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Compression spring bucking refers to when the spring deforms in a non-axial direction, as shown here,
Buckling is a very dangerous condition as the spring can no longer provide the intended force. Once buckling starts, the off-axis deformation typically continues rapidly until the spring fails. As a result, it is important to design compression springs such that their likeliness to buckle is minimized.
Buckling of compression springs is similar to buckling for vertical structural columns. When the free height of the spring (Lfree) is more than 4~5 times the nominal coil diameter D, the spring can buckle under a sufficiently heavy load.
The maximum allowable spring deflection Dmax that avoids buckling depends on the free length, the coil diameter, and the spring ends (pivot ball, ground & squared, etc.).
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