Force required to compress or extend a helical spring.

In summary, the force required to compress or extend a helical spring is theoretically the same, but in practice it may differ slightly if the yield strength of the material is approached. Additionally, there may be a stiffness non-linearity in compression as the spring reaches its fully-compressed length. The force required also depends on the spring's rate and how tightly it is coiled. If tightly coiled, compression may cause buckling instead of axial compression, making Hooke's law invalid.
  • #1
mvpunekar
13
0
Is force required to compress or extend a helical spring is same or different.

For example a spring has spring rate of 450 N/mm, so if in compression if 450 N is required to produce 1 mm displacement from free position whether in tension same 450 N force will be required to produce 1 mm displacement from free position or this force value would be different ?
 
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  • #2
In theory, it is the same. In practice, it is extremely close to the same so long as you stay well below the yield strength of the material.
 
  • #3
Pkruse said:
In theory, it is the same. In practice, it is extremely close to the same so long as you stay well below the yield strength of the material.

Are you sure that these values will be same?
 
  • #4
mvpunekar said:
Are you sure that these values will be same?
Yes, they will be the same.
 
  • #5
In addition to approaching the yield strength, there will be a stiffness non-linearity in compression as the spring approaches its fully-compressed length, when self-contact occurs.
 
  • #6
mvpunekar said:
Is force required to compress or extend a helical spring is same or different.

For example a spring has spring rate of 450 N/mm, so if in compression if 450 N is required to produce 1 mm displacement from free position whether in tension same 450 N force will be required to produce 1 mm displacement from free position or this force value would be different ?

it depends by the spring. There are springs with different rates.
 
  • #7
Also depends on how the spring is coiled.

If it is tightly coiled then compression is more likely to cause buckling than axial compression. In which case a simple Hooke's law assumtion will be invalid.
 
Last edited:

1. What is a helical spring?

A helical spring is a type of mechanical spring that is made up of a coiled wire. It is commonly used to store and release energy.

2. How is the force required to compress or extend a helical spring determined?

The force required to compress or extend a helical spring can be determined by using Hooke's Law, which states that the force is directly proportional to the displacement of the spring. This means that the force required to compress or extend a spring increases as the spring is compressed or extended.

3. What factors affect the force required to compress or extend a helical spring?

The force required to compress or extend a helical spring is affected by several factors, including the material and diameter of the wire, the number of coils, and the pitch (distance between each coil) of the spring. The force also depends on the initial length of the spring and the amount of compression or extension.

4. How can the force required to compress or extend a helical spring be calculated?

The force required to compress or extend a helical spring can be calculated using the formula F = -kx, where F is the force in Newtons, k is the spring constant in N/m, and x is the displacement of the spring in meters.

5. Can the force required to compress or extend a helical spring be changed?

Yes, the force required to compress or extend a helical spring can be changed by altering the factors that affect it, such as the material, diameter, number of coils, and pitch of the spring. It can also be changed by adjusting the initial length and the amount of compression or extension of the spring.

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