How Thick Should Carbon Fiber Springs Be to Withstand a 200-Pound Impact?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on designing carbon fiber springs capable of withstanding a 200-pound impact while limiting deflection to 2-2.5 inches. Tim Russo seeks guidance on calculating the appropriate thickness of the springs for weights ranging from 120 to 220 pounds, dropped from a height of 6 feet. Key considerations include both dynamic and static response factors, as well as the need for a damping mechanism to prevent excessive rebound after impact.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of dynamic and static response factors in mechanical systems
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy calculations related to falling objects
  • Familiarity with spring mechanics and material properties of carbon fiber
  • Basic principles of damping systems in mechanical design
NEXT STEPS
  • Research carbon fiber material properties and their impact on spring design
  • Learn about calculating spring thickness using Hooke's Law and energy absorption
  • Explore damping techniques suitable for spring systems to minimize rebound
  • Investigate dynamic analysis methods for impact loading on springs
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Engineers, product designers, and hobbyists involved in mechanical design, particularly those focused on impact resistance and spring dynamics.

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Hello this is me first post on here i don't know if this would be the right section but I'm trying to design and build this spring to only deflect 2-2.5 inches the force on it will be 200 pounds falling from 6 feet and coming down on the the two circles. my problem is i need to learn how to calculate what thickness it should be because i have to build a few that will range from 120 to 220 pounds falling from the same height

Any help would be appreciated



Thank you

Tim Russo
 

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This is a difficult problem to answer, you'll have to take both the dynamic and static response factors of the beam into account. The analysis will involve looking at the kinetic energy of the falling body, as well as the static position of the body on the spring.

What you haven't mentioned though is how you plan to damp this system, since if the body falls onto the spring and the spring absorbs all of the energy, then in turn it will bounce the body back up. It's a classic undamped spring/mass problem from physics.
 

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