Material Selection - Hooke's law [not]

In summary, "Material Selection - Hooke's Law [not]" explores the principles of material selection in engineering, emphasizing the limitations of Hooke's Law in describing the behavior of materials under various conditions. It highlights the importance of understanding material properties beyond linear elasticity, considering factors such as plasticity, ductility, and fatigue, to ensure appropriate material choices for specific applications. The discussion encourages a more nuanced approach to material selection that accounts for real-world complexities rather than relying solely on traditional mechanical models.
  • #1
nik_2507
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Hey,
Can Anyone suggest me a common(Household) material that obeys Hooke's Law and is Similar to Rubber/silicon........Basically a material which helps in shock absorption.

Please note: No fluids and No gases are allowed


Thanks in Advance ;)
 
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  • #2
And the reason rubber/silicon will not work is?
 
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  • #3
Welcome to PF.

nik_2507 said:
Hey,
Can Anyone suggest me a common(Household) material that obeys Hooke's Law and is Similar to Rubber/silicon........Basically a material which helps in shock absorption.

Please note: No fluids and No gases are allowed

Thanks in Advance ;)
Is this question/project for your schoolwork? What materials have you considered so far?
 
  • #4
Frabjous said:
And the reason rubber/silicon will not work is?
They don't obey hooke's law.
 
  • #5
Please answer my question about the schoolwork project so we can make sure this thread is in the proper forum. Thanks.

nik_2507 said:
Basically a material which helps in shock absorption.
Shock absorbers do not obey Hooke's Law...
 
  • #6
nik_2507 said:
They don't obey hooke's law.
Why is that a requirement?
 
  • #7
Hi, @nik_2507
nik_2507 said:
Hey,
Basically a material which helps in shock absorption.
My wooden bed frame is the only thing obeys Hooke's Law at my home.
berkeman said:
Please answer my question about the schoolwork project so we can make sure this thread is in the proper forum.
That would be nice, @nik_2507
berkeman said:
Shock absorbers do not obey Hooke's Law...
I might be posting without enough common sense.
 
  • #8
mcastillo356 said:
My wooden bed frame is the only thing obeys Hooke's Law at my home.
TMI! We will not allow pictures or videos, just so we are clear about that...

:smile:
 
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  • #9
berkeman said:
Welcome to PF.


Is this question/project for your schoolwork? What materials have you considered so far?
Yep Its for an egg drop project. project . I did consider cotton and steel spring but I would like to give those 2nd priority. I am looking for other and better materials.
 
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  • #10
berkeman said:
Please answer my question about the schoolwork project so we can make sure this thread is in the proper forum. Thanks.


Shock absorbers do not obey Hooke's Law...
I am not expecting a literal shock absorber but something that can reduce the impact of a dropped object.
 
  • #11
Frabjous said:
Why is that a requirement?
The Scenario limits me to use rigid materials which obey hooke's law
 
  • #12
nik_2507 said:
Basically a material which helps in shock absorption.
Most typically "hard" materials will do if they are shaped like a spring.
 
  • #13
nik_2507 said:
Yep Its for an egg drop project. project . I have considered cotton but I would like to give it 2nd priority. I am looking for other and better materials.
Phew, that was way too hard.

I'll move your thread to the schoolwork forums for you now. One of the requirements in the schoolwork forums is that you show the *exact* problem/project statement that you are addressing. Please show us the *exact* project requirements that you are addressing so that we can try to help you. Lordy.
 
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  • #14
nik_2507 said:
The Scenario limits me to use … materials which obey hooke's law
Which is a dumb choice for a shock absorber.
Try to state the desirable characteristics of a shock absorber. What do you need it to do?
 
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  • #15
nik_2507 said:
The Scenario limits me to use rigid materials which obey hooke's law
I have seen three general classes of solutions
1) Deformable/ collapsable structures made of wood (sticks) or straws. Panty hose can make a nice attachement material.
2) Parachutes/gliders
3) Soft materials like sponges, popcorn or cotton
Or 4) combinations of above.
 
Last edited:
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FAQ: Material Selection - Hooke's law [not]

What is Hooke's Law?

Hooke's Law states that the force exerted by a spring is directly proportional to the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position, as long as the elastic limit is not exceeded. It can be expressed mathematically as F = -kx, where F is the force, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement.

How does Hooke's Law relate to material selection?

While Hooke's Law primarily applies to springs and elastic materials, understanding the elastic behavior of materials is crucial in material selection. Engineers and designers consider the elastic modulus (stiffness) of materials to ensure that they can withstand the expected loads without permanent deformation.

What materials typically obey Hooke's Law?

Many materials exhibit elastic behavior and can be described by Hooke's Law within certain limits. Common examples include metals, ceramics, and some polymers when they are not subjected to excessive stress. However, it is important to note that not all materials follow Hooke's Law, especially those that exhibit plasticity or viscoelasticity.

What are the limitations of Hooke's Law?

Hooke's Law is only valid within the elastic limit of a material. Once the material is subjected to stress beyond this limit, it may undergo plastic deformation, where the relationship between stress and strain is no longer linear. Additionally, some materials, such as rubber and biological tissues, may exhibit non-linear elastic behavior, making Hooke's Law less applicable.

How can I determine if a material follows Hooke's Law?

To determine if a material follows Hooke's Law, you can conduct a tensile test or a compression test. By applying a known force to the material and measuring the resulting deformation, you can plot a stress-strain curve. If the curve is linear within a certain range, the material can be considered to obey Hooke's Law in that range.

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