Lab Session # 2

Objective:
To determine the stiffness of the helical tension spring and compare the experimental and
theoretical deflection.

Introduction:
Helical tension spring:
Tension helical springs, also known as extension springs, are comprised of tightly wound helical
coils that are designed to operate in the direction of the tension. The spring stretches to a
particular length when a force is applied to it. These springs have hooks at both its ends, and are
attached to the product.

Theory:
History:
Archaeologists have discovered ancient, coiled helical-shaped spring-like wire objects in the
Balkans and across Europe that can be dated to 4,000 BC. However, the first coiled springs did
not appear until the late Middle Ages in Europe.

Types of Helical spring:

Compression Springs.
Tapered (Conical) Compression Springs.
Extension Springs.
Torsion Springs.
Barrel (Concave) springs.
Hourglass (Convex) Springs.
Application:
Helical springs are found in consumer goods, medical devices, in the manufacture of parts for the
automotive, aerospace and transportation industries, for the construction industry, and in the
making of tools, machinery and equipment, and so forth
Apparatus:
A spring of radius R.
Heavy Retort stand.
Hanger to carry slotted weights.
Vernier Caliper.
Scale.
Weights.
Procedure:
First of all set the apparatus according to the instructions given by the lab engineer. Hang the
spring to the heavy retort stand then hang the weight hanger to the lower end of the spring. Then
apply the weight to the hanger to overcome the stiffness of spring. Note the position of the lower
end of weight hanger. Now apply the father weight to verify the hook’s law. Note the
displacement of spring. Repeat above two steps.

Calculation:
Wire diameter =2.45
Spring outer diameter =48.85
Spring inner diameter =43.8
Spring length =144.4
No of active turns =9
Mean diameter =46.325
µ2= 121.25-111.5
µ2= 9.75 mm
k2= mg/ Δµ
k2 = 1.89×103
k3 = 2.2×103
KT =2.25×103
Table :
No of Mass Deflection (Δ ) m Theoretical Practical Error
observation (m) value value
kg %
[K] [K]

Loading Unloading Mean

(α) (β) α+β/2
1 0.509 11 111 111.5 2.25×103 1.96×103 13
2 1.019 1.22 120.5 121.2 2.25×103 1.89×103 16
3 1.325 12.6 125.7 126.8 2.25×103 2.2×103 3
Graph:

PRACTICAL VS THEORETICAL
2.30E+03

2.20E+03

2.10E+03

2.00E+03

1.90E+03

1.80E+03

1.70E+03
0.509 1.019 1.325
LOAD

THEORETICAL PRACTICAL

Conclusion:

Load applied on helical tension spring was less than that on helical compression spring. Hooke's
Law says that the stretch of a spring is directly proportional to the applied force. (Engineers say
"Stress is proportional to strain".) In symbols, F = kx, where F is the force, x is the stretch, and k
is a constant of proportionality.