Chapter-12 Spring S K Mondal’s

OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

Previous 20-Years GATE Questions

Helical spring
GATE-1. If the wire diameter of a closed coil helical spring subjected to compressive
load is increased from 1 cm to 2 cm, other parameters remaining same, then
deflection will decrease by a factor of: [GATE-2002]
(a) 16 (b) 8 (c) 4 (d) 2
8PD3N
GATE-1. Ans. (a) δ =
G.d4

GATE-2. A compression spring is made of music wire of 2 mm diameter having a shear

strength and shear modulus of 800 MPa and 80 GPa respectively. The mean coil
diameter is 20 mm, free length is 40 mm and the number of active coils is 10. If
the mean coil diameter is reduced to 10 mm, the stiffness of the spring is
approximately [GATE-2008]
(a) Decreased by 8 times (b) Decreased by 2 times
(c) Increased by 2 times (d) Increased by 8 times
P G.d 4 1
GATE-2. Ans. (d) Spring constant (K) = = or K ∝
δ 8D 3 N D3
3 3
K 2 ⎛ D1 ⎞ ⎛ 20 ⎞
=⎜ ⎟ =⎜ ⎟ =8
K1 ⎜⎝ D2 ⎟⎠ ⎝ 10 ⎠

GATE-3. Two helical tensile springs of the same material and also having identical mean
coil diameter and weight, have wire diameters d and d/2. The ratio of their
stiffness is: [GATE-2001]
(a) 1 (b) 4 (c) 64 (d) 128
G.d 4
P d4
GATE-3. Ans. (c) Spring constant (K) = = Therefore k ∞
δ 8D 3 N n

GATE-4. A uniform stiff rod of length 300 mm

and having a weight of 300 N is
pivoted at one end and connected to
a spring at the other end. For
keeping the rod vertical in a stable
position the minimum value of
spring constant K needed is:
(a) 300 N/m (b) 400N/m
(c) 500N/m (d) 1000 N/m

[GATE-2004]
GATE-4. Ans. (c) Inclined it to a very low angle, dθ
For equilibrium taking moment about ‘hinge’
⎛l ⎞ W 300
W × ⎜ dθ ⎟ − k ( ldθ ) × l = 0 or k = = = 500N / m
⎝ 2 ⎠ 2l 2 × 0.3

GATE-5. A weighing machine consists of a 2 kg pan resting on spring. In this condition,

with the pan resting on the spring, the length of the spring is 200 mm. When a
mass of 20 kg is placed on the pan, the length of the spring becomes 100 mm.
Page 347 of 429
For the spring, the un-deformed length lo and the spring constant k (stiffness)
are: [GATE-2005]
Chapter-12 Spring S K Mondal’s
(a) lo = 220 mm, k = 1862 N/m (b) lo = 210 mm, k = 1960 N/m
(c) lo = 200 mm, k = 1960 N/m (d) lo = 200 mm, k = 2156 N/m
GATE-5. Ans. (b) Initial length = lo m and stiffness = k N/m
2 × g = k ( lo − 0.2 )
2 × g + 20 × g = k ( lo − 0.1)
Just solve the above equations.

Springs in Series
GATE-6. The deflection of a spring with 20 active turns under a load of 1000 N is 10 mm.
The spring is made into two pieces each of 10 active coils and placed in parallel
under the same load. The deflection of this system is: [GATE-1995]
(a) 20 mm (b) 10 mm (c) 5 mm (d) 2.5 mm
GATE-6. Ans. (d) When a spring is cut into two, no. of coils gets halved.
∴ Stiffness of each half gets doubled.
When these are connected in parallel, stiffness = 2k + 2k = 4k
Therefore deflection will be ¼ times. = 2.5 mm

Previous 20-Years IES Questions

Helical spring
IES-1. A helical coil spring with wire diameter ’d’ and coil diameter 'D' is subjected to
external load. A constant ratio of d and D has to be maintained, such that the
extension of spring is independent of d and D. What is this ratio? [IES-2008]
4/3 4/3
D d
(a)D3 / d4 (b)d3 / D4 (c) 3 (d) 3
d D
8PD3N
IES-1. Ans. (a) δ =
Gd4
D 1
T = F× ; U= Tθ
2 2
FD TL
Τ= ; θ=
2 GJ
L = π DN
2
1 ⎛ FD ⎞ ⎛ L ⎞ 4F2D3N
U= =
2 ⎜⎝ 2 ⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ GJ ⎟⎠ Gd4
∂U 8FD3N
δ= =
∂F Gd4

