5. Spring classification

There are two main categories of springs, depending on the modulus of elasticity of their constituent materials:

• springs with a high modulus of elasticity; mostly metal ;

• springs with a low modulus of elasticity; mostly made of rubber.

Within each category, springs are classified according to the type of stress for which they have been designed: we distinguish between springs subjected to normal stresses: tension, compression, bending, and those subjected to tangential stresses: shear, torsion.