Belleville washers also called conical spring washers are manufactured and are designed specifically for Heavy Duty Bolted section such as Bus Bars, Transformers, Rectifiers, Heat Exchangers, Transmission, etc. They do not effectively prevent loosening of the assembly under varying radial load and are designed for use predominantly subject to thrust.
Belleville washer consists of primarily of a convex disc supported at the outer periphery by one force and an opposing force on the center of the disc. These are used singly, or in stacks, to achieve a desired load and travel.
- The advantage of a Belleville washer is that it generates high force in a very short spring length and with minimal movement when compressed. It allow thermal expansion and vibration, or to maintain distance between machine parts.
- Belleville washers are seen on Formula One cars, as they provide extremely detailed tuning ability.
- Belleville washers, when used on the mounting bolts, are also useful as an indicator of swelling or shrinkage of wooden propellers on aircraft (typically experimental aircraft).