When two identical springs of individual stiffness K are connected in series, the equivalent system stiffness is________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: B. K/2
Explanation
When two springs are connected in series, the applied load passes fully through both components. The total displacement is the sum of the individual deflections experienced by each spring. Applying standard mechanics formulas results in an equivalent stiffness equal to half of the individual value. Spring stiffness represents the ratio of applied force to the resulting linear elastic displacement. For series configurations, the reciprocal of equivalent stiffness equals the sum of reciprocal individual stiffnesses. Calculating one over K plus one over K yields two over K, which inverted gives K over two.
Series spring arrangements are utilized when a softer overall system response is required from stiffer components. Suspension systems sometimes combine multiple spring elements in series to tailor ride characteristics. Understanding equivalent stiffness is essential for analyzing complex mechanical vibration and isolation systems. An equivalent stiffness of K represents two identical springs connected in a parallel arrangement. A stiffness of 2K describes the combined behavior of two identical springs operating in parallel. Alternative expressions like KIA or UK are typographical errors and do not represent mechanical formulas.
- Subject
- Engineering
- Category
- Mechanical Engineering
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
Related questions
Q1. When three varying masses are dropped from identical heights inside a vacuum chamber, their fall times will be______________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: A. same time to reach earth
In a vacuum chamber where air resistance is absent, all falling objects accelerate equally due to gravity. Galileo demonstrated that gravitational acceleration is independent of mass, causing all bodies to fall at the ex...
Q2. Restoring worn or undersized machine elements that endure cyclic loads via electrodeposition is known as_____________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: A. best method
Electrodeposition is widely considered the best method for restoring worn or undersized machine elements. Electroplating deposits a controlled layer of hard metal onto worn cylindrical journal surfaces. When properly con...
Q3. Which among the following options represents a correct assertion?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: B. a member made of cast iron will generally be. more rigid than a member of equal load carrying ability made of steel
Steel has a higher modulus of elasticity than cast iron, meaning a steel member is more rigid than a cast iron member of equal load capacity.
Q4. The machining characteristics and workability of steel alloys are enhanced by incorporating___________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: A. sulphur, lead, phosphorous
Sulphur, lead, and phosphorous form discrete inclusions in steel that promote brittle chip breakage. These intentional alloy additions reduce friction between the cutting tool face and the workpiece. Improved chip fragme...
Q5. The fundamental purpose of employing a washer is to___________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: B. provide bearing area
Flat washers serve to distribute the clamping force over a larger surface bearing area. This expanded bearing area prevents high bolt head pressures from damaging softer joint materials. Load distribution protects struct...
Q6. Which of the following joint classifications constitutes a permanent fastening method?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: D. rivets
Rivets constitute a permanent fastening method because disassembling the joint requires destroying or cutting the rivet body. The permanent nature of a riveted connection is achieved by permanently deforming the tail end...