IES-2. Assertion (A): Concentric cylindrical helical springs are used to have greater
spring force in a limited space. [IES-2006]
Reason (R): Concentric helical springs are wound in opposite directions to
prevent locking of coils under heavy dynamic loading.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
IES-2. Ans. (b)

IES-3. Assertion (A): Two concentric helical springs used to provide greater spring
force are wound in opposite directions. [IES-1995; IAS-2004]
Reason (R): The winding in opposite directions in the case of helical springs
prevents buckling.
Page
(a) Both A and R are individually true 348R
and of is
429
the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
Chapter-12 Spring S K Mondal’s
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
IES-3. Ans. (c) It is for preventing locking not for buckling.

IES-4. Which one of the following statements is correct? [IES-1996; 2007; IAS-1997]
If a helical spring is halved in length, its spring stiffness
(a) Remains same (b) Halves (c) Doubles (d) Triples
4
Gd 1
IES-4. Ans. (c) Stiffness of sprin ( k ) = so k ∞ andn wiil behalf
8D3n n

IES-5. A body having weight of 1000 N is dropped from a height of 10 cm over a close-
coiled helical spring of stiffness 200 N/cm. The resulting deflection of spring is
nearly [IES-2001]
(a) 5 cm (b) 16 cm (c) 35 cm (d) 100 cm
1 2
IES-5. Ans. (b) mg(h + x) = kx
2
IES-6. A close-coiled helical spring is made of 5 mm diameter wire coiled to 50 mm
mean diameter. Maximum shear stress in the spring under the action of an
axial force is 20 N/mm2. The maximum shear stress in a spring made of 3 mm
diameter wire coiled to 30 mm mean diameter, under the action of the same
force will be nearly [IES-2001]
(a) 20 N/mm2 (b) 33.3 N/mm2 (c) 55.6 N/mm2 (d) 92.6 N/mm2
8PD
IES-6. Ans. (c) Use τ = k s
π d3
IES-7. A closely-coiled helical spring is acted upon by an axial force. The maximum
shear stress developed in the spring is τ . Half of the length of the spring is cut
off and the remaining spring is acted upon by the same axial force. The
maximum shear stress in the spring the new condition will be: [IES-1995]
(a) ½ τ (b) τ (c) 2 τ (d) 4 τ
8PD
IES-7. Ans. (b) Use τ = k s it is independent of number of turn
π d3
IES-8. The maximum shear stress occurs on the outermost fibers of a circular shaft
under torsion. In a close coiled helical spring, the maximum shear stress
occurs on the [IES-1999]
(a) Outermost fibres (b) Fibres at mean diameter (c) Innermost fibres (d) End coils
IES-8. Ans. (c)

IES-9. A helical spring has N turns of coil of diameter D, and a second spring, made of
same wire diameter and of same material, has N/2 turns of coil of diameter 2D.
If the stiffness of the first spring is k, then the stiffness of the second spring
will be: [IES-1999]
(a) k/4 (b) k/2 (c) 2k (d) 4k
Gd 4 Gd 4 k
IES-9. Ans. (a) Stiffness (k) = 3
; Second spring,stiffness (k 2 ) = =
64 R N 64 ( 2 R ) ×
3 N 4
2
IES-10. A closed-coil helical spring is subjected to a torque about its axis. The spring
wire would experience a [IES-1996; 1998]
(a) Bending stress
(b) Direct tensile stress of uniform intensity at its cross-section
(c) Direct shear stress
(d) Torsional shearing stress
IES-10. Ans. (a)

IES-11. Given that: [IES-1996]

d = diameter of spring, R = mean radius of coils, n = number of coils and G =
modulus of rigidity, the stiffness of the close-coiled helical spring subject to an
Page 349 of 429
axial load W is equal to
Chapter-12 Spring S K Mondal’s
4 3 4
Gd Gd Gd Gd 4
(a) (b) (c) (d)
64 R 3 n 64 R 3 n 32 R 3 n 64 R 2 n
IES-11. Ans. (a)

IES-12. A closely coiled helical spring of 20 cm mean diameter is having 25 coils of 2 cm

diameter rod. The modulus of rigidity of the material if 107 N/cm2. What is the
stiffness for the spring in N/cm? [IES-2004]
(a) 50 (b) 100 (c) 250 (d) 500
Gd4 10 (N / cm ) × 2 ( cm )
7 2 4 4

