question regarding the transfer of forces through a spring

dude man bro

Maybe it has just been a long day but I cannot seem to visualize what is happening in this situation. The problem consists of a block sitting on two springs so that the springs are not completely compressed. (the springs are strong enough to support the box's weight) What I can't figure out is what is happening under the springs. How is the force transformed? Is the force even transformed? I am completely lost as to what is going on. I need to do a bolt analysis on the bolts holding the springs down and I don't know where to start. Please help...

Reptillian

Picture! :) Draw a picture and post it if possible.

Mech_Engineer

Draw a free body diagram, and post it. A picture is worth 1000 words (or more).

dude man bro

Here is the drawing.

Attached Files

SWITCH RACK sketch.PDF (81.9 KB, 9 views)

Mech_Engineer

So, what's the problem? Do you know how to do a force/moment analysis on the body? It seems to me the answer is obvious- each spring takes 1/6 the weight...

dude man bro

I guess I was vague with my question. I was more focused on how each of the 1/6 of the weight on each spring gets transferred through the spring. Meaning, I am not certain what is happening right where the spring touches the ground in my sketch. Does the spring also exert the same 1/6 onto the ground or does some of the force get stored in the spring as potential energy? I probably should have left out the force/moment analysis part of my question and left it as only a spring question for clarity. I'll know for next time

Attached Files

spring sketch.PDF (46.8 KB, 5 views)

Mech_Engineer

If the system is stationary and balanced, the spring imparts the same force on the base that is applied to its top. If the forces were unequal, the spring would be moving or deflecting.

dude man bro

Yeah that is what I was thinking but it seemed wrong so I thought I would ask just in case. Thank you for sticking with me till the end. I appreciate it