How can I calculate the theoretical spring constant using physical parameters?

[drdizzard]

I'm working on a lab and part of it requires the calculation of the theoretical spring constant of a spring based on its physical parameters and compare it to the spring constant calculated experimentally. I can calculate k using my experimental data fine, but I can't find anything on calculating it based on physical parameters. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[hotvette]

Don't you have a textbook (e.g. Shigley) that includes the equations for spring design? By the way, this sounds like homework and therefore should be in the homework section of the forum.

http://www.efunda.com/designstandards/springs/calc_comp_designer_eqn.cfm

 

[Hellabyte]

What do you mean physical parameters?

 

[sophiecentaur]

Size, shape and material used?

 

[alphy]

Calculating the theoretical spring constant of a spring can be done using Hooke's Law, which states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to its displacement from its equilibrium position. The formula for Hooke's Law is F = -kx, where F is the force, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement.

To calculate the theoretical spring constant, you will need to know the mass of the object attached to the spring, the displacement of the object from its equilibrium position, and the gravitational acceleration. Using these parameters, you can rearrange the formula to solve for k: k = -F/x.

It is important to note that the spring constant is also affected by the material and geometry of the spring itself. If you have access to the physical parameters of the spring, such as its length, diameter, and material properties, you can use equations from elasticity theory to calculate the theoretical spring constant. However, this may require more advanced mathematical knowledge and may not be necessary for your lab experiment.

In your experiment, it is important to compare the theoretical spring constant to the one calculated experimentally. Any discrepancies between the two values could be due to measurement errors or variations in the spring's material properties. It is also important to note that the theoretical spring constant is an ideal value and may not perfectly match the experimental results.

I hope this helps in your calculations. Good luck with your lab!