IES-12. Ans. (b) Stiffness of sprin ( k ) = = = 100N / cm

8D3n 8 × 203 ( cm3 ) × 25

IES-13. Which one of the following expresses the stress factor K used for design of
closed coiled helical spring? [IES-2008]
4C − 4 4C − 1 0.615 4C − 4 0.615 4C − 1
(a) (b) + (c) + (d)
4C − 1 4C − 4 C 4C − 1 C 4C − 4
Where C = spring index
IES-13. Ans. (b)

IES-14. In the calculation of induced shear stress in helical springs, the Wahl's
correction factor is used to take care of [IES-1995; 1997]
(a) Combined effect of transverse shear stress and bending stresses in the wire.
(b) Combined effect of bending stress and curvature of the wire.
(c) Combined effect of transverse shear stress and curvature of the wire.
(d) Combined effect of torsional shear stress and transverse shear stress in the wire.
IES-14. Ans. (c)

IES-15. While calculating the stress induced in a closed coil helical spring, Wahl's
factor must be considered to account for [IES-2002]
(a) The curvature and stress concentration effect (b) Shock loading
(c) Poor service conditions (d) Fatigue loading
IES-15. Ans. (a)
IES-16. Cracks in helical springs used in Railway carriages usually start on the inner
side of the coil because of the fact that [IES-1994]
(a) It is subjected to the higher stress than the outer side.
(b) It is subjected to a higher cyclic loading than the outer side.
(c) It is more stretched than the outer side during the manufacturing process.
(d) It has a lower curvature than the outer side.
IES-16. Ans. (a)

IES-17. Two helical springs of the same material and of equal circular cross-section
and length and number of turns, but having radii 20 mm and 40 mm, kept
concentrically (smaller radius spring within the larger radius spring), are
compressed between two parallel planes with a load P. The inner spring will
carry a load equal to [IES-1994]
(a) P/2 (b) 2P/3 (c) P/9 (d) 8P/9
3
Wo Ri3 ⎛ 20 ⎞ 1 W W 8
IES-17. Ans. (d) = 3 = ⎜ ⎟ = ; Wo = i So Wi + i = P or Wi = P
Wi Ro ⎝ 40 ⎠ 8 8 8 9

IES-18. A length of 10 mm diameter steel wire is coiled to a close coiled helical spring
having 8 coils of 75 mm mean diameter, and the spring has a stiffness K. If the
same length of wire is coiled to 10 coils of 60 mm mean diameter, then the
spring stiffness will be: [IES-1993]
(a) K (b) 1.25 K (c) 1.56 K (d) 1.95 K
Gd 4
IES-18. Ans. (c) Stiffness of spring (k) = Where G and d is same
64 R 3 n

Page 350 of 429

Chapter-12 Spring S K Mondal’s
k 1 1 1
Therefore = 3
= 3
=
k2 ⎛ R ⎞ ⎛ n ⎞ ⎛ 75 ⎞ ⎛ 8 ⎞ 1.56
⎜ ⎟ ⎜ ⎟ ⎜ 60 ⎟ ⎜ 10 ⎟
⎝ R2 ⎠ ⎝ n2 ⎠ ⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠
IES-19. A spring with 25 active coils cannot be accommodated within a given space.
Hence 5 coils of the spring are cut. What is the stiffness of the new spring?
(a) Same as the original spring (b) 1.25 times the original spring [IES-2004]
(c) 0.8 times the original spring (d) 0.5 times the original spring
4
Gd 1 k n 25
IES-19. Ans. (b) Stiffness of spring ( k ) = ∴ kα or 2 = 1 = = 1.25
8D3n n k1 n2 20

IES-20. Wire diameter, mean coil diameter and number of turns of a closely-coiled steel
spring are d, D and N respectively and stiffness of the spring is K. A second
spring is made of same steel but with wire diameter, mean coil diameter and
number of turns 2d, 2D and 2N respectively. The stiffness of the new spring is:
[IES-1998; 2001]
(a) K (b) 2K (c) 4K (d) 8K
Gd4
IES-20. Ans. (a) Stiffness of spring ( k ) =
8D3n

IES-21. When two springs of equal lengths are arranged to form cluster springs which
of the following statements are the: [IES-1992]
1. Angle of twist in both the springs will be equal
2. Deflection of both the springs will be equal
3. Load taken by each spring will be half the total load
4. Shear stress in each spring will be equal
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2 and 4 only
IES-21. Ans. (a)
IES-22. Consider the following statements: [IES-2009]
When two springs of equal lengths are arranged to form a cluster spring
1. Angle of twist in both the springs will be equal
2. Deflection of both the springs will be equal
3. Load taken by each spring will be half the total load
4. Shear stress in each spring will be equal
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 and 4 (c)2 only (d) 4 only
IES-22. Ans. (a) Same as [IES-1992]

