Official Answer
Answer
Wave springs generally exhibit linear load-deflection characteristics between 20 percent and 80 percent of total available deflection. Beyond this, 'bottoming out' occurs as the waves begin to touch the mating surfaces, causing a sharp increase in the apparent spring rate $K$. This is mathematically modeled by the contact of the wave arcs, which effectively reduces the active beam length $L$ in the deflection equation $\delta \propto L^3$. For precision medical instrumentation, designers must avoid this region to prevent erratic sensor readings and excessive contact stress that could lead to galling.
