Retaining Rings
Retaining Rings
Technical Manual
(419) 867-8711
       Rings
       Rings
Peterson American Corporation is a full-service                                                                     MARKETS AND APPLICATIONS
supplier of retaining rings, or “snap” rings, that are                                                               Peterson serves customers in multiple markets, including the auto-
Peterson    American
used to locate          Corporation
                 or to retain parts on is  a full-service
                                        shafts  or in cylinders                                                      MARKETS                  AND aerospace,
                                                                                                                     motive OE and aftermarkets,            APPLICATIONSdefense, agriculture, and
                                                                                                                     industrial  equipment.
                                                                                                                     Peterson serves customers in multiple markets, including the auto-
supplier   of retaining  rings,  or “snap”
during operation. The company’s manufacturingrings,  that are
                                                                                                                     Our high-volume
                                                                                                                     motive                 and specialty
                                                                                                                              OE and aftermarkets,            rings provide
                                                                                                                                                          aerospace,          value
                                                                                                                                                                        defense,    in a wide variety
                                                                                                                                                                                  agriculture,   and
used  to locate  or to retain parts on  shafts  or
facilities are staffed and equipped for high-volumein  cylinders                                                     of mechanical
                                                                                                                     industrial        systems, including:
                                                                                                                                 equipment.
during   operation.
production            The company’s
               of a comprehensive         manufacturing
                                       catalog   of sizes and                                                        • automatic
                                                                                                                     Our                           torque management
                                                                                                                           high-volume and •specialty                         steering
                                                                                                                                                              rings provide• value  in aand
                                                                                                                                                                                          widechassis
                                                                                                                                                                                                 variety
facilities are  staffed and   equipped    for high-volume
configurations for a wide range of well characterized                                                                oftransmissions               systems
                                                                                                                         mechanical systems, including:                     • industrial bearings
production
applications.of a comprehensive catalog of sizes and                                                                   body and assembly • torque
                                                                                                                     • automatic                   powertrains,
                                                                                                                                                            management • steering
                                                                                                                                                                              piston pinand   chassis
                                                                                                                                                                                           retainers.
configurations for a wide range of well characterized                                                                  transmissions               including hybrids • industrial bearings
                                                                                                                                                   systems
In addition, the Specialty Ring Division can apply
applications.                                                                                                        • body and assembly • powertrains,                     • piston pin retainers.
the company’s considerable resources and expertise                                                                   SPECIFICATIONS                including hybrids
In
to addition,
   the designthe andSpecialty
                      productionRingofDivision    can apply
                                        ring prototypes,                                                             Materials: oil-tempered or hard-drawn, high-carbon steel; chrome-
the company’s      considerable                                                                                      SPECIFICATIONS
                                                                                                                     silicon  alloys; stainless steel; low-carbon steel; and aluminum.
short  runs, or special   orders.resources
                                   For everyand     expertise
                                                product,                                                             Cross-sections:     range ofor size  and shape,high-carbon
                                                                                                                                                                        including beveled     and
to the  design   and  production    of  ring  prototypes,                                                            Materials:    oil-tempered        hard-drawn,                    steel; chrome-
Peterson’s ring professionals are dedicated to achieving                                                             multi-beveled
                                                                                                                     silicon           configurations;
                                                                                                                              alloys; stainless            pre-shapedsteel;
                                                                                                                                                  steel; low-carbon      wire is available
                                                                                                                                                                               and  aluminum.for
short  runs, or special
the functionality         orders.
                     required   by For
                                    ourevery    product,
                                         customer     in a cost-                                                     high-aspect-ratio
                                                                                                                     Cross-sections: range sections   andand
                                                                                                                                                 of size    improved    stability. beveled and
                                                                                                                                                                shape, including
Peterson’s  ring  professionals  are dedicated
effective and environmentally sound manner.       to  achieving                                                      Coil  sizes:  range   of diameters    from
                                                                                                                     multi-beveled configurations; pre-shaped wire0.500  to 60isinches  on standard,
                                                                                                                                                                                 available   for
the functionality required by our customer in a cost-                                                                round   rings;  diameters    from   2.5  to 11.5
                                                                                                                     high-aspect-ratio sections and improved stability.inches  on  elliptical rings;
EXCEPTIONAL                 SERVICE
effective and environmentally        sound manner.                                                                   diameters    from   3 to 7.5  inches    on  wave  rings.
                                                                                                                     Coil sizes: range of diameters from 0.500 to 60 inches on standard,
Peterson can offer engineering, design, and technical assistance to                                                  End configurations:
                                                                                                                     round   rings; diameters  standard
                                                                                                                                                  from 2.5 cut-offs
                                                                                                                                                              to 11.5include
                                                                                                                                                                       inchesstraight,   inside
                                                                                                                                                                               on elliptical     and
                                                                                                                                                                                              rings;
help any customer determine SERVICE
EXCEPTIONAL                           the optimum combination of material,                                           outside angle,
                                                                                                                     diameters    frominside   andinches
                                                                                                                                         3 to 7.5    outside onbutterfly, angle/straight, and full
                                                                                                                                                                 wave rings.
ring   design, and    dimensions    that  will provide    the greatest   value in                                    radius.  Specialty notches,
                                                                                                                     End configurations:              bentcut-offs
                                                                                                                                               standard      tangs and   holesstraight,
                                                                                                                                                                     include    are also inside
                                                                                                                                                                                          available.
                                                                                                                                                                                                 and
Peterson can offer engineering, design,           and technical     assistance to
ahelp
    specific application.     Even  when   manufacturing      to a
        any customer determine the optimum combination of material,specification,                                    outside angle, inside and outside butterfly, angle/straight, and full
 every   program                                                                                                     CUSTOM                 OPTIONS
                                                                                                                     radius. Specialty notches,       bent tangs and holes are also available.
 ring design,  andis dimensions
                       subject to a that
                                     design
                                          willreview
                                                provideto the
                                                          ensure   cost efficiency.
                                                               greatest  value in
                                                                                                                     All Peterson ring products are stress relieved after manufacture.
 aOur
    specific
       uniqueapplication.     Even when
               ability to engineer      andmanufacturing
                                            shape our owntowire  a specification,
                                                                      improves
                                                                                                                     Additional special OPTIONS
                                                                                                                     CUSTOM                 operations can include:
  every
  qualityprogram
           control isand
                       subject  to a customer
                          shortens   design review
                                                 lead to  ensure
                                                       times.      cost efficiency.
                                                               Analytical
  laboratories monitor                                                                                                 coining
                                                                                                                    •All  Peterson ring products • color
                                                                                                                                                       arecoating             grinding
                                                                                                                                                           stress relieved•after   manufacture.
  Our  unique ability    toraw   materials,
                             engineer   and manufacturing
                                            shape our ownprocesses,
                                                                wire improves
  and completed                                                                                                     •Additional
                                                                                                                       shot peeningspecial operations
                                                                                                                                                 • platingcan include: • special packaging.
  quality  control rings,   assuringcustomer
                    and shortens      clean, consistent    parts.
                                                 lead times.   Analytical
                                                                                                                    • coining                    • color coating            • grinding
  laboratories monitor      raw  materials, manufacturing      processes,
  Every Peterson ring is manufactured by coiling on precision, CNC
                                                                                                                    • shot peening               • plating                  • special packaging.
  and completed
  equipment        rings, assuring
              to minimize      scrap clean,  consistent variation
                                      and dimensional      parts.      that can                                     The smart choice in engineered metal products.
  result from
  Every       stamped
         Peterson    ring production.    And by
                           is manufactured     storage   in on
                                                   coiling  a climate-controlled
                                                                precision, CNC
  environment tomaintains
                 minimize the      integrity   of finishedvariation
                                                            products.that can
  equipment                    scrap  and dimensional                                                               The smart choice in engineered metal products.
  result from stamped production. And storage in a climate-controlled
  environment maintains the integrity of finished products.