Page 351 of 429

Chapter-12 Spring S K Mondal’s

Close-coiled helical spring with axial load

IES-23. Under axial load, each section of a close-coiled helical spring is subjected to
(a) Tensile stress and shear stress due to load [IES-2003]
(b) Compressive stress and shear stress due to torque
(c) Tensile stress and shear stress due to torque
(d) Torsional and direct shear stresses
IES-23. Ans. (d)

IES-24. When a weight of 100 N falls on a spring of stiffness 1 kN/m from a height of 2
m, the deflection caused in the first fall is: [IES-2000]
(a) Equal to 0.1 m (b) Between 0.1 and 0.2 m
(c) Equal to 0.2 m (d) More than 0.2 m
1 2
IES-24. Ans. (d) use mg (h + x ) = kx
2

Subjected to 'Axial twist'

IES-25. A closed coil helical spring of mean coil diameter 'D' and made from a wire of
diameter 'd' is subjected to a torque 'T' about the axis of the spring. What is the
maximum stress developed in the spring wire? [IES-2008]
8T 16T 32T 64T
(a) 3 (b) 3 (c) 3 (d) 3
πd πd πd πd
IES-25. Ans. (b)

Springs in Series
IES-26. When a helical compression spring is cut into two equal halves, the stiffness of
each of the result in springs will be: [IES-2002; IAS-2002]
(a) Unaltered (b) Double (c) One-half (d) One-fourth
IES-26. Ans. (b)
Page 352 of 429
IES-27. If a compression coil spring is cut into two equal parts and the parts are then
used in parallel, the ratio of the spring rate to its initial value will be: [IES-1999]
Chapter-12 Spring S K Mondal’s
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 4 (d) Indeterminable for want of sufficient data
IES-27. Ans. (c) When a spring is cut into two, no. of coils gets halved.
∴ Stiffness of each half gets doubled.
When these are connected in parallel, stiffness = 2k + 2k = 4k

Springs in Parallel
IES-28. The equivalent spring stiffness for the
system shown in the given figure (S is
the spring stiffness of each of the three
springs) is:
(a) S/2 (b) S/3
(c) 2S/3 (d) S

[IES-1997; IAS-2001]

1 1 1 2
IES-28. Ans. (c) = + or Se = S
Se 2 S S 3

IES-29. Two coiled springs, each having stiffness K, are placed in parallel. The stiffness
of the combination will be: [IES-2000]
K K
( a ) 4K ( b ) 2K (c) (d)
2 4
IES-29. Ans. (b) W = kδ = k1δ + k 2δ

IES-30. A mass is suspended at the bottom of two springs in series having stiffness 10
N/mm and 5 N/mm. The equivalent spring stiffness of the two springs is nearly
[IES-2000]
(a) 0.3 N/mm (b) 3.3 N/mm (c) 5 N/mm (d) 15 N/mm
1 1 1 10
IES-30. Ans. (b) = + or Se =
Se 10 5 3 Page 353 of 429
Chapter-12 Spring S K Mondal’s
IES-31. Figure given above shows a spring-
mass system where the mass m is
fixed in between two springs of
stiffness S1 and S2. What is the
equivalent spring stiffness?
(a) S1- S2 (b) S1+ S2

(c) (S1+ S2)/ S1 S2 (d) (S1- S2)/

S1 S2

[IES-2005]
IES-31. Ans. (b)

IES-32. Two identical springs

labelled as 1 and 2 are
arranged in series and
subjected to force F as
shown in the given
figure.
Assume that each spring constant is K. The strain energy stored in spring 1 is:
[IES-2001]
F2 F2 F2 F2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2K 4K 8K 16 K
2
1 2 1 ⎛ F ⎞
IES-32. Ans. (c) The strain energy stored per spring = k .x / 2 = × keq × ⎜ ⎟⎟ / 2 and here total
2 2 ⎜k
⎝ eq ⎠
force ‘F’ is supported by both the spring 1 and 2 therefore keq = k + k =2k

IES-33. What is the equivalent stiffness (i.e. spring

constant) of the system shown in the given
figure?
(a) 24 N/mm (b) 16 N/mm
(c) 4 N/mm (d) 5.3 N/mm

