What is the spring constant of wood and how can it be determined?

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster is attempting to model a plank of wood as a system of masses connected by springs and is seeking to determine the spring constant of wood. There is uncertainty regarding the specific type of wood being referenced, as wood can vary significantly in properties.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are discussing the variability of wood types, questioning which specific type of wood should be considered for the spring constant. There is also a request for clarification on the definition of a "spring constant."

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different types of wood and their properties. There is no explicit consensus yet, but questions about definitions and assumptions are being raised.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the variability in wood species and the implications this has for determining a spring constant. The original poster has not specified which type of wood they are modeling, leading to further inquiry.

VitaminA
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Homework Statement



I'm modelling a plank of wood as a number of masses connected by springs. I need to know the spring constant of wood, but I am unable to find it and I'm not sure how to work it out?
 
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"wood" is a hugely variable quantity. Do you mean balsa wood or ironwood?
 
Let's go with oak?
 
I'm not trying to be a smart-*** here, but there are, depending on what source you believe, somewhere between 600 and 900 species in the genus Quercus that are all oaks and easily dozens of those produce wood that is commercially available.

What is a "spring constant"? How is it defined?
 

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