The information contained herein is supplied upon the condition that the persons receiving same will make
their own determination as to its suitability for their purposes prior to use. Peterson shall not be responsible
                                                                                                                             Peterson Spring Corporate Offices
for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance upon information contained herein                 21200 Telegraph Road • Southfield, MI 48033, USA
or the products to which the information refers.
The information contained herein is supplied upon the condition that the persons receiving same will make
NO
theirREPRESENTATIONS
      own determination as OR
                           to itsWARRANTIES,       EITHER
                                  suitability for their     EXPRESS
                                                        purposes       ORuse.
                                                                 prior to   IMPLIED,
                                                                               PetersonARE
                                                                                        shallMADE
                                                                                              not beHEREUNDER
                                                                                                     responsible
                                                                                                                             Peterson
                                                                                                                             248.799.5400  Spring    Corporate
                                                                                                                                                  • Fax:   248.357.3176Offices
WITH    RESPECT
for damages of anyTO   THEwhatsoever
                    nature  INFORMATIONresultingOR    THE
                                                   from thePRODUCTS        TO WHICH
                                                            use of or reliance           THE INFORMATION
                                                                               upon information  contained herein            sales
                                                                                                                             21200 @pspring.com
                                                                                                                                      Telegraph Road   • www.pspring.com
                                                                                                                                                           • Southfield, MI 48033, USA
REFERS   AND  ALL   IMPLIED   WARRANTIES
or the products to which the information refers.OF   MERCHANTABILITY,         FITNESS   FOR   A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.
NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ARE MADE HEREUNDER
                                                                                                                             248.799.5400
                                                                                                                             ©                    • Fax:
                                                                                                                               2010, Peterson American     248.357.3176
                                                                                                                                                       Corporation. All rights reserved.
WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION OR THE PRODUCTS TO WHICH THE INFORMATION                                                     sales@pspring.com • www.pspring.com
REFERS AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED.                                                                       © 2010, Peterson American Corporation. All rights reserved.
Retaining Rings
 Technical Manual
      Design Guidelines
               and
  Engineering Specifications
                  1
                                                Table of Contents
Introduction������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 3
Common Terminology for Coiled Retaining Rings��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4
          INTERNAL RINGS
          EXTERNAL RINGS
Common Terminology���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5-7
          THRUST
          MATERIALS
          MANUFACTURING
          RING CONDITIONS
          RING DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
          SPECIAL APPLICATION RINGS
          PACKAGING
Design Guidelines for Coiled Retaining Rings���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8
          RING DIAMETERS
          DIAMETER TOLERANCES
          b/t RATIO
          RING THICKNESS TOLERANCE
          RING SECTION RADIAL WIDTH TOLERANCE
          GAP WIDTH TOLERANCE
          RING FLATNESS
          MATERIAL HARDNESS
          CORRELATION BETWEEN ROCKWELL HARDNESS AND TENSILE STRENGTH
Design Guidelines��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9-10
          MATING COMPONENTS
          RING CORNER RADIUS/CHAMFER
          DIAMETER FIT
          RADIAL COVERAGE
          GROOVE WIDTH
          SHOULDER WIDTH
          RADIAL CLEARANCE
          MAXIMUM STRESS LEVEL
          CUTOFF CONFIGURATIONS
          TYPICAL CUTOFF CONFIGURATIONS
Material Specifications��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11
          GENERAL PROPERTIES OF COMMON MATERIALS USED
          IN RETAINING RING APPLICATIONS
Design Formulae�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12-14
          INTRODUCTION
          TERMS
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                                                                           2
                                                Table of Contents
          RADIAL LOAD AN DEFLECTION STRESS
          STRESS CORRECTION FACTORS
          THRUST CALCULATIONS AND THRUST LIMITING FACTORS
          MAXIMUM ROTATIONAL SPEED
Design Example���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15-18
          SOME BACKGROUND CONSIDERATIONS
          EXAMPLE PROBLEM
Ring Standards���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 18
Type 1A01 External Retaining Rings and Grooves������������������������������������������������������������������������� 19
Type 1B01 Internal Retaining Rings and Grooves�������������������������������������������������������������������������� 20
Information Sheets for General Inquiries����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 21-22
          INTERNAL RETAINING RING APPLICATION INFORMATION SHEET
          EXTERNAL RETAINING RING APPLICATION INFORMATION SHEET
Notes��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 23-24
                                                        Introduction
Peterson Spring has over 50 years of experience in the design and manufacture of coiled retaining rings.
We have designed and built much of our own equipment.
With skills and manufacturing processes, developed over half a century, Peterson Spring is truly a world
leader in supplying retaining rings to automotive and industrial markets. Our rings are used for transmis-
sion, bearing, valve, gauge, appliance, and general industrial applications.
We have produced this Technical Manual for guidance in the design of rectangular, uniform section,
coiled retaining rings. It is intended for engineers and technicians who desire a comprehensive review
of retaining rings and their applications.
Our engineers are always ready to assist you: give us the details of your design project or the problem
you are trying to solve, and we will put our expertise to work for you.
Our manufacturing plant is staffed with its own quality department to insure the conformance of incoming
and outgoing materials as well as in-house processes. Peterson’s metallurgical lab, located at the
corporate headquarters in Southfield, Michigan, is also available for more in-depth or specialized anal-
ysis as well as research and development activities.
Reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of the material contained in this Manual. However, it is offered for its
informational value only, no responsibility for possible errors or omissions can be assumed.
(419) 867-8711
                                                                           3
  Common Terminology for Coiled Retaining Rings
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                                                            4
                                     Common Terminology
THRUST                                                              MATERIALS
Thrust – The axial force that opposing retained compo-              Common Retaining Ring Materials – The two most
nents exert against the ring and groove. Extreme forces             frequently used materials for coiled retaining rings are hard
can deform a groove, push the ring from the groove, or              drawn steel and oiled tempered steel.
shear the ring off above the groove, particularly if the             •	 Hard Drawn Steel	
groove material is harder than the ring material.                       A material which receives its tensile properties, i.e. hard-
There are two common types of thrust: static and surge.                 ness, from the wire drawing process, or cold working.
 •	 Static Thrust (T)                                                    Advantages:	         Cost, clean surface
    Constant load being exerted by components against                    Disadvantages:	      Lower tensile strength than oil
    the retaining ring.                                                                       tempered steel
 •	 Surge Thrust                                                     •	 Oil Tempered Steel	
    A sudden sharp increase in load exerted by compo-                   A material which receives its tensile strength, i.e. hard-
    nents against the retaining ring.                                   ness, from its martensitic grain structure produced
Total Radial Clearance – The maximum or total dimen-                    during the tempering process.
sion allowed for adequate contact between the diameter of                Advantages:	         Higher Tensile strength than hard
the bore or shaft and the diameter of the retained part. This                                 drawn steel
dimension includes radial clearance, groove chamfer, and
mating part chamfer or radius.                                           Disadvantages:	      Cost, residual oxides and residual
                                                                                              oils on wire surface
                                                                     •	 Other Materials	
                                                                        Other materials or alloys may be required in special
                                                                        applications such as stainless steel in corrosive envi-
                                                                        ronments or oil tempered chrome silicon steel in high
                                                                        stress applications.
                                                                    Ultimate Tensile Strength (ST) – The tensile force/load
                                                                    required to break a test piece, expressed as force/unit
                                                                    area. A related term is breaking strength.
                                                                    Yield Point or Strength (Sy) – The point where a mate-
                                                                    rial exhibits a deviation from proportionality of stress and
                                                                    strain. (0.2% offset is commonly used.) The yield point on
                                                                    material is always lower than the tensile strength.
