What is a Mechanical Spring?

A Mechanical Spring is a device that stores mechanical potential energy on the deformation by extension, compression, or torsion. When a spring is subjected to an external force it deforms to store potential energy and the energy can be recovered when it returns to its original position.

Types of Mechanical Springs:

Mechanical springs are classified into four groups on the application of force,

1. Compression springs.
2. Extension springs.
3. Torsion springs.
4. Constant force springs.

Compression Springs:

Compression springs are open-helical springs built to oppose the compression along the wound axis. Compression springs are constructed by wounding a metal rod on a shaft. when load is applied to it the stores energy and pushes back against it.

The amount of energy that a spring can store depends upon the material of the wire, the diameter of the wire, and the number of coils. The stiffness or spring’s rate is the change of force per unit change in the length of the spring. The Spring’s rate is measured in pounds per inch or newton per millimeter.

Compression Springs 

Extension Springs:

The extension springs store energy in a way that creates resistance against the pulling force. The spacing between the coils is negligible. It is clamped on both ends with the two components, when the components move apart springs bring them back. Extension springs have hooks at both ends. These springs have vast applications in cars, machinery, toys, and many more.

Extension Springs

Torsion Springs:

Torsion spring works by exerting the torque when a twisting torque is applied to it. It is constructed by wounding a wire along the rod. It has two ends when one end of the torsion spring is twisted it stores energy and when the twisted end is released spring unwinds and releases the stored energy.

Torsion Springs

Constant Force Springs:

Constant Force springs are also known as constant force or constant torque springs. These springs are designed to provide constant torque and constant force. It is constructed by tightly wounding the strip of metal. When the strip is extended its inherent stresses resist the loading nearly at a constant rate.

Constant Force Springs