[IES-1997]
IES-33. Ans. (a) Stiffness K1 of 10 coils spring = 8 N/mm
∴ Stiffness K2 of 5 coils spring = 16 N/mm
Though it looks like in series but they are in parallel combination. They are not subjected
to same force. Equivalent stiffness (k) = k1 + k2 = 24 N/mm

Previous 20-Years IAS Questions

Helical spring
IAS-1. Assertion (A): Concentric cylindrical helical springs which are used to have
Page 354
greater spring force in a limited space of 429
is wound in opposite directions.
Chapter-12 Spring S K Mondal’s
Reason (R): Winding in opposite directions prevents locking of the two coils in
case of misalignment or buckling. [IAS-1996]
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
IAS-1. Ans. (a)

IAS-2. An open-coiled helical spring of mean diameter D, number of coils N and wire
diameter d is subjected to an axial force' P. The wire of the spring is subject to:
[IAS-1995]
(a) direct shear only (b) combined shear and bending only
(c) combined shear, bending and twisting (d) combined shear and twisting only
IAS-2. Ans. (d)

IAS-3. Assertion (A): Two concentric helical springs used to provide greater spring
force are wound in opposite directions. [IES-1995; IAS-2004]
Reason (R): The winding in opposite directions in the case of helical springs
prevents buckling.
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true
IAS-3. Ans. (c) It is for preventing locking not for buckling.
IAS-4. Which one of the following statements is correct? [IES-1996; 2007; IAS-1997]
If a helical spring is halved in length, its spring stiffness
(a) Remains same (b) Halves (c) Doubles (d) Triples
Gd4 1
IAS-4. Ans. (c) Stiffness of sprin ( k ) = so k ∞ andn wiil behalf
8D3n n

IAS-5. A closed coil helical spring has 15 coils. If five coils of this spring are removed
by cutting, the stiffness of the modified spring will: [IAS-2004]
(a) Increase to 2.5 times (b) Increase to 1.5 times
(c) Reduce to 0.66 times (d) Remain unaffected
Gd 4 1 K N 15
IAS-5. Ans. (b) K= or K α or 2 = 1 = = 1.5
8D3 N N K1 N 2 10

IAS-6. A close-coiled helical spring has wire diameter 10 mm and spring index 5. If the
spring contains 10 turns, then the length of the spring wire would be: [IAS-2000]
(a) 100 mm (b) 157 mm (c) 500 mm (d) 1570 mm
IAS-6. Ans. (d) l = π Dn = π ( cd ) n = π × ( 5 ×10 ) ×10 = 1570 mm

IAS-7. Consider the following types of stresses: [IAS-1996]

1. torsional shear 2. Transverse direct shear 3. Bending stress
The stresses, that are produced in the wire of a close-coiled helical spring
subjected to an axial load, would include
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
IAS-7. Ans. (b)

IAS-8. Two close-coiled springs are subjected to the same axial force. If the second
spring has four times the coil diameter, double the wire diameter and double
the number of coils of the first spring, then the ratio of deflection of the second
spring to that of the first will be: [IAS-1998]
1
(a) 8 (b) 2 (c) (d) 1/16
2

Page 355 of 429

Chapter-12 Spring S K Mondal’s
⎛ D2 ⎞⎛ N2 ⎞
⎜ ⎟⎜ ⎟
8PD N 3
δ 2 ⎝ D1 ⎠⎝ N1 ⎠ 43 × 2
IAS-8. Ans. (a) δ = or = = =8
Gd4 δ1 ⎛ d2 ⎞
4
24
⎜ ⎟
⎝ d1 ⎠

IAS-9. A block of weight 2 N falls from a height of 1m on the top of a spring· If the
spring gets compressed by 0.1 m to bring the weight momentarily to rest, then
the spring constant would be: [IAS-2000]
(a) 50 N/m (b) 100 N/m (c) 200N/m (d) 400N/m
IAS-9. Ans. (d) Kinetic energy of block = potential energy of spring
1 2 2Wh 2 × 2 × 1
or W × h = k .x or k = 2 = N / m = 400 N / m
2 x 0.12

IAS-10. The springs of a chest expander are 60 cm long when unstretched. Their
stiffness is 10 N/mm. The work done in stretching them to 100 cm is: [IAS-1996]
(a) 600 Nm (b) 800 Nm (c) 1000 Nm (d) 1600 Nm
⎧ ⎫
1 2 1 ⎪⎪ 10N ⎪⎪
⎬ × {1 − 0.6} m = 800Nm
2
IAS-10. Ans. (b) E = kx = × ⎨ 2

