Two identical leaf spring of spring constant k are arranged like canti...
Calculation of Equivalent Spring Constant in Parallel Arrangement
Explanation
When two identical leaf springs of spring constant k are arranged in parallel, the equivalent spring constant of the combination can be calculated as follows:
Step 1: Calculation of Individual Spring Constant
Each leaf spring has a spring constant k. Therefore, the spring constant of each leaf spring is k.
Step 2: Calculation of Equivalent Spring Constant of Two Leaf Springs in Parallel
When two leaf springs are arranged in parallel, their equivalent spring constant is given by the formula:
1/keq = 1/k + 1/k
Simplifying the above equation, we get:
keq = 2k
Therefore, the equivalent spring constant of two leaf springs arranged in parallel is 2k.
Step 3: Calculation of Equivalent Spring Constant of the Combination
The two leaf springs arranged in parallel are attached at their free ends by a spring of spring constant k. Therefore, the equivalent spring constant of the combination is given by the formula:
1/keq = 1/(2k) + 1/k
Simplifying the above equation, we get:
keq = 4/3 k
Therefore, the equivalent spring constant of the combination is 4/3 k.
Conclusion
When two identical leaf springs of spring constant k are arranged in parallel and attached at their free ends by a spring of spring constant k, the equivalent spring constant of the combination is 4/3 k.