Calculating Force on Springs in a Vacuum Chamber

In summary, the conversation discusses a setup with a bottom plate, springs, and a top plate, with a seal in between to create a vacuum chamber. The question is about the total force acting on the springs, which is determined by the vacuum pressure and the area inside the seal. The correct value is 101 kN, taking into account the pressure difference between the atmospheric pressure on top of the top plate and inside the vacuum chamber.
  • #1
hermano
41
0
Hi,

I have a bottom plate resting on a table (see figure in attachment).
On top of this bottom plate is are series of springs and on top of it rests a top plate.
Between the bottom and top plate (inside the springs) is a seal to create a vacuum chamber.
Question: what is the total force acting on the springs if the vacuum chamber (inside the seals) is 1 x 1 meter and the vacuum pressure is 1 mbar (atmospheric pressure outside)? Is this 101 kN (pressure difference between the atmospheric pressure on top of the top plate and inside the vacuum chamber ) or 202 kN (pressure difference between the atmospheric pressure on top of the top plate and inside the vacuum chamber AND pressure difference between the atmospheric pressure under the bottom plate and inside the vacuum chamber)?

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  • #2
Your first value is correct
 

1. How do you calculate the force on a spring in a vacuum chamber?

To calculate the force on a spring in a vacuum chamber, you will need to use the equation F = -kx, where F is the force, k is the spring constant, and x is the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position. This equation assumes that the spring is ideal and obeys Hooke's law.

2. What is the spring constant and how is it measured?

The spring constant (k) is a measure of the stiffness of a spring. It is the force required to stretch or compress a spring by a unit length. The spring constant can be measured by applying known forces to the spring and measuring the corresponding displacements. It can also be calculated by dividing the force by the displacement.

3. How does air pressure affect the force on a spring in a vacuum chamber?

In a vacuum chamber, there is no air pressure present, so the force on a spring is solely determined by the spring constant and the displacement of the spring. However, in a non-vacuum environment, air pressure can affect the force on a spring by exerting a force on the spring in the opposite direction of its displacement.

4. Can the force on a spring in a vacuum chamber be negative?

Yes, the force on a spring in a vacuum chamber can be negative. This occurs when the spring is compressed or stretched in the opposite direction of its equilibrium position. In this case, the force is acting in the opposite direction of the displacement, resulting in a negative value.

5. How does the force on a spring change in a vacuum compared to a non-vacuum environment?

In a vacuum, the force on a spring is solely determined by the spring constant and the displacement of the spring. In a non-vacuum environment, the force on a spring is affected by factors such as air pressure and temperature. Therefore, the force on a spring in a vacuum may be more consistent and predictable compared to a non-vacuum environment.

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