Calculating Shock Absorber Energy Dissipation for Car Bounce

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the energy dissipation required by shock absorbers in a 1240 kg car to dampen a bounce with an initial velocity of 0.840 m/s. The primary equation referenced is the spring force equation, Fs = -kx, which relates to the behavior of shock absorbers as damped springs. It is established that shock absorbers convert kinetic energy into thermal energy, necessitating the calculation of kinetic energy to determine the energy that must be dissipated to halt the car's vertical movement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy calculations
  • Familiarity with the spring force equation (Fs = -kx)
  • Basic knowledge of damped harmonic motion
  • Concept of energy conversion in mechanical systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate kinetic energy using the formula KE = 0.5 * m * v^2
  • Explore the principles of damped harmonic motion in mechanical systems
  • Research the design and function of shock absorbers in automotive engineering
  • Study energy dissipation mechanisms in mechanical systems
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Students studying mechanical engineering, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in the dynamics of vehicle suspension systems.

narutoish
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Homework Statement



How much energy must the shock absorbers of a 1240 kg car dissipate in order to damp a bounce that initially has a velocity of 0.840 m/s at the equilibrium position? Assume the car returns to its original vertical position.

Homework Equations



Fs = -kx

The spring equation is he only thing that comes even close to making sense.

The Attempt at a Solution



I honestly don't know how to even get started, do I use the spring equation or something else. We covered thermodynamics and waves recently so it has to be from there, I just can't find any equation that would work.

Thanks
 
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A shock absorber is more than just a spring. If it was just a perfect spring then it would not be very useful as you would just keep bouncing around. A shock absorber is basically a damped spring, it is a spring that is lossy in such a way that converts kinetic energy into thermal energy.

So in this case, we have a car that has started to bounce with a given mass and velocity. How much energy will you need to dissipate to stop it's vertical movement?
 
Kinetic energy, of course! Thank you.
 

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