1. What is Pitch of Valve Spring?

Pitch of Valve spring is defined as the axial distance between adjacent coils in the uncompressed state of the spring. It is an important parameter in spring design that affects the spring's performance and characteristics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( p \) — Pitch of Valve Spring (m)
• \( L_f \) — Free Length of Valve Spring (m)
• \( N \) — Number of Active Coils in Valve Spring

Explanation: The formula calculates the distance between adjacent coils by dividing the free length of the spring by the total number of spaces between coils (which is one more than the number of active coils).

3. Importance of Pitch Calculation

Details: Accurate pitch calculation is crucial for proper spring design, ensuring correct spring rate, avoiding coil clash, and maintaining proper valve operation in engine applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter free length in meters and number of active coils. Both values must be positive numbers (free length > 0, active coils ≥ 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the denominator N+1 instead of N?
A: The formula uses N+1 because there is one more space between coils than the number of coils itself. For example, a spring with 10 coils has 11 spaces between them.

Q2: What is the typical pitch range for valve springs?
A: Pitch varies depending on application but typically ranges from 2-10 mm for automotive valve springs.

Q3: How does pitch affect spring performance?
A: Smaller pitch results in a stiffer spring with higher spring rate, while larger pitch creates a softer spring with lower spring rate.

Q4: Can this formula be used for compressed springs?
A: No, this formula is specifically for calculating pitch in the uncompressed (free) state of the spring.

Q5: What if the spring has inactive coils?
A: This formula uses only active coils. Inactive (dead) coils that don't contribute to spring function should not be included in the calculation.