                                                                    Ring Set – A state where the ring has been subjected
          Internal Ring Assembly Cross Section                      to bending stress during assembly or disassembly that
                                                                    exceeded the ring material strength properties, thereby
                                                                    inducing a permanent change in diameter.
Shoulder Width (w) – The distance from the ring groove to           Springback – The diameter recovery that rings demon-
the end of the shaft or housing. This should be greater than        strate after compression or extension forces are removed.
four times the groove depth.
                                                                    Rockwell Hardness – A measure of material hardness
                                                                    indicated by the amount of residual penetration in the
                                                                    material surface caused by a test instrument.
                                                                    MANUFACTURING
                                                                    Certified raw material is received in coils of round spring
                                                                    wire. These high carbon steel and alloy wires will be custom
                                                                    shaped to optimize the final cross sections required for
                                                                    each retaining ring application.
                      Shoulder Width
(419) 867-8711
                                                                5
                                      Common Terminology
Wire Shaping – The operation by which the round raw                  Rings are stress relieved at appropriate time and tempera-
wire is formed into a trapezoidal intermediate shape by              ture settings to insure optimum performance characteris-
rolling and shaping mills. In a highly automated process,            tics and dimensional stability.
a keystone (trapezoidal) cross section is achieved by
drawing the material through the wire polishers and multi-           RING CONDITIONS
staged rolling and shaping mills.                                    Free Helix – The distance one side of the ring varies out
Cold Working – Plastic deformation at a low or ambient               of flat from the other when resting in a free state on a flat
air temperature that creates strain hardening (work hard-            plate. This condition is inherent to the coiling process. Toler-
ening).                                                              ances are often specified when rings are to be assembled
                                                                     with automated magazine loaded assembly equipment.
Keystone Wire – The intermediate trapezoidal shape used
to compensate for metal flow of the wire during the ring             Total Free Height – Ring section thickness plus free helix
coiling operation. Keystone cross sections are carefully             measurement. To check for this condition, rings are usually
engineered and enrolled to insure precision tolerances in            passed through parallel plates placed at a maximum spec-
the final ring forming operations.
                Wire Cross Section Stages                                Ring Cross Section with Helix & Total Free Height
Ring Corner Radius (R) – The corner shape resulting
                                                                     ified distance.
from final coiling operations. At times this may not be a true
                                                                     Lateral Deformation – A number of conditions that include
radius, but more of a blended chamfer. The shape of the
                                                                     dish, section deformation, and cutoff deformation. Dish is
corners is the result of metal flow during the wire forming
                                                                     a concave or convex condition of the ring section when
process.
                                                                     placed on a flat plate. Section deformation is caused by
                                                                     material irregularity and occurs rarely. Cutoff deformation
                                                                     refers to burrs or distortion generated during the shearing
                                                                     process.
                                                                     These conditions are usually checked between parallel
                       Ring Corners                                  plates under a specified load (usually 10 lbs. or 4.5 kg) and
                                                                     the distance between the plates measured. If excessive,
Coiling – The operation of forming a ring, and cutting the
                                                                     any of these conditions may cause assembly problems.
formed ring loose. Feeding from large bundles, the shaped
keystone wire is formed into a circle by exceeding the mate-
rial’s yield point. This process results in a ring having the
desired cross section and free diameter. The ring is then
cut from the wire by the shearing action of a contoured
punch in a die set.
Ring Gap or End Configurations – The cutoff config-
urations at the ring tips. The different configurations are
used for ring installation, servicing, and identification. See
Design Guidelines section, page 10, for an illustration of
the various configurations available.
Stress Relieving – The operation of subjecting the coiled
rings to a low temperature heat treat to relieve residual
stresses left in the material from the shaping and coiling
(cold working) of the material during processing.
                                                                                Lateral Deformation with Three Conditions
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                                                                 6
                                       Common Terminology
Radial Fit – The roundness of the ring to the groove.                 SPECIAL APPLICATION RINGS
Sometimes specified by the customer as a maximum out
of round dimension when checked in a gauge.                           Bevel Section or L-Section Ring – Special section rings
                                                                      used for taking up end play in assemblies or in applications
                                                                      such as bearing assemblies.
b/t Ratio
(419) 867-8711
                                                                  7
        Design Guidelines for Coiled Retaining Rings
RING DIAMETERS                                                     GAP WIDTH TOLERANCE
Ring diameters from .500 in. to 24.000 in. (12.7 mm to 610         External rings are usually specified with a linear free gap
mm) can be produced on standard ring coiling machines.             dimension. The minimum tolerance is dependent on the
Other sizes are capable.                                           ring’s diameter tolerance and determined by multiplying
                                                                   the ring’s diameter tolerance by π. (Linear width is negli-
                                                                   gibly different than the actual arc length and is more prac-
DIAMETER TOLERANCES                                                tical to measure.)
A good rule of thumb is ± .010 in. (0.25 mm) per each              Internal rings are sometimes specified with an installed
1.000 in. (25.4 mm) of diameter. The exception is rings            linear gap dimension that allows a minimum of .039 in.
under 1.500 in. (38.1 mm) which should remain at ± 0.15            (1.00 mm) clearance between ring end tips during instal-
in. (0.38 mm).                                                     lation. (See page 16 for determining the minimum gap on
                                                                   an example problem.) The ring gap is typically checked by
                 @ Dia. <1.500 in.      @ Dia. >1.500 in.          holding the ring diameter to a specific gauge dimension
                   (<38.1 mm)             (>38.1 mm)               and measuring the gap width within a tolerance of .125 in.
                                                                   (3.18 mm) or greater. If a free gap dimension is specified,
                                       ± 0.10 in. (0.25 mm)        tolerances would be the same as for external rings.
Diameter (D)         ± .015 in.             per each
 Tolerance          (0.38 mm)          1.000 in. (25.4 mm)
                                              of Dia.
                                                                   RING FLATNESS
                                                                   The maximum free helix should equal the maximum ring
                                                                   thickness. Anything less is difficult to maintain for most
b/t RATIO                                                          Statistical Process Control requirements. Dish tolerances
The following ring width to thickness ratios should not be         are usually specified as .005 in. (0.13 mm) over maximum
exceeded for conventional ring manufacturing processes:            material section thickness when measured under parallel
                                                                   plates exerting a 10 lb. (4.5 kg) load.
	         carbon steel 		          4
	         chrome silicon steel	    3
	         stainless steel 		       4
                                                                   MATERIAL HARDNESS
Wire with b/t ratios greater than 5 cannot be cold worked          If material hardness on a coiled ring is given, the values
from round wire on conventional equipment and is typically         should be specified within the following ranges:
purchased preformed at a significant material price penalty.       	 ASTM-A227 hard drawn, Rockwell “C” 40-50
                                                                   	 ASTM-A229 oil tempered, Rockwell “C” 43-53
RING THICKNESS TOLERANCE                                           	 ASTM-A401 oil tempered chrome silicon,
                                                                   		          Rockwell “C” 48-58
The ring thickness tolerance should be ± .002 in. (0.05
mm). To maintain a statistically controlled tolerance of           Hardness values are generally not required on the blue-
± .001 in. (0.025 mm), secondary grinding is required              print, since they are often covered within the customer’s
adding significant expense.                                        material specifications. However, it is sometimes appro-
                                                                   priate to specify the hardness range of the finished ring in
                                                                   order to distinguish between materials. Tensile testing is
                                                                   not possible once the material has been coiled.
                          ± .002 in.         ± .001 in.
