Energy Stored in a Spring
Energy Stored in a Spring
A deflected spring stores energy that it returns on release — the basis of clamps, valves, suspensions and energy absorbers.
The strain energy of a linear spring is U = ½·k·x². where k is the spring rate and x the deflection.
Inputs
k := 25 N/mm=25000 kg/s^2
x := 30 mm=30 mm
Apply the spring strain-energy formula.
U := 0.5·k·x^2=11.25 Nm
Results
The stored energy equals the area under the force–deflection line. It rises with the square of deflection, so most energy is stored near full compression.
Assumptions & limitations
- Linear (constant-rate) spring.
- No energy lost to hysteresis or friction.
- Deflection within the elastic range.