Extension springs hold two components together and are wound tightly with smaller diameter wire. Compression springs prevent components from meeting and are made with larger diameter wire. Both use a coil design for elasticity and potential energy, but operate on different principles. Belleville washers are a smaller example of compression springs. Compression springs can deflect under pressure and may need protection with rubber or plastic covers.
Rebound and compression springs are literally on opposite sides of the spring spectrum. Extension springs are primarily used to hold two components together, while compression springs are best used to prevent components from meeting in the first place. Both employ a coil design for elasticity and strength, but operate on two different principles of elastic potential energy.
An extension spring is usually made of wire of a smaller diameter and wound very tightly. Both ends may have loops or hooks for fastening purposes. The springs on a child’s trampoline are great examples of extension springs in action. Each spring is attached to a stretch of canvas and the metal support frame. Without load, the extension springs remain compact and unstretched. As the child jumps onto the canvas, the individual springs receive portions of the load and the coils stretch.
At this point, when the coils are stretched to their limit, the spring contains most of the potential energy. When the springs forcefully return to their original positions, all that energy is released and the baby is launched into the air. This is the primary function of an extension spring, which allows an external force to create tension, but then uses the potential energy to pull the components back together. The worst damage an extension spring can suffer is stretching beyond its natural limits. Once the coils of an extension spring are damaged, it cannot return to its original state of tension. Extension springs usually have loops or rings on each end to make it easier to connect to components.
Compression springs are designed to work differently. They are generally made with larger diameter wire and are not wound into tight coils. Compression springs can have rings on each end that support their loads. A child’s pogo stick or a car’s shock absorber are both examples of compression spring technology. The spring is naturally at rest when in the extended position. When the child jumps on the pogo stick, the spring inside the toy is pushed down. The child can only apply a certain amount of force to the spring, so it will only contain a similar amount of potential energy. The compression spring contains most of the potential energy when pushed together. The spring returns to its natural position, releasing its energy along the way. The child is propelled through the air by this recoil action.
A smaller example of a compression spring is called a Belleville spring or Belleville washer. The washer is actually a disc with a typically curved center. As force is applied to the washer, it begins to flatten and get stronger. Engineers often use Belleville springs in various combinations to duplicate the qualities of other spring systems. These washers are often used whenever two parts of a machine need to be suspended or protected from unnecessary impact, for example.
Compression springs are also found in earthquake-resistant mattresses and foundations. The main problem with compression springs is the ability to deflect under pressure. If a compression spring receives an uneven load, the coils could bend and fail. For this reason, many compression springs are protected with flexible but rigid rubber, cloth, or plastic boot covers. To avoid major failures, the overall length of a compression spring must be considered. The length of a compression spring must be checked (if it is not guided) to ensure it does not bend or bend. Compression springs usually have flat ends so they are parallel to each other to ensure uniform forces throughout the stroke.
Extension and compression springs may have different applications, but each demonstrates the utility of potential energy and the many uses of a coil design.
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