    Section Thickness    (0.05 mm)         (0.025 mm)
            (t)          as formed        with secondary           CORRELATION BETWEEN ROCKWELL
                                              grinding             HARDNESS AND TENSILE STRENGTH
                                                                   In a ring application, tensile strength is the important
RING SECTION RADIAL WIDTH                                          factor. Raw material is purchased to tensile strength
                                                                   values which cannot be checked after the wire is coiled.
TOLERANCE                                                          Since tensile testing of coiled rings is not possible, some
The ring section radial width tolerance should be ± .004 in.       customers specify hardness ranges on their retaining ring
(0.102 mm) minimum.                                                designs. Using the tolerance ranges shown above should
                                                                   insure adequate material performance and property
                                                                   characteristics.
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                                                               8
                                       Design Guidelines
MATING COMPONENTS                                                 SHOULDER WIDTH
Thrust capacity is dependent on ring and groove charac-           Shoulder width (w) should be greater than four times the
teristics, and the clearances between mating components.          groove depth (h) for optimum groove thrust capacity and
                                                                  support. When width to groove depth ratios (w/h) are less
RING CORNER RADIUS/CHAMFER                                        than four, groove thrust capacity is adjusted with correction
                                                                  factors shown on page 14.
Ring corners are seldom a true radius due to metal flow
during the transition from round wire to shaped wire. The         RADIAL CLEARANCE
corner break should be dimensioned as shown in the illus-
tration to provide corner zone control. Corners must be           Mating components retained by rings should have minimal
equal in configuration, with .010 in. (0.25 mm) tolerance         radial clearance, minimal ring and groove and groove
and at least 2/3 of the ring’s edge radially contacting the       corner radii/chamfer, and minimal corner breaks. When
groove.                                                           the ring is axially loaded, the greater the radial distance
                                                                  from the support of the groove, the greater the ring deflec-
                                                                  tion will be, lowering thrust capabilities. Radial clearance
                                                                  must be considered in the calculation of maximum radius/
                                                                  chamfer as part of the maximum corner break.
DIAMETER FIT
A .020 to .050 in. (0.50 mm to 1.27 mm) interference fit
should be maintained under most conditions between
the ring diameter and the groove diameter. Greater inter-
ference will not result in greater thrust capability. Some
designers use 1% of the ring diameter to determine the
groove interference.
                                                                            Internal Ring Assembly Cross Section
RADIAL COVERAGE
Groove depth (h) should be 1/3 to 1/2 of the ring’s radial        MAXIMUM STRESS LEVEL
width (b). This provides optimum ring stability in applica-
tions with high shear forces.                                     Maximum bending stress occurs during ring installation.
                                                                  To avoid plastic deformation, the stress level on internal
                                                                  rings should not exceed 100% of the minimum material
                                                                  tensile strength, and on external rings 80%. For maximum
                                                                  set resistance, rings should be stress relieved to remove
                                                                  residual stresses produced during the ring forming
                                                                  operation.
Radial Coverage
GROOVE WIDTH
Groove width (x) should be 1.143 times the mean ring
section thickness (t) dimension. This provides sufficient
clearance for assembly while minimizing ring tipping in
unstable situations.
(419) 867-8711
                                                              9
                                         Design Guidelines
CUTOFF CONFIGURATIONS
Because some cutoff configurations are more costly than              •	 Gap opening should be dimensioned as the minimum
others, it is important to determine the optimum design                 linear distance between gap ends.
for each application. Any two of the configurations can be
provided on the same ring (opposing at the gap) to meet              •	 When both ends have angled cuts, the included angle
various design or cost criteria.                                        should be specified when possible.
 •	 Full radius cuts or those having long shear lengths
    require high cutting loads and are susceptible to distor-        Refer to the following illustrations for specific design
    tion and burning.                                                guidelines.
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                                                                10
                                Material Specifications
               GENERAL PROPERTIES OF COMMON MATERIALS USED
                           IN OF
            GENERAL PROPERTIES RETAINING   RINGUSED
                                 COMMON MATERIALS APPLICATIONS
                                                    IN RETAINING RING APPLICATIONS
                                             ULTIMATE                                           FINISHED
                                                                                                               MAXIMUM
                                              TENSILE       APPROXIMATE                           RING
                               WIRE                                          MODULUS OF                      RECOMMENDED
                                             STRENGTH          SHEAR                           HARDNESS
   COMMON RING WIRE         DIAMETER                                          ELASTICITY                        SERVICE
                                                             LENGTH psi                       (ROCKWELL
                            (d) IN. (MM)    (ST) RANGE          (MPa)
                                                                             (E) psi (Mpa)
                                                                                               "C" SCALE)
                                                                                                             TEMPERATURE
                                              psi (MPa)                                                          °F (°C)
                                                                                                   HRC
      Stainless Steel         .120 in.      222-275 x 10³       120,000        28 x 10⁶         Approx.            400
       ASTM-A313            (3.05 mm)        (1531-1896)         (827)        (193 x 10³)        25-35            (205)
                                                                                                     APPROXIMATE
                                             APPROXIMATE
             COMMON                                                        APPROXIMATE                 HARDNESS
                                               ULTIMATE
             GROOVE                                                       YIELD STRENGTH          BRINELL SCALE - Bhn
                                           TENSILE STRENGTH
             MATERIAL                                                         psi (MPa)             ROCKWELL "C"
                                               psi (MPa)
                                                                                                      SCALE - HRC
Hardened Carbon Steel 180 x 10³ (1241) 162 x 10³ (1117) 45 min. HRC
Retaining rings are essentially circular, slender beams that         Linear  dimensions
                                                                        Linear dimensionsofofthe
                                                                                              the following   termsuse
                                                                                                   following terms  useinches
                                                                                                                         inches
                                                                                                                              (mm); force chara
are laterally stable and deflection loaded in pure bending.             characteristics
                                                                     (mm);              use psi (MPa).
                                                                            force characteristics    use lbs. (Newtons); strength
Various design approaches are used to engineer rings for             characteristics use psi (MPa).
                                                                          TERMS                                                   𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋²
given applications and they are all based on conventional            A 	 A – Ring cross sectional   sectional area    area ( 𝑡𝑡 x 𝑏𝑏 or 4 )
engineering mechanics principles such as Hooke’s Law
                                                                     b 	 bLinear
                                                                             –– Ring
                                                                                Ringdimensions
                                                                                       radial section
                                                                                       radial      section       width
                                                                                                                 width
                                                                                                            of the following terms use inches (mm); force chara
and Castigliano’s Theorem.
                                                                     b/t b/t  ––Ring
                                                                                  Ringradial
                                                                         	 characteristicsradialwidth width
                                                                                                     use      toto(MPa).
