Material Selection - Hooke's law [not]

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying a common household material that adheres to Hooke's Law and is similar to rubber or silicone, specifically for shock absorption purposes. The original poster notes restrictions against using fluids or gases.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the feasibility of various materials, questioning the appropriateness of rubber and silicone in this context. There are inquiries about the requirements for the project, particularly why adherence to Hooke's Law is necessary. Suggestions include considering wooden structures and other rigid materials.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the limitations of shock absorbers and discussing alternative materials. Some have shared personal experiences with materials that might fit the criteria, while others seek clarification on project requirements.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the project is related to an egg drop challenge, which imposes specific constraints on material selection. There is a discussion about the characteristics desirable in a shock absorber, indicating a need for further exploration of material properties.

nik_2507
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Hey,
Can Anyone suggest me a common(Household) material that obeys Hooke's Law and is Similar to Rubber/silicon........Basically a material which helps in shock absorption.

Please note: No fluids and No gases are allowed


Thanks in Advance ;)
 
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And the reason rubber/silicon will not work is?
 
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Welcome to PF.

nik_2507 said:
Hey,
Can Anyone suggest me a common(Household) material that obeys Hooke's Law and is Similar to Rubber/silicon........Basically a material which helps in shock absorption.

Please note: No fluids and No gases are allowed

Thanks in Advance ;)
Is this question/project for your schoolwork? What materials have you considered so far?
 
Frabjous said:
And the reason rubber/silicon will not work is?
They don't obey hooke's law.
 
Please answer my question about the schoolwork project so we can make sure this thread is in the proper forum. Thanks.

nik_2507 said:
Basically a material which helps in shock absorption.
Shock absorbers do not obey Hooke's Law...
 
nik_2507 said:
They don't obey hooke's law.
Why is that a requirement?
 
Hi, @nik_2507
nik_2507 said:
Hey,
Basically a material which helps in shock absorption.
My wooden bed frame is the only thing obeys Hooke's Law at my home.
berkeman said:
Please answer my question about the schoolwork project so we can make sure this thread is in the proper forum.
That would be nice, @nik_2507
berkeman said:
Shock absorbers do not obey Hooke's Law...
I might be posting without enough common sense.
 
mcastillo356 said:
My wooden bed frame is the only thing obeys Hooke's Law at my home.
TMI! We will not allow pictures or videos, just so we are clear about that...

:smile:
 
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berkeman said:
Welcome to PF.


Is this question/project for your schoolwork? What materials have you considered so far?
Yep Its for an egg drop project. project . I did consider cotton and steel spring but I would like to give those 2nd priority. I am looking for other and better materials.
 
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  • #10
berkeman said:
Please answer my question about the schoolwork project so we can make sure this thread is in the proper forum. Thanks.


Shock absorbers do not obey Hooke's Law...
I am not expecting a literal shock absorber but something that can reduce the impact of a dropped object.
 
  • #11
Frabjous said:
Why is that a requirement?
The Scenario limits me to use rigid materials which obey hooke's law
 
  • #12
nik_2507 said:
Basically a material which helps in shock absorption.
Most typically "hard" materials will do if they are shaped like a spring.
 
  • #13
nik_2507 said:
Yep Its for an egg drop project. project . I have considered cotton but I would like to give it 2nd priority. I am looking for other and better materials.
Phew, that was way too hard.

I'll move your thread to the schoolwork forums for you now. One of the requirements in the schoolwork forums is that you show the *exact* problem/project statement that you are addressing. Please show us the *exact* project requirements that you are addressing so that we can try to help you. Lordy.
 
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  • #14
nik_2507 said:
The Scenario limits me to use … materials which obey hooke's law
Which is a dumb choice for a shock absorber.
Try to state the desirable characteristics of a shock absorber. What do you need it to do?
 
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  • #15
nik_2507 said:
The Scenario limits me to use rigid materials which obey hooke's law
I have seen three general classes of solutions
1) Deformable/ collapsable structures made of wood (sticks) or straws. Panty hose can make a nice attachement material.
2) Parachutes/gliders
3) Soft materials like sponges, popcorn or cotton
Or 4) combinations of above.
 
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