Extension Spring Particle Equilibrium in 2 Minutes!

About this video

• Video Title: Extension Spring Particle Equilibrium in 2 Minutes!
• Channel: Less Boring Lectures
• Speakers: None
• Duration: 00:01:46

Overview

This video demonstrates how to calculate the stiffness of an extension spring required to hold a box in a specific position, utilizing particle equilibrium and free-body diagram principles. It explains how to set up equations for the sum of forces in the x and y directions, solve for unknown forces, and then use Hooke's Law to find the spring's stiffness.

Key takeaways

• To determine the spring stiffness, a free-body diagram of the relevant joint (ring D) is created, assuming all forces are in tension.
• The sum of forces in both the x and y directions is set to zero because the system is in equilibrium.
• Instead of using trigonometric functions, the lengths of the vectors in the free-body diagram are used to determine force components, as angles are not explicitly given.
• The two force equilibrium equations are combined to solve for the force in the spring (Fdb).
• Hooke's Law (F = kx) is then applied, where 'x' is the extension of the spring (stretched length minus unstretched length), to calculate the spring constant 'k'.