Effect of Multiple Springs with Different Spring Constants on Plate Compression

[blumist]

If i were to attach 2 helical springs (of same uncompressed length but different Spring constants) to metal plates on both ends and then apply a compressive stress on one of the plates, will both the springs compress the same? even though they hold a different tendency for compression?
And also, in what way does the difference in the 2 spring constants affect the movement of the plate?

Assume 1 plate to be fixed.

 

[tiny-tim]

hi blumist!

depends on where you apply the force …

even with identical springs, if you don't apply the force in the centre, the compressions will be different

 

[blumist]

uh oh... this was one of those times when u assume that the listener ( or reader in this case ) knows what u r thinking...
I forgot to mention... the force is equally distributed throughout the plate surface... What would happen for this case?

 

[K^2]

In that case, the plate will tilt if allowed to tilt. Same compression would result in different amounts of force. That would result in torque on the plate, and if unbalanced, that will cause the plate to tilt.

 

[tiny-tim]

yup! …

same as if you stood on two different springs … the presence of the plate makes no difference!