2 2 ⎪⎛ 1 ⎞ ⎪
m
⎪⎩ ⎜⎝ 1000 ⎟⎠ ⎪⎭

IAS-11. A spring of stiffness 'k' is extended from a displacement x1 to a displacement x2

the work done by the spring is: [IAS-1999]
2
1 2 1 2 1 1 ⎛ x1 + x2 ⎞
(a) k x1 − k x2 (b) k ( x1 − x2 ) 2 (c) k ( x1 + x2 ) 2 (d) k ⎜ ⎟
2 2 2 2 ⎝ 2 ⎠
1 2 1 2
IAS-11. Ans. (a) Work done by the spring is = k x1 − k x 2
2 2

IAS-12. A spring of stiffness 1000 N/m is stretched initially by 10 cm from the

undeformed position. The work required to stretch it by another 10 cm is:
[IAS-1995]
(a) 5 Nm (b) 7 Nm (c) 10 Nm (d) 15 Nm.
1 1
( ) {
IAS-12. Ans. (d) E = k x 22 − x12 = × 1000 × 0.202 − 0.102 = 15Nm
2 2
}

Springs in Series
IAS-13. When a helical compression spring is cut into two equal halves, the stiffness of
each of the result in springs will be: [IES-2002; IAS-2002]
(a) Unaltered (b) Double (c) One-half (d) One-fourth
IAS-13. Ans. (b)

IAS-14. The length of the chest-expander spring when it is un-stretched, is 0.6 m and its
stiffness is 10 N/mm. The work done in stretching it to 1m will be: [IAS-2001]
(a) 800 J (b) 1600 J (c) 3200 J (d) 6400 J
IAS-14. Ans. (a)
1 1 ⎛ 10N ⎞ 1 10 N
⎟ × (1 − 0.6 ) m = × 1
2
Work done = k.x 2 = × ⎜ 2
× 0.42 m 2 = 800 J
2 2 ⎝ 1mm ⎠ 2 ⎛ ⎞
⎜ ⎟m
⎝ 1000 ⎠

Page 356 of 429

Chapter-12 Spring S K Mondal’s
Springs in Parallel
IAS-15. The equivalent spring stiffness for the
system shown in the given figure (S is
the spring stiffness of each of the three
springs) is:
(a) S/2 (b) S/3
(c) 2S/3 (d) S

[IES-1997; IAS-2001]

1 1 1 2
IAS-15. Ans. (c) = + or Se = S
Se 2 S S 3

IAS-16. Two identical springs, each of stiffness K, are

assembled as shown in the given figure. The
combined stiffness of the assembly is:
(a) K2 (b) 2K
(c) K (d) (1/2)K

[IAS-1998]
IAS-16. Ans. (b) Effective stiffness = 2K. Due to applied force one spring will be under tension and
another one under compression so total resistance force will double.

Flat spiral Spring

IAS-17. Mach List-I (Type of spring) with List-II (Application) and select the correct
answer: [IAS-2000]
List-I List-II
A. Leaf/Helical springs 1. Automobiles/Railways coachers
B. Spiral springs 2. Shearing machines
C. Belleville springs 3. Watches
Codes: A B C A B C
(a) 1 2 3 (b) 1 3 2
(c) 3 1 2 (d) 2 3 1
IAS-17. Ans. (b)
Page 357 of 429
Chapter-12 Spring S K Mondal’s
Semi-elliptical spring
IAS-18. The ends of the leaves of a semi-elliptical leaf spring are made triangular in
plain in order to: [IAS 1994]
(a) Obtain variable I in each leaf
(b) Permit each leaf to act as a overhanging beam
(c) Have variable bending moment in each leaf
(d) Make Mil constant throughout the length of the leaf.
IAS-18. Ans. (d) The ends of the leaves of a semi-elliptical leaf spring are made rectangular in plan
in order to make M/I constant throughout the length of the leaf.

