Finding the spring constant of a accident safety system

In summary, a safety system for car accidents uses a spring to absorb energy and stop the car before colliding with a bridge abutment. To determine the spring constant, the force of the collision is needed, which can be found using a kinematics equation and solving for acceleration. The correct acceleration is -25m/s^2.
  • #1
Revan718
5
0

Homework Statement


An accident safety system uses a spring to absorb the energy of a car before the car collides with a bridge abutment.
The vehicle has a mass of 1000kg and the design calls for stopping a car moving at 5m/sec (11.2 mi/hr) in 0.5m.
Find the spring constant k


Homework Equations


F=kx -> k=F/x


The Attempt at a Solution


I am having trouble finding the force of the collision. It is needed to find k, is it not? I was thinking I may need to use a kinematics equation to do this and solve for the acceleration (deceleration in this case).
 
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  • #2
I tried using the equation:
v^2=v(0)^2+2a(s-s(0))
and solved for a, resulting in a=25m/s^2
Is this correct?
 
  • #3
Revan718 said:
I tried using the equation:
v^2=v(0)^2+2a(s-s(0))
and solved for a, resulting in a=25m/s^2
Is this correct?

Shouldn't the acceleration be negative?
 
  • #4
Nice work, Revan718. Acceleration is negative.
 

Related to Finding the spring constant of a accident safety system

What is the purpose of finding the spring constant of an accident safety system?

The spring constant of an accident safety system is a measure of the stiffness of the system. It helps in determining the force required to compress or extend the system, which is crucial in ensuring the system can effectively absorb impact and protect passengers in case of an accident.

How is the spring constant of an accident safety system calculated?

The spring constant is calculated by dividing the force applied to the system by the displacement caused by that force. This can be done through experiments, where different forces are applied to the system and the corresponding displacement is measured. The spring constant is then determined by plotting the force-displacement data and finding the slope of the resulting line.

What factors can affect the spring constant of an accident safety system?

The spring constant of an accident safety system can be affected by several factors, including the material of the spring, the design of the system, and the temperature. The type and thickness of the material used in the spring can greatly impact its stiffness. Additionally, the design of the system, such as the number of springs and their arrangement, can also affect the overall spring constant. Temperature can also play a role, as it can cause the material of the spring to expand or contract, thus altering the stiffness of the system.

Why is it important to accurately determine the spring constant of an accident safety system?

It is crucial to accurately determine the spring constant of an accident safety system to ensure that it can effectively absorb and dissipate the energy from an impact. If the spring constant is too low, the system may not provide enough resistance to slow down the vehicle and protect passengers. On the other hand, if the spring constant is too high, it may cause excessive force on passengers, potentially causing injury.

Can the spring constant of an accident safety system be changed?

Yes, the spring constant of an accident safety system can be changed by altering the design of the system or by using different materials for the spring. However, it is important to carefully consider the impact of any changes on the overall effectiveness of the system in protecting passengers during an accident.

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