EXPERIMENT 5: SPRING CONSTANTS FOR HELICAL SPRING

OBJECTIVE: Determination of the spring constant of a helical spring under tension and
compression loading

THEORY:
When a tensile load F1 is applied on a spring and it experiences an elongation of x1, F1 ∝ x1
Or, F1 = k1 x1,
where k1 is the constant of proportionality termed as the spring constant of the spring under
tension load.
Similarly, when a compressive load F2 shortens the spring of x2, F2 ∝ x2 Or, F2 = k2 x2,
where k2 is the constant of proportionality termed as the spring constant of the spring under
compression load.

APPARATUS: Spring Testing Machine, Helical Spring.

Figure: Schematic Diagrams of Spring Tests under Compression (left) and Tension (right)
Loads

PROCEDURE:

a) The spring is stationed in the spring testing machine and the initial load and displacement
are set at zero.
b) Then compression load is gradually applied to the spring and the loads version deflections
are recorded.
c) After loading is complete, the spring is unloaded till it reaches zero force condition. The
loads version deflections are recorded during unloading.
d) The same process is repeated to determine the loads version deflections under tension
forces during loading and unloading.
e) The load versus deflection of spring under tension and compression loads during loading
and unloading are plotted to determine the spring constants respectively.
 EXPERIMENTAL OBSERVATIONS:

Compression Load Tension Load

S/l
No. Load Deflection Spring Constant Load Deflection Spring Constant
(...) (...) (...) (...) (...) (...)
1.
2.
Loading
3.
Stage
4.
5.
6.
7.
Unloading
8.
Stage
9.
10.

CONCLUSIONS: The average spring constant during tension for loading stage is.................

The average spring constant during tension for unloading stage is .................

The average spring constant during compression for loading stage is.................

The average spring constant during compression for unloading stage is .................