Spring constant of a bent pvc pipe

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the spring constant of a bent PVC pipe and its potential energy. The user has determined the potential energy (PE) using the formula PE = k * mg * h, where mg equals 50N. They calculated the spring constant (k) as -5 N/m based on a displacement (h) of 10m, leading to a potential energy of 2,500J. However, the user later clarifies that the actual displacement will be around 0.5 to 0.6 meters, indicating a need for recalculation of the spring constant and potential energy.

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  • Understanding of potential energy formulas in physics
  • Knowledge of spring constants and Hooke's Law
  • Familiarity with the properties of PVC materials
  • Basic principles of mechanics related to bending and displacement
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Engineers, physics students, and hobbyists involved in mechanics, particularly those working with materials like PVC and interested in calculating spring constants and potential energy in practical applications.

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I am calculating the initial velocity of a released pvc pipe after it has been bent. I would like to know if i have this correct.

Potential energy = Kmgh; I have my mg and it is 50N, so PE = k*50*h;

I have been told that k is the spring constant of my bent pvc pipe. Therefore since I have 50N already i can say that k = -50/h. h is my displacement so I am going to say for experiment's sake that my displacement is 10m. therefore my spring constant is -5N/m.

So now we can say PE = (-5)*50*10(once again 10 is my displacement).

Does this mean that my potential energy is 2,500J? Also is my spring constant correct?
 
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Has your pipe really been bent 10 meters? That's about the height of a three-story building.

How long is this pipe? Is it fixed at one end with the other end deflected?
 
Haha that was a rhetorical length. My real length will be about .4 meters. And my displacement will probably be .5 or .6. And there is an axel through the other end. It is bent over a triangle shaped crossbeam.
 

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