cool_hardware52
Contributor
Hmm. The elastic properties of compressed springs must deteriorate over time even without changing the load.
Why? If you don't exceed the "elastic limit" defined as maximum stress or force per unit area within a solid material that can arise before the onset of permanent deformation.
Springs take a permanent set when they are overloaded, or over heated, neither is the case with a OPV spring. OPV springs have low unit stresses.
The corrosion resistant grades of stainless steel typically used for OPV springs cannot be heat treated, but can be work hardened. That argues against a stainless spring reducing it's constant from repeated use.
Tobin