Page 358 of 429

Chapter-12 Spring S K Mondal’s

Previous Conventional Questions with Answers

Conventional Question ESE-2008
Question: A close-coiled helical spring has coil diameter D, wire diameter d and number
of turn n. The spring material has a shearing modulus G. Derive an
expression for the stiffness k of the spring.
Answer: The work done by the
axial force 'P' is
converted into strain
energy and stored in
the spring.
U=(average torque)
×(angular displacement)
T
= ×θ
2
TL
From the figure we get, θ =
GJ
PD
Torque (T)=
2
length of wire (L)=πDn
πd 4
Polar m om ent of Inertia(J)=
32
4P 2D 3 n
Therefore U=
Gd 4
According to Castigliano's theorem, the displacement corresponding to force P is
obtained by partially differentiating strain energy with respect to that force.
∂U ∂ ⎡⎢ 4 p 2 D 3n ⎤⎥ 8PD 3n
Therefore δ = = =
∂P ∂P ⎢⎣ Gd 4 ⎥⎦ Gd 4
P Gd 4
So Spring stiffness, (k ) = =
δ 8D3n

Conventional Question ESE-2010

Q. A stiff bar of negligible weight transfers a load P to a combination of three
helical springs arranged in parallel as shown in the above figure. The springs
are made up of the same material and out of rods of equal diameters. They are
of same free length before loading. The number of coils in those three springs
are 10, 12 and 15 respectively, while the mean coil diameters are in ratio of 1 :
1.2 : 1.4 respectively. Find the distance ‘x’ as shown in figure, such that the stiff
bar remains horizontal after the application of load P. [10 Marks]
P
x

l l
Page 359 of 429
Ans. Same free length of spring before loading
Chapter-12 Spring S K Mondal’s
The number of coils in the spring 1,2 and 3 is 10, 12 and 15 mean diameter of spring 1,2
and 3 in the ratio of 1 : 1.2 : 1.4 Find out distance x so that rod remains horizontal
after loading.
Since the rod is rigid and remains horizontal after the load p is applied therefore the
deflection of each spring will be same
δ1 = δ2 = δ3 = δ (say)
Spring are made of same material and out of the rods of equal diameter
G1 = G2 = G3 = G and d1 = d 2 = d3 = d
Load in spring 1
Gd 4 δ Gd 4 δ Gd 4 δ
P1 = = = .....(1)
64R13n1 64R13 × 10 640R13
Load in spring 2
Gd 4 δ Gd 4 δ Gd 4 δ
P2 = = = .....(2)
64 × R32n2 64 × (1.2)3 × 12R13 1327.10R13
Load in spring 3
Gd 4 δ Gd4 δ Gd 4 δ
P3 = = = .....(3)
64R33n3 64 × (1.4)3 × 15R13 2634.2R13
From eqn (1) & (2)
640
P2 = P1
1327.1
P2 = 0.482 P1
from eq n (1) & (3)
640
P3 = P1 = 0.2430 P1
2634.2
Taking moment about the line of action P1
P2 × L + P3 × 2L = P.x
0.4823 P1L + 0.2430 P1 × 2L = P.x.

x=
( 0.4823 + 0.486 ) P1L ........(4)
P
total load in the rod is
P=P1 +P2 +P3
P = P1 + .4823P1 + 0.2430P1
P = 1.725 P1 ......(5)
Equation (4) & (5)
0.9683L 0.9683L
x= = = 0.5613L
1.725 P1 / P1 1.725
x = 0.5613 L

Conventional Question ESE-2008

Question: A close-coiled helical spring has coil diameter to wire diameter ratio of 6. The
spring deflects 3 cm under an axial load of 500N and the maximum shear
stress is not to exceed 300 MPa. Find the diameter and the length of the
spring wire required. Shearing modulus of wire material = 80 GPa.
P Gd 4
Answer: Stiffness, K = =
δ 8D 3 n Page 360 of 429
Chapter-12 Spring S K Mondal’s
500 (80 ×10 )× d
9
D
or , = [given c= = 6]
0.03 8 × 63 × n d
or , d = 3.6 ×10−4 n −−− (i )
For static loading correcting factor(k)
⎛ 0.5 ⎞⎟ ⎛ ⎞
k=⎜⎜1+ ⎟ = ⎜⎜1+ 0.5 ⎟⎟ = 1.0833
⎜⎝ c ⎠⎟ ⎝⎜ 6 ⎠⎟
8PD
We know that (τ ) =k
πd3
8kPC ⎡ D ⎤
d2 = ⎢ ∵ C = = 6⎥
πτ ⎢⎣ d ⎥⎦
1.0833 × 8 × 500 × 6
d= 6
= 5.252×10−3 m = 5.252 mm
π × 300 ×10
So D=cd=6×5.252mm=31.513mm
From, equation (i) n=14.59 15
Now length of spring wire(L) =πDn =π× 31.513×15 mm =1.485 m

Conventional Question ESE-2007

Question: A coil spring of stiffness 'k' is cut to two halves and these two springs are
assembled in parallel to support a heavy machine. What is the combined
stiffness provided by these two springs in the modified arrangement?
Answer: When it cut to two halves stiffness of
each half will be 2k. Springs in parallel.
Total load will be shared so
Total load = W+W
or δ.K eq = δ.(2k ) + δ.(2k )
or K eq = 4k.

