Initial compression of a spring

[vin300]

My question here is a simple one. Most tension springs come with an initial tension requirement for spring action. Is it that tension springs are usually used for measuring through some range while compression springs are usually energy absorbers that such a difference is built into them? Also, would a compression spring with an initial compression requirement serve any practical purpose?

 

[Dr.D]

If you start with an open wound spring (such that the coils are not touching), it can be used in either tension or compression without the need for any preload at all. Either can be used as an energy storage mechanism. Initial tension or initial compression is used in many situations, so the answer to your last question is "yes."

 

[CWatters]

The springs on some cars are compressed before fitting and then again by the weight of the car... and only then by the bumps in the road.