In a control system, an accelerometer consists of a 4.63-g object sliding on a c
ID: 1900784 • Letter: I
Question
In a control system, an accelerometer consists of a 4.63-g object sliding on a calibrated horizontal rail. A low-mass spring attaches the object to a flange at one end of the rail. Grease on the rail makes static friction negligible, but rapidly damps out vibrations of the sliding object. When subject to a steady acceleration of 0.824g, the object should be at a location 0.495 cm away from its equilibrium position. Find the force constant of the spring required for the calibration to be correct.Explanation / Answer
The acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s^2 so an acceleration of 0.824g is equal to 9.8*0.832 = 8.0752 m/s^2 the force acting on the mass is F=ma F = 0.00495 * 8.0752 = 0.03739 Newtons The spring constant K= force/displacement = 0.03739/0.00495 = 7.55 N/m