                                                                                                            psi       thicknessratio
                                                                                                                   thickness         ratio
The following formulae and procedures are based on                       C     –  Total   radial       clearance
                                                                     Cm	– Total radial clearance allowed when
                                                                            m                                             allowed      when    mating
                                                                                                                                             mating    partshave
                                                                                                                                                      parts  have chamfers
established theoretical and empirically derived guidelines,              CF –chamfers
                                                                                  Correction factor for maximum groove𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋²                       thrust based on the w/h ra
best suited for the range of retaining rings, commonly used                A – Ring      cross        sectional areafor( internal 𝑡𝑡 x 𝑏𝑏 or 4 )
                                                                     CF CF	 –I –Correction
                                                                                   Stress     correction
                                                                                                   factor forfactor maximum grooverings         thrust based on
by customers of Peterson Spring.                                         CFb–    –Ring
                                                                               EtheStress
                                                                                     w/hradial correction
                                                                                            ratio    section factorwidth for external rings
First the equations for radial load and stress are noted.            CFID  b/t
                                                                          	–  – Stress
                                                                                Mean
                                                                                 – Ringdiameter:
                                                                                           radial width
                                                                                           correction       Internal       ring
                                                                                                                  to thickness
                                                                                                              factor      for    (outer
                                                                                                                              internal ratiodiameter – b) External ring (inn
                                                                                                                                           rings
                                                                         D
                                                                     CFE	–     –  Groove
                                                                           CGmStress           diameter
                                                                                 – Totalcorrection
                                                                                            radial clearance  factor for   allowed
                                                                                                                              external  whenringsmating parts have chamfers
Along with the equations for uniform section rectangular
                                                                         DCFH ––  Housing
                                                                                    Correction  diameterfactor for maximum groove thrust based on the w/h ra
wire rings, formulae for round wire rings are also given.            D	 – Mean diameter: Internal ring (outer diameter – b)
                                                                         DCFS –I –Shaft
                                                                                    Stress diameter
                                                                                               correction           factor for+internal        rings
Although the vast majority of retaining rings are manufac-                      External      ring     (inner diameter               b)
                                                                         dCF – Wire    diameter
                                                                                E – Stress       correction factor for external rings
tured from rectangular uniform section wire, round wire              DG	– Groove diameter
                                                                         D/b
                                                                           D ––MeanRing diameter:
                                                                                           index (rectangular Internal ring  wire)(outer diameter – b) External ring (in
rings are sometimes used as spacers or retaining rings               DH	–  DG Housing
                                                                         D/d     – Ring
                                                                                   Groove     diameter
                                                                                           index       (round wire)
                                                                                                 diameter
when thrust loads are low.                                           DS	ED–H Shaft
                                                                                Modulus diameter
                                                                                – Housing      ofdiameter
                                                                                                    elasticity
During assembly, the expansion or contraction load on                d	– FD–S Deflection
                                                                                – Shaft
                                                                                Wire   diameter  at the gap of a ring
                                                                                            diameter
                                                                         f d– –Deflection
                                                                                  Wireindex     90° from center of gap
                                                                                         diameter
most rings is applied at 90° from the center of the gap.             D/b	–      Ring               (rectangular wire)
                                                                         GD/b – Ring
                                                                                  – Ringfreeindex
                                                                                                gap (rectangular wire)
Automated or manual assembly methods typically utilize               D/d	– Ring index (round wire)
                                                                         hD/d– Groove
                                                                                  – Ring depth
                                                                                             index (round wire)
some type of tapered tool to guide the ring into a bore or           E	– Modulus of elasticity𝑡𝑡 x 𝑏𝑏³
                                                                           E – Modulus of elasticity                              𝜋𝜋 x 𝑑𝑑𝑑
over a shaft. The area of greatest force is therefore applied        F	– I – Moment
                                                                           F –Deflection
                                                                                            of inertia gap
                                                                                  Deflectionatatthe
                                                                                                               ( ofofaaring
                                                                                                         the gap12
                                                                                                                             or 64 )
                                                                                                                              ring
90° from the center of the gap. The second assembly                      I.D.   – Ring inside
                                                                     f	–   f – Deflection         90°diameter
                                                                                                          from center of gap
method applies the expansion or contraction load at the                  N G  ––Rotational
                                                                                  Ring   free     speed
                                                                                                  gap          in revolutions per minute
                                                                     G	– Ring free gap
gap, usually through manual methods utilizing special                    O.D.     – Ring outside
                                                                           h – Groove         depth diameter
pliers or other tools to hold the ring ends. External rings          h	– Groove depth
                                                                         PG – Load at gap of ring during             𝑡𝑡 x 𝑏𝑏³ gap   𝜋𝜋 deflection
                                                                                                                                       x 𝑑𝑑𝑑
with extremely wide gaps such as “C” rings are designed to           I	– PIg––Moment
                                                                                  Load 90°    offrom
                                                                                                   inertia      ( 12of gap
                                                                                                           center             or 64 )
be pushed radially over a shaft groove spreading the ring            I.D.	RI.D.
                                                                              – Ring
                                                                                Corner inside
                                                                                  – Ring    Radius
                                                                                             inside  diameter
                                                                                                          diameter
ends in the process. Regardless of the techniques used for           N	 RNm–––Rotational
                                                                                  Total radial
                                                                                  Rotational           clearance
                                                                                                     speed
                                                                                                  speed                   allowed per
                                                                                                              ininrevolutions
                                                                                                                      revolutions      when    mating parts have radii
                                                                                                                                        perminute
                                                                                                                                             minute
assembly, the area of highest ring bending stress occurs                 S O.D.–  Stress
                                                                                   –  Ring   for    rings
                                                                                               outside
                                                                     O.D.	– Ring outside diameter
                                                                            G                                expanded
                                                                                                              diameter         at   the   gap
180° from the center of the gap.                                         SPgG– –Stress
                                                                                   Load     forgaprings expanded               90°   from    center of gap
                                                                     PG	–       Load    at atgap of of       ring
                                                                                                          ring   duringduring gapgap    deflection
                                                                                                                                     deflection
                                                                         SPs g––Shear
                                                                                   Load strength
                                                                                            90° from of         ring material
                                                                                                             center       of gap
Following the radial load and stress equations are the               Pg	–SRT –Load      90° from
                                                                                  Ultimate
                                                                                  Corner Radius tensile   center
                                                                                                             strength  of gapof ring material
stress correction factors for both the internal and external         R	 SRy–m – Corner
                                                                                 Yield      Radius
                                                                                         strength         of groove allowed materialwhen mating parts have radii
                                                                                 – Total     radial clearance
ring. Next, thrust calculation formulae are given, followed              TS–G Static     ringfor thrust
                                                                     Rm	–        – Stress
                                                                                Total  radial         ringscapacity
                                                                                                  clearance    expanded
                                                                                                                     allowed at  whenthe mating
                                                                                                                                           gap parts have radii
by the rotational speed capacity equation for external rings.            TSGg––Stress
                                                                                  Static   groove
                                                                                   Stressfor  for    ringsthrust
                                                                                                              expandedcapacity
                                                                     SG	–                        rings     expanded          at90°
                                                                                                                                 the from
                                                                                                                                        gap center of gap
                                                                         TSCs––Static
                                                                                   Shearforring     thrustof
                                                                                              strength         with
                                                                                                                  ringmaximum
                                                                                                                           material     allowable corner break or chamfe
                                                                     Sg	–       Stress           rings expanded              90° from center of gap
                                                                         TSRT––Static
                                                                                   Ultimateringtensile
                                                                                                    thrust withstrength maximum
                                                                                                                              of ringallowable
                                                                                                                                         material corner radius
                                                                     Ss	–       Shear
                                                                         t S–yRing        strength of ring material
                                                                                      thickness
                                                                                – Yield    strength of groove material
                                                                     ST	–VT––Ultimate
                                                                                External
                                                                                  Static ring tensile
                                                                                              ring          strength
                                                                                                       radial
                                                                                                    thrust                  of ring material
                                                                                                                 interference
                                                                                                               capacity                (DG – I.D.)
                                                                     Sy	–wTG– Yield
                                                                                –Shoulder
                                                                                       strength
                                                                                   Static       widthofthrust
                                                                                             groove          groove        material
                                                                                                                        capacity
                                                                     T	 xT––C Groove
                                                                                –  Static
                                                                                Static      width
                                                                                         ringring     thrust
                                                                                                  thrust         with maximum allowable corner break or chamf
                                                                                                             capacity
                                                                         y,z
                                                                           T  R –
                                                                                – Empirically
                                                                     TG	– Static groove thrustwith
                                                                                   Static    ring      derived
                                                                                                      thrust          variable
                                                                                                                          maximum allowable corner radius
                                                                                                                   capacity
                                                                           t – Ring thickness
                                                                     TC	– Static ring thrust with maximum allowable corner break
                                                                           V –orExternal
                                                                                    chamferring radial interference (DG – I.D.)