Conventional Question ESE-2001

Question: A helical spring B is placed inside the coils of a second helical spring A ,
having the same number of coils and free axial length and of same material.
The two springs are compressed by an axial load of 210 N which is shared
between them. The mean coil diameters of A and B are 90 mm and 60 mm and
the wire diameters are 12 mm and 7 mm respectively. Calculate the load
shared by individual springs and the maximum stress in each spring.
Gd4
Answer: The stiffness of the spring (k) =
8D 3 N
Here load shared the springs are arranged in parallel
Equivalent stiffness(k e )=k A +k B
4 3
⎛d ⎞ ⎛ DB ⎞⎟ 4 3
K
Hear A = ⎜⎜⎜ A ⎟⎟⎟ ⎜⎜ ⎟ [As N = N ] = ⎜⎛12 ⎞⎟⎟ ×⎛⎜ 60 ⎞⎟⎟ = 2.559
⎟ ⎜⎜ ⎟ ⎜⎜ ⎟
⎝⎜ d ⎠⎟ ⎝⎜⎜ D ⎠⎟
A
KB B A
N
⎝ 7 ⎠ ⎝ 90 ⎠
Page 361Total
of 429 load 210 N
Let total deflection is 'x' m x= =
Equivalet stiffness K A + KB
Chapter-12 Spring S K Mondal’s
210 210
Load shared by spring 'A'(FA ) = K A × x = = =151N
⎛ k B ⎞⎟ ⎛ 1 ⎞⎟
⎜⎜1 + ⎟ ⎜⎜1 + ⎟
⎜⎝ k ⎠⎟⎟ ⎝⎜ 2.559 ⎠⎟
A

Load shared by spring 'A'(FB ) = K B × x = ( 210 −151) = 59 N

⎛ 0.5 ⎞ 8PD
For static load: τ = ⎜⎜1+ ⎟⎟⎟ 3
⎜⎝ C ⎠ πd
⎧
⎪ ⎫
⎪
⎪
⎪ ⎪
⎪
⎪ 0.5 ⎪ 8×151× 0.090
(τ A )max = ⎨1 + ⎛ ⎞⎪⎬
⎪ = 21.362 MPa
⎪
⎪ ⎜ 90 ⎟⎪⎪ π ×(0.012)
3

⎪
⎪ ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟⎪
⎪ ⎝ 12 ⎠⎪
⎩ ⎪
⎭
⎛ ⎞⎟
⎜⎜ ⎟
⎜⎜ 0.5 ⎟⎟⎟ 8×59× 0.060
(τ B )max = ⎜⎜1 + ⎟ = 27.816 MPa
⎜⎜ ⎛⎜ 60 ⎞⎟⎟⎟⎟ π ×(0.007)
3

⎜⎝ ⎜⎜⎝ 7 ⎠⎟⎟⎠⎟⎟

Conventional Question AMIE-1997

Question: A close-coiled spring has mean diameter of 75 mm and spring constant of 90
kN/m. It has 8 coils. What is the suitable diameter of the spring wire if
maximum shear stress is not to exceed 250 MN/m2? Modulus of rigidity of the
spring wire material is 80 GN/m2. What is the maximum axial load the spring
can carry?
Answer: Given D = 75mm; k = 80kN / m; n = 8
τ = 250MN / m2 ; G = 80GN / m2 = 80 × 109 N / m2
Diameter of the spring wire, d:
π
T =τ × d3 ( where T = P × R )
16
π
We know, (
P × 0.0375 = 250 × 106 × ) 16
d3 − − − (i)

Also P = kδ
or P = 80 × 103 × δ − − − ( ii )
Using the relation:
8PD3n 8P × ( 0.075 ) × 8
3
P
δ = = = 33.75 × 10−14 × 4
Gd4
80 × 10 × d
9 4
d
Substituting for δ in equation(ii), we get
P
P = 80 × 103 × 33.75 × 10−14 × 4 or d = 0.0128m or 12.8mm
d
Maximum axial load the spring can carry P:
From equation (i), we get
π
(
P × 0.0375 = 250 × 106 × ) 16
× ( 0.0128 ) ;
3
∴ P = 2745.2N = 2.7452kN

Page 362 of 429