The Titanium Spring

The titanium spring has many practical applicationshave more traction and better handling as a result.
in a range of industries. They can be found onWeight is also an important factor in motor car
manufactured items from mountain bikes toracing. Springs made from titanium have less
aircraft, and are even used in space too. Wheremass and therefore less inertia than steel springs.
weight savings are required, this spring reallyIn the extreme conditions of the racetrack, car
comes into its own. For aerospace applications thissprings can be rapidly compressed causing a
can mean increased speed and range, as well asdisplacement of the material mass, which in turn
the ability to carry a greater payload.generates inertia or momentum. What this means
In space the conditions that components arein practice is that the spring can surge, meaning
expected to operate under are quite differentthat the coils of the suspension spring move in
from those on earth. The ductility of many springthe opposite direction to that of the shock wave.
materials is rapidly reduced to the point of beingNot surprisingly, this can cause considerable
inadequate when subjected to the significantlydisruption in handling and performance.
reduced temperatures of the space environment.The way to combat this is to have a spring of
Titanium has a much greater workingless mass. The titanium spring fits the bill here
temperature range than most materials suitableperfectly. It has a low mass with significant weight
for springs. It can operate from around minus 129saving, leading to better overall performance. This
degrees Celsius to plus 348 degrees Celsius. It isis why demanding motoring conditions use this
basically titanium's strength, relative light weightmaterial. Formula 1 racing is at the very forefront
and impressive working temperature range thatof tough driving conditions.
makes it an attractive proposition in many diverseTitanium wasn't discovered until 1800. However, it
industrial uses.took over 100 years before it became possible to
Where high performance is required, the titaniumprocess it into pure metal. These days most of
spring is usually the spring of choice once again. Inthe applications using the metal is actually an alloy.
the ultra fast world of Formula 1 car racing, theIt isn't a rare as metals go, in fact, it's quite
high responsive rate of this type of spring makesabundant, but it is difficult to refine. But as long as
it ideal for the racetrack. because it is moresprings are needed in conditions where the going
responsive, it can keep the tyres on the groundis tough, there will always be the titanium spring.
better. This in turn means that the racing cars can