduced the fatigue life. Based on an understanding of the compressor motion, a Monte Carlo model was developed based on a linear damage theory to predict the fatigue life of the springs during start/stop conditions. The results of this model were compared to actual test data. The model showed that the design was marginal even for springs with acceptable surface texture. The model was then used to predict the fatigue life requirements on the bench test such that the reliability goals for the start/stop testing would be met, thus reducing the risk in qualifying the compressor.