Even though disk springs with non-uniform thickness have the advantages of improving the load capacity, optimizing the stress distribution, and adjusting the stiffness characteristics, their exploration remains sparse. Prior analytical models for non-uniform disk springs were based on the Almen–Laszlo theory, and the model verifications lacked the support of experiments. A mechanical model of linearly gradient thickness (LGT) disk springs is established in this study in the cylindrical coordinate system based on the theory of plates and shells. A new analytical equation as a function of material and geometric parameters is developed to describe the load–deflection characteristics of LGT disk springs. The load–deflection characteristics of disk springs with different thickness variation parameters are compared through cases with a constant mid-radius thickness and constant flattened load, respectively. Moreover, the stiffness, deformation energy, and stress distribution of the disk springs are also systematically analyzed. To verify the proposed model and characterize the nonlinear load–deflection properties of LGT disk springs, specimens were fabricated, and experimental tests were conducted. Comparisons between the analytical results and experimental data demonstrate the superior effectiveness and accuracy of the developed analytical model in predicting the load–deflection characteristics of disk springs with uniform thickness or LGT. The results from the analytical and finite element methods indicate that the proposed model can describe the load–deflection characteristics of disk springs with different cone angles.

尽管厚度不均匀的碟形弹簧具有提高承载能力、优化应力分布和调整刚度特性的优势，但对它们的探索仍然很少。非均匀碟形弹簧的先前分析模型基于 Almen-Laszlo 理论，模型验证缺乏实验支持。本研究基于板壳理论，在圆柱坐标系下建立了线性梯度厚度（LGT）碟形弹簧的力学模型。开发了一种作为材料和几何参数函数的新解析方程来描述 LGT 碟形弹簧的载荷-挠度特性。分别通过恒定中半径厚度和恒定压扁载荷的情况比较了具有不同厚度变化参数的碟形弹簧的载荷-挠度特性。此外，还系统地分析了碟形弹簧的刚度、变形能和应力分布。为了验证所提出的模型并表征 LGT 碟形弹簧的非线性载荷-挠度特性，制作了样品并进行了实验测试。分析结果与实验数据之间的比较表明，所开发的分析模型在预测具有均匀厚度或 LGT 的碟形弹簧的负载挠度特性方面具有卓越的有效性和准确性。