Official Answer
Answer
Wave shifting occurs when the peaks of a multi-turn wave spring do not remain vertically aligned during compression. This shift causes the spring to behave as a hybrid between a series and parallel assembly, leading to an unpredictable spring rate and localized overstressing. It is often caused by lack of radial constraint or high-frequency vibration. To prevent this, 'Crest-to-Crest' springs can be manufactured with 'alignment dimples' or 'shim ends'. In extreme cases, switching to a 'nested' design where the wire is wound continuously on top of itself can eliminate shifting, though this changes the load-deflection profile significantly.