                                                                           w – Shoulder width
                                                                     TR	– Static ring thrust with maximum allowable corner radius
                                                                           x – Groove width
                                                                     t	 y,z   – Ring   thicknessderived variable
                                                                                 – Empirically
                                                                     V	 – External ring radial interference (DG – I.D.)
                                                                     w	 – Shoulder width
                                                                     x	       – Groove width
                                                                     y,z	– Empirically derived variable
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                                                                12
                                                            Design Formulae
                                            RADIAL LOAD AN DEFLECTION STRESS
                                                                                   Radial Load
Deflection Stress
D/b y z D/b y z
  †7.500CORRECTION
STRESS                -5.714 x 10-3
         to < 8.075 FACTORS                                    4.876 x 10-2                       †7.500     to < 8.100            -8.889 x 10-3               9.600 x 10-2
    8.075 to < 8.600                 -3.810 x 10-3             4.876 x 10-2                        8.100 to < 8.375                -7.273 x 10-3               7.560 x 10-2
Internal Retaining Rings
    8.600 to < 9.225                 -3.200 x 10-3             4.352 x 10-2                        8.375 to < 8.688                -6.400 x 10-3               7.560 x 10-2
CFI = [(D/b) y]* + z
   9.225 to < 10.100                 -2.285 x 10-3             3.509 x 10-2                        8.688 to < 9.050                -5.517 x 10-3               7.560 x 10-2
  10.100 D/b
         to < 10.575                 -2.105    -3                    x 10-2                                                        -4.444 x 10-3               5.822 x 10-2
                                         y x 10                3.326
                                                                 z                                 9.050 to < 9.500
                                                  -3                    -2
   †7.500 to
  10.575  to << 8.075
                11.150             -5.714    x 10-3
                                          x 10
                                     -1.739               4.876 x 10x 10-2
                                                             2.939                                9.500 to < 10.050                -3.636 x 10-3               5.055 x 10-2
                                               -3                    -2
    8.075 to < 8.600               -3.810 x 10 -3         4.876 x 10
  11.150 to < 11.850                 -1.429 x -3
                                               10            2.593 -2x 10-2                      10.050 to < 10.686                 -3.141x 10-3               4.562 x 10-2
    8.600 to < 9.225               -3.200 x 10            4.352 x 10
                                               -3 -3
                                                                x 10x 10-2                                                         -2.313 x 10-3               3.673 x 10-2
                                                                     -2
  11.850
   9.225 toto< <10.100
                 12.675              -1.212
                                   -2.285    x 10
                                          x 10               2.336
                                                          3.509                                  10.686 to < 11.550
                                               -3                    -2
  10.100 to < 10.575               -2.105 x 10 -3         3.326 x 10
  12.675 to < 13.550                 -1.143 x -3
                                               10            2.249 -2x 10-2                      11.550 to < 12.675                -1.777 x 10-3               3.053 x 10-2
  10.575 to < 11.150               -1.739 x 10            2.939 x 10
                                               -3 -3
                                                                x 10x 10-2                                                         -1.126 x 10-3               2.228 x 10-2
                                                                     -2
  13.550
  11.150 toto<<11.850
                 14.550              -1.000
                                   -1.429    x 10
                                          x 10               2.055
                                                          2.593                                  12.675 to < 14.450
                                               -3                    -2
  11.850  to <  12.675
  14.550 to < 16.050               -1.212 x 10 10-4
                                     -6.667 x -3          2.336 x 10x 10-2
                                                             1.570                               14.450 to < 15.700                -8.000 x 10-4               1.756 x 10-2
                                                                     -2
  12.675 to < 13.550               -1.143 x 10            2.249 x 10
  16.050
  13.550 toto<<14.550
                 16.925              -5.714
                                   -1.000    x -310-4
                                          x 10               1.417
                                                          2.055 x 10x 10
                                                                     -2  -2                      15.700 to < 17.650                -5.120 x 10-4               1.305 x 10-2
                                               -4                    -2
  14.550  to <  16.050
  16.925 to < 18.000               -6.667 x 10
                                     -4.651  x -410-4     1.570 x 10x 10-2
                                                             1.237                               17.650 to < 19.000                -3.700 x 10-4               1.054 x 10-2
                                                                     -2
  16.050 to < 16.925               -5.714 x 10            1.417 x 10
  18.000
  16.925 toto<<18.000
                 19.500              -3.300
                                   -4.651    x -410-4
                                          x 10               1.000
                                                          1.237 x 10x 10
                                                                     -2  -2                      19.000 to < 23.000                -1.250 x 10-4               5.875 x 10-3
                                               -4                    -2
  18.000  to <  19.500
  19.500 to < 21.000               -3.300 x 10
                                     -2.000  x -410-4     1.000 x 10x 10-3
                                                             7.400                                  23.0 or greater                -1.000 x 10-4               5.300 x 10-3
                                                                     -3
  19.500 to < 21.000               -2.000 x 10            7.400 x 10
  21.000
  21.000 toto<<22.500
                 22.500              -6.667
                                   -6.667    x -510-5
                                          x 10            4.600 x 10x 10
                                                             4.600   -3  -3
                                               -5                    -3
     22.5
     22.5 or
          orgreater
              greater              -4.000 x 10
                                     -4.000  x 10-5       4.000 x 10x 10-3
                                                             4.000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(419) 867-8711
External Retaining Rings                                                                13
  CF = [(D/b) y]* +
                                              Design Formulae
THRUST CALCULATIONS AND                                             Corrected Thrust Capacity – The following formulae
                                                                    give the maximum static thrust capacity of the ring when
THRUST LIMITING FACTORS                                             factored at the maximum total radial clearance, Rm or Cm.
Thrust limitations can be calculated from the following
formulae. If the shoulder width is less than the recom-             Internal Ring:
mended ratio of four times the groove depth, the maximum            Inch
static groove thrust is adjusted.                                   	      TR = [((DH x t) 0.106) + .0708] T
            Maximum Thrust Calculations for                         	TC = [-0.060 (DH x t) + 0.230] T
              Retaining Rings & Grooves                             Metric
                        Static Thrust        Adjusted Thrust        	      TR = [((DH x t) 0.106 (1.55 x 10-3)) + 0.708] T
                         @ w/h ≥ 4            Due to w/h < 4        	TC = [(-0.060 (DH x t) (1.55 x 10-3)) + 0.230] T
  Internal Ring     T = .3 (DHSSπt)                -                                                              -3
                                                                                 Cm = [(( t x h) 3.862 (1.55 x 10 )) + .03154] 25.4
  External Ring     T = .25 (DSSSπt)               -                External Ring:
                                                                                 Corrected Thrust Capacity – The following formulae give th
 Internal Groove Tg = .6 (DHSyπh) Tg = [.6 (DHSyπh)] /CF*           Inch
                                                                              factored at the maximum total radial clearance, Rm or Cm.
