Finding spring constant, damping constant and Q for suspension of a car

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the spring constant (k), damping constant (b), and quality factor (Q) for a car suspension system with a mass of 2000 kg that sags 10 cm under load and experiences a 50% decrease in oscillation amplitude over three cycles. The spring constant is determined to be 1.96 x 105 N/m, and the damping constant is calculated as 1.98 x 104 N·s/m. The user seeks clarification on deriving the quality factor Q using the relationships between angular frequency and damping ratio.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hooke's Law (F = kx)
  • Familiarity with damping ratio calculations
  • Knowledge of oscillatory motion and its equations
  • Basic principles of mechanical vibrations and quality factor (Q)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the quality factor (Q) in damped harmonic oscillators
  • Learn about the relationship between damping ratio and oscillation frequency
  • Explore advanced applications of spring constants in automotive engineering
  • Investigate the effects of different damping coefficients on system performance
USEFUL FOR

Students in mechanical engineering, automotive engineers, and anyone involved in the design and analysis of suspension systems will benefit from this discussion.

FortisInArdui
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Homework Statement



The suspension of a car (mass= 2000kg) sags a distance of 10cm when the weight of the entire car is placed on it. Also, the amplitude of its oscillations decrease by a factor of 50% over 3 complete oscillations.
a) Find the spring constant(k)
b) Find the damping constant(b)
c) Find the Q for the shock absorber system of one wheel assuming eah wheel supports a quarter of the weight of the car.

I can do parts a and b but I don't know how to do part c

Homework Equations



F=kx

damping ratio=b/(2*sqrt(m*k)

A=A0/(sqrt((1-r2)2+r2/Q2)

Q = w0*m/b

w0=sqrt(k/m)
w=w0*sqrt(1-(b/(2M))2) where w is the frequeny of oscillation

The Attempt at a Solution



a) F=kx
(2000kg)*(9.81m/s2)/(0.10m) =k
k=1.96*105

b)
damping ratio = b/(2*sqrt(m*k))
0.5 = b/(2*sqrt(2000kg*1.965)
b= 1.98*104

c)
I thought that since 1. w0=sqrt(k/m ) and 2. Q= w0*/b that the first equation can be substituted into the second equation to get 3. Q=sqrt(k/m)*m/b.
I didn't get the right answer using equation 3 so I'm wondering if I used the wrong formulas.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.:smile:
 
Last edited:
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FortisInArdui said:
0.5 = b/(2*sqrt(2000kg*1.965)
the 50% was over three oscillations.
 

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