- #1,121
Wylde
- 8
- 0
The issue with using two springs or progressive springs is the build in potential energy. When you stack an 800 spring and a 200 spring you will actually get a combined rate of 160lbs. Since you are using two springs in series the equation looks like this:
Rate_equivalent=(800*200)/(800+200)
So, for arguments sake, let's say you have a wheel weight at ride height of 500 lbs. When using a 500lb spring you will have a force of 500lb since the spring will only compress 1 inch (Force=rate*displacement). When you use the 800lb spring and the 200 lb spring in series you develop a force of 500lbs as well but this combination of springs will compress 3.125 inches. The difference in the two setups is the potential energy.
Potential= 0.5*rate*displacement^2
With the 500lb spring you will develop a potential energy of 250 lbs/in^2. With the 800lb and 200lb combination traveling further you develop a potential energy of 781.25 lbs/in^2. This increase in potential energy is where damping is crucial as Ranger Mike suggested. More potential energy means the spring will unload faster. The big factor in this argument is where does the 200lb spring become locked, ie when do the coils begin to touch each other.
P.S. I'm a big fan of this thread and I've been following since May of 2014. I recently graduated with a bachelors in Mechanical Engineering and I believe I now live rather close to you in Indiana RM. I will be following up with another post to get your input. One thing is for certain, You have forgotten more about race cars than I will ever know!
Rate_equivalent=(800*200)/(800+200)
So, for arguments sake, let's say you have a wheel weight at ride height of 500 lbs. When using a 500lb spring you will have a force of 500lb since the spring will only compress 1 inch (Force=rate*displacement). When you use the 800lb spring and the 200 lb spring in series you develop a force of 500lbs as well but this combination of springs will compress 3.125 inches. The difference in the two setups is the potential energy.
Potential= 0.5*rate*displacement^2
With the 500lb spring you will develop a potential energy of 250 lbs/in^2. With the 800lb and 200lb combination traveling further you develop a potential energy of 781.25 lbs/in^2. This increase in potential energy is where damping is crucial as Ranger Mike suggested. More potential energy means the spring will unload faster. The big factor in this argument is where does the 200lb spring become locked, ie when do the coils begin to touch each other.
P.S. I'm a big fan of this thread and I've been following since May of 2014. I recently graduated with a bachelors in Mechanical Engineering and I believe I now live rather close to you in Indiana RM. I will be following up with another post to get your input. One thing is for certain, You have forgotten more about race cars than I will ever know!