                                                                    	      TR = [((DS x t) 0.1625) + 0.669] T
External Groove Tg = .5 (DSSyπh) Tg = [.5 (DSSyπh)] /CF*            	TC = [((DS x t) 0.1625) + 0.669] T
                                                                              Internal Ring:
*Where CF is calculated from the following equations:               Metric    Inch
                                                                    	TR = [((DS x t) 0.1625 (1.55 x 10-3)) + 0.669] T
                                                                              T = [((D x t) 0.106) + .0708] T
              w/h                       CF                          	TC =R[((DS xHt) 0.1625 (1.55 x 10-3)) + 0.669] T
                                                                             TC = [-0.060 (DH x t) + 0.230] T
           1.0 to 1.5        (-3.200 x w/h) + 7.490                          Metric
                                                                    Surge Loading   andx Other
                                                                             TR = [((D            Concerns-3 – Surge loading
          >1.5 to 2.0        (-1.550 x w/h) + 5.054                                   H t) 0.106 (1.55 x 10 )) + 0.708] T
                                                                    (without impact) can be compensated for       -3  by using 50%
                                                                                TC = [(-0.060 (DH x t) (1.55 x 10 )) + 0.230] T
          >2.0 to 2.5        (-0.948 x w/h) + 3.856                 of the preceding thrust calculations. Further reductions in
          >2.5 to 3.0        (-0.600 x w/h) + 2.997                 thrust capacity  are caused
                                                                                External   Ring: by impact and vibration loads,
                                                                    large gap widths,
                                                                                Inch     and   interrupted cuts or splined groove
          >3.0 to 3.5        (-0.260 x w/h) + 1.982                 shoulders. Structural integrity of the grooved component
                                                                                TR = [((DS x t) 0.1625) + 0.669] T
          >3.5 to 4.0        (-0.156 x w/h) + 1.557                 is also affected by the reduced wall thickness under the
                                                                                TC = [((DS x t) 0.1625) + 0.669] T
             >4.0           Has Negligible Influence                groove as well as stress concentrations in the groove
                                                                                Metric
                                                                    corners. Dynamic testing of an actual assembly -3
                                                                                                                           or system
                                                                                TR = [((D
                                                                    is recommended          x t) 0.1625
                                                                                       to Sverify       (1.55 values.
                                                                                                  calculated  x 10 )) + 0.669] T
Total Radial Clearance and Corner Conditions – Total                                                               -3
                                                                                 TC = [((DS x t) 0.1625 (1.55 x 10 )) + 0.669] T
radial clearance affects the thrust capacity of an assembly
and must be considered when chamfers, radii, or generous            MAXIMUM   ROTATIONAL SPEED
                                                                         Surge Loading and Other Concerns – Surge loading (witho
clearances are present. To calculate the maximum total
                                                                    Centrifugal preceding  thrustexternal
                                                                                 force affects    calculations.
                                                                                                            ringsFurther
                                                                                                                   only. reductions  in thrust cap
                                                                                                                          If high rota-
radial clearance allowed for an assembly, the following                         gap widths, and interrupted cuts or splined groove shoulders.
                                                                    tional speeds  are expected in an installation, the following
                                                                                affected by the reduced wall thickness under the grove as we
formulae can be utilized. Corresponding corrected thrust
                                                                    formula is generally   recognized
                                                                                Dynamic testing          as anassembly
                                                                                                  of an actual   adequate  or guideline
                                                                                                                              system is recomme
capacity formulae follow.
                                                                    for determining the ring’s maximum revolutions per minute
Internal Ring:                                                      (N). Use English
                                                                                MAXIMUMunitsROTATIONAL
                                                                                             only with thisSPEED
                                                                                                              formula.
Inch                                                                             Centrifugal force affects external rings only. If high rotational s
	Rm = [((t x h) 5.630) + .04479]                                                 formula is generally recognized as an adequate guideline for
	Cm = [((t x h) 4.388) + .04222]                                                 (N). Use English units only with this formula.
Metric
	Rm = [((t x h) 5.630 (1.55 x 10-3)) + .04479] 25.4
                                                                                              6*
                                                                                            106* (              x D ) 1/2
                                                                                                 ( VVx xI ÷I 5A)½  5
	Cm = [(( t x h) 4.388 (1.55 x 10-3)) + .04222] 25.4                             N
                                                                                 N== 5.595
                                                                                     5.5 xx10
                                                                                                   AxD
External Ring:                                                                   *Derived from English units.
Inch
	      Rm = [((t x h) 6.443) + .05267]                                           SOME BACKGROUND CONSIDERATIONS
	Cm = [((t x h) 3.862) + .03154]
Metric                                                                           Since all rings are unique to their specific application, there ar
	      Rm = [((t x h) 6.443 (1.55 x 10-3)) + .05267] 25.4                        retaining ring/groove is usually the last consideration evaluate
                                                                                 When the designer reaches the stage where the assembly dim
	Cm = [(( t x h) 3.862 (1.55 x 10-3)) + .03154] 25.4
                                                                                 the retaining ring/groove will function is ready to be evaluated
(419) 867-8711
                                                                  15
                                              Design Example
•	 Using the b/t value to select material, SAE 1065 hard               •	 Maximum installed ring gap is established by adding
   drawn or oil tempered steel would be appropriate. Hard                 .125 in. to the minimum installed gap. See the Design
   drawn steel is commonly specified on lower stressed                    Guidelines section on page 8.
   internal rings with the higher strength oil tempered
   allowed as an option. The blueprint would specify a                   Maximum installed ring gap = .573 in. + 125 in.
   Rockwell hardness of “C” 40-50 at finish for hard drawn,              			                        = .698 in.
   and 43-53 for oil tempered.
•	 Establish the free O.D. for the ring by using 1% of
   installed diameter for the interference fit as noted in the           The above values can be shown on a blueprint as follows:
   Design Guidelines section on page 9. One percent of
   the groove diameter is .042. The .042 in. is then added
   to the groove diameter to give a minimum free O.D. of
   4.212 in. As noted in the Guidelines section on page
   8, the free diameter tolerance should be ±.010 in. for
   each inch of ring diameter, so a total of .084 in. diameter
   tolerance is needed. The .084 in. total diameter toler-
   ance added to the established ring minimum free O.D.
   gives a maximum free O.D. of 4.296 in. Therefore, the
   free O.D. range is from 4.212 in. to 4.296 in.
  Total Tolerance = ± (4.212 in. x .010)                               •	 Cutoff configurations for the gap can now be selected.
  	            	   = ± .042 in. or .084 in.                               From the Design Guidelines section on page 10, the
  Maximum free O.D. = 4.212 in. + .084 in.                                30° outside angle is the preferred configuration for an
  		                = 4.296 in.                                           internal ring. Both ring tips will be specified as outside
                                                                          angle cuts for disassembly purposes. The angle on
                                                                          the configurations should therefore be specified as an
•	 The next consideration would be the ring gap. As this                  included angle with a ±10° tolerance.
   is an internal ring, an installed gap will be specified
   with the installed diameter being the groove diameter.
   The change in diameter of the ring during installation
   from the bore diameter to the groove diameter is 0.170
   in. Therefore, the change in gap dimension is .534 in.
   Since a minimum of .039 in. clearance between the ring
   tips is recommended during installation, the minimum
   installed end gap is .573 in.
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                                                                 16
                                                                                                        4Etb f
                                                                                               Pg   =         3
                                                                                                        3πD
                                                  Design      Example
                                                      P = [4(30
                                                                                  6                           3
                                                                x 10 psi)(.074 in.)(.255 in.) (.296 in.)] ÷ 3π(3.999 in.)
                                                                   g
                                                                                                                                         3
                                                                                                                                             = 72.3 lbs.
                                                                       •    The next concern would be the thrust capacity of the ring. Using the formula o
•	 Select the appropriate stress calculation formula and             The sudden surge dynamic thrust capacity would be
   correction factors from page 13 and check the installa-           50% of the above figure or 19,528 lbs.
                                                    T = .3(DHSSπt)
   tion stress.
                                                                     The calculated
                                                                             3
                                                                                          ring sudden surge capacity is greater
                         Sg = fE (CFI)              T= .3(4.00 in.)(140 x 10the
                                                                     than      psi)* (π)(.074thrust
                                                                                   system     in.) =39,056
                                                                                                     so thelbs. ring is adequately
                               b
                                                                     designed.
