Spring

Spring is a device of elastic type helps in mechanical energy storage. They are usually made of steel, non ferrous metals like titanium, beryllium copper and phosphor bronze. Pre hardened stock are mould as small springs whereas larger springs are mould from annealed steel. After which they are hardened right after fabrication. Force exerted by spring is proportional to its length in case of stretched or compressed spring.

History of spring

In ancient times springs are used in bow and arrow. Spring devices were widely used in Bronze Age. Bronze with spring was first developed by Ctesibius of Alexandria. During 15^th century coiled springs were used in door locks and clocks powered by springs. In 16^th century watches with springs were developed. The principle of spring operation was first proposed by Robert Hooke, a British physicist in the year 1676. This principle was referred as Hooke’s law. Hooke’s law states that exerted force is directly proportional to its length.

Types of springs

Based on the applied load

• Extension or tension spring
• Torsion spring
• Compression spring

Based on shape

• Flat spring
• Coil spring

Common spring types

• Cantilever spring
• Helical spring
• Volute spring
• Leaf spring
• V spring
• Hair spring
• Gas spring
• Belleville spring
• Rubber band
• Wave spring
• Negator spring
• Ideal spring
• Main spring

Uses of spring

• In pen
• CD players
• Vehicle suspension
• Balance springs

Questions:

• What is Hooke’s law?
• What is simple harmonic motion?
• What is the theory behind spring?
• What are the types of springs?