The theory of the extension and twisting of a helical spring has been given quite completely in a recent paper by Krebs and Weidlich. This theory is reviewed and its applicability as an experiment in advanced mechanics is described. From measurements of extension and twisting under static load, and also from simple observation of the coupled oscillations of these degrees of freedom it is possible to calculate Poisson's ratio and the shear modulus. The two independent procedures give consistent results. The experiment provides an excellent demonstration of the geometry and elastic deformation of a helix, its static equilibrium and its coupled oscillations.
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© 1958 American Association of Physics Teachers.
1958
American Association of Physics Teachers
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