                                                                  *From the table on page 11 for hard drawn material
  Solving for f and CFI:                                                                                 19,528 lbs. > 2,000 lbs.
                                                                  The sudden surge dynamic thrust capacity would be 50% of the above figure or 19,528
  f = Maximum Free O.D. – Housing Diameter (DH)                                  •	 Since the entire system is being evaluated, the designer
                                                                  The calculated ring sudden
                                                                                  would  nextsurge capacity
                                                                                              calculate theisthrust
                                                                                                              greatercapacity
                                                                                                                      than the for
                                                                                                                               system
                                                                                                                                   the thrust
                                                                                                                                       groove so the ring
  f = 4.296 in. - 4.000 in.                                                           using the formula from page 14:
                                                                  19,528 lbs. > 2,000 lbs.
    = .296 in                                                                                                 Tg = .6(DHSyπh)
                       (CFI) = [(D/b) y] + z                           •    Since the entire system is being evaluated, the designer would next calculate
                                                                            groove First
                                                                                    using check  the shoulder
                                                                                          the formula from page width
                                                                                                                14: backing up the ring. In
                                                                                      the specifications, that figure is .213 in. Determine if the
  D = Mean ring O.D. – b
                                                                  Tg = .6(DHSyπh)shoulder width (w) to groove depth (h) ratio is equal to
  D = ½ (4.212 in. + 4.296 in.) - .255 = 3.999 in.                                    or greater than the recommended ratio of 3 minimum.
                                                                                   The groove
                                                                  First check the shoulder        depth isup.085
                                                                                            width backing            in., Insothethe
                                                                                                               the ring.             shoulder width
                                                                                                                                  specifications, that figure is .2
  D/b = 3.999 in. = 15.682                                        shoulder width (w) to groove
                                                                                   ratio is:     depth (h) ratio is equal to or greater than the recommende
          .255                                                    groove depth is .085 in., so the shoulder width ratio is:
  Therefore, y = -6.667 x 10-4 and z = 1.570 x 10-2                                   		            w/h = .213/.085 = 2.5
                                                                                       w/h = .213/.085 = 2.5
  CFI = [(15.682)-6.667 x 10-4] + 1.570 x 10-2                                     Since w/h is less than the recommended ratio of 4,
                                                                  Since w/h is lesscalculate  the groove thrust
                                                                                    than the recommended  ratio ofcapacity  from
                                                                                                                   4, calculate thethe adjusted
                                                                                                                                    groove thrust capacity
       = 5.245 x 10-3                                             formula on page thrust
                                                                                   14:    formula on page 14:
  Therefore, solving for Sg:
                                                                                                                  [.6(DHSyπh)]
  Sg = [
         (.296 in.)(30 x 106 psi)
                                  ](5.245 x 10-3) = 182,650 psi
                                                                                                         T
                                                                                                         Tg
                                                                                                          g
                                                                                                              =
             .255 x 10-3                                                                                              CF
= 72.3 lbs. *Cold rolled mild steel yield strength from page 11 (Ty).
T = .3(DHSSπT)
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                                                                           17
                                             Design Example
 •	 As with the ring, the theoretical groove thrust capacity is           Tc = [(-0.060)(4.000 in.)(.074 in.) + 230]* 19,408 lbs. =
    greater than the system thrust exerted. However, since                4,119 lbs.
    the retained part has a chamfer that is contacting the
    ring, the radial clearance will include both the .015 in.             *In this case the dynamic sudden surge thrust load is used
                                                                          to represent the worst case mode.
    dimension of the chamfer and the .0075 in. radial wall
    clearance between the housing and retained part.                      Since the maximum calculated radial clearance of .070
                                                                          in. will have a calculated minimum thrust capacity of
   Total radial clearance = .015 in. + .0075 in. = .0225 in.
                                                                          4,119 lbs., be assured that the actual radial clearance
   The effect of the total radial clearance will reduce the               will keep the system thrust capacity well above the
   theoretical thrust capacity of the ring in the assembly.               actual thrust exerted by the system.
   Accordingly, calculate the maximum allowed chamfer
   or radius which would include clearance between the
   components. This formula is also found on page 14:                  In summary, the retaining ring designed in this example
                                                                       is only one of several possible solutions. Occasionally, it
                Cm = [((t h) 4.388) + .0422]                           will be necessary to vary ring parameters to fit a partic-
                                                                       ular groove/assembly application or vary the groove condi-
   Cm = [((.074)(.085)(4.388)) + .0422] = .070 in.
                                                                       tions to accommodate the ring. This trial and error process
   Comparing the actual total radial clearance of .0225 in.            of selecting various parameters allows alternative system
   to the calculated maximum total radial clearance of .070            designs for the same application.
   in. verifies that the actual radial clearance is accept-
   able. When radial clearance is a concern, the corrected
                                                                       Peterson Spring engineers welcome any inquiries; we
   thrust capacity equation shown on page 14 is used:
                                                                       can bring many years of experience to your particular
                  Tc = [-0.060)DHt) + .230] T                          design problem and help determine the most efficient
                                                                       and cost-effective solutions.
                                             Ring Standards
The following standard ring data is published by Peterson              Our experienced design engineers can help you optimize
Spring as a guideline for retaining ring and groove                    a ring design for your specific application. If you require
assemblies. The basis for this data is the SAE-ASME                    design assistance, fill out the forms on pages 22 and/or 23,
USA Standard for General Purpose Rectangular Uniform                   and email: sales@pspring.com or fax to: (419) 867-8715.
Section Retaining Rings USA 5B27.5 – 1969.                             You will be contacted.
Peterson Spring can supply any of the following standard               PETERSON SPRING has over 50 years of experience in
rings in quantities from a few pieces to hundreds of thou-             the design and manufacture of coiled retaining rings. Let us
sands. Our comprehensive stocks of round wire section                  put our expertise to work for you.
and facilities for producing any size of rectangular section
enable us to meet customer requirements on a just-in-time              For a FREE Technical Manual with retaining ring design
basis.                                                                 data and engineering specifications, call (419) 867-8711.
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                                                                  18
   Type 1A01 External Retaining Rings and Grooves
(419) 867-8711
                                                                                        19
   Type 1B01 Internal Retaining Rings and Grooves
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                                                                            20
                                                                     Customer:________________________________________________
                                                                     Retaining Ring Part Number: _________________________________
                                                                     Assembly Name/Nomenclature:_______________________________
                                                                     ________________________________________________________
                                                                     B/P Date/Revision No:_______________________________________
                                  1625 Commerce Road
 (419) 867-8711
                                                                     Date:____________________________________________________
                                   Holland, OH 43528
                       Phone: (419) 867-8711 • FAX: (419) 867-8715   Customer Engineering Contact:_______________________________
                                                                     Tel:________________________ Fax:__________________________
21
                                                                                                                                     Information Sheet for General Inquiries
                                                                                                                                                             www.pspring.com
                                                                                             Customer:________________________________________________
                                                                                             Retaining Ring Part Number: _________________________________
                                                                                             Assembly Name/Nomenclature:_______________________________
Information Sheet for General Inquiries
                                                                                             ________________________________________________________
                                                                                             B/P Date/Revision No:_______________________________________
                                                          1625 Commerce Road
                                                                                             Date:____________________________________________________
                                                           Holland, OH 43528
                                               Phone: (419) 867-8711 • FAX: (419) 867-8715   Customer Engineering Contact:_______________________________
                                                                                             Tel:________________________ Fax:__________________________
                                          EXTERNAL RETAINING RING APPLIOCATION INFORMATION SHEET
                                                                                                                                                                        22
                 Notes
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                   23
Notes
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  24
Engineering & Manufacturing
             Maumee Plant
         1625 Commerce Road
           Holland, OH 43528
         Phone: (419) 867-8711
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