This study investigates the mechanical behavior of helical springs subjected to radial compression, a configuration particularly relevant to biomedical applications such as stents. Traditional models, notably those by Wahl and later Jedwab & Clerc (J&C), were developed for axial loading and rely on geometric assumptions that do not hold under radial compression—most notably, the constraint of non-rotating ends. These assumptions lead to significant overestimations of spring elongation. To address this limitation, an alternative analytical model is proposed, based on beam theory and Castigliano’s theorem. This model accounts for end rotation and spring coiling, and incorporates material properties such as Poisson’s ratio. The analytical predictions are validated through finite element simulations (FEM), showing strong agreement in elongation estimates and highlighting the limitations of J&C’s approach. Two numerical benchmark tests are conducted to compare the models: one varying the initial pitch angle, and another replicating J&C’s stent configuration. Results demonstrate that elongation and radial force are sensitive to pitch angle and that spring coiling significantly influences mechanical response. The alternative theory provides a more accurate and physically consistent framework for modeling radially compressed springs, with implications for the design of medical and industrial devices.
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