Spring characteristics when loaded with a mass

[Jeviah]

Homework Statement

If a spring is loaded with a mass, the spring being completely vertical and the mass hanging below it there would be an extension in the spring relative to the mass applied/force applied according to hookes law. If the same spring was not vertical but coiled (similar to a garter spring but not connected to itself) I assume that the extension would still be the same as if it was vertical. My question is would having a tension spring coiled in this manner have any adverse effects such as instability in the spring, reducing the springs life span etc?

My reasoning behind this question is that coiling a spring in this manner will allow for the spring to extend as much as required while housing it in a much smaller area. I have read about constant force springs however as they do not obey hookes law and I have not/will not cover them in my studies I would prefer to avoid using them.

Homework Equations

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The Attempt at a Solution

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[BvU]

I assume that the extension would still be the same as if it was vertical

On this garter spring, where would you hang the mass you mention / apply the extending force ?
And: if not connected to itself, then: connected to what ?

 

[haruspex]

was not vertical but coiled

Coiled around what, and how many times?
A rope coiled around a post experiences friction that grows exponentially with the arc length. I think you would quickly run into that problem with your coiled up spring.

 

[Jeviah]

Sorry that was a poor description on my part. So my plan is to coil a spring around an axle/wheel essentially, one end attached to the axle/wheel the other end attached to a load that can be removed. The load pulls on the spring and the spring extends, when the load is removed the spring would retract to its original position. The spring will have some flexible casing around it so it doesn't get tangled, also the materials used would be smooth with the hopes of reducing the friction. Friction between surfaces is undesirable but not a deal breaker as it would only slow down the extension/retraction of the spring. The best way I can describe it is that the design would be similar to a retractable tape measure, replacing the tape with a spring.

How many times it would be coiled around the axle I am unsure of at this point as I would need to research springs first and what maximum extension I need.

 

[haruspex]

it would only slow down the extension/retraction of the spring.

No, it could stop it entirely.

similar to a retractable tape measure

The analogy doesn't quite work. The tape itself does not stretch. But at the centre of the holder there could be a coiled band, like a clockwork spring.
Clockwork springs can stick and need some lubrication, but they do have the advantage of being a flat strip of metal. I can't see the problem as being as easily solved with your flexible casing.