In a control system, an accelerometer consists of a 4.23-g object sliding on a c
ID: 2140745 • Letter: I
Question
In a control system, an accelerometer consists of a 4.23-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 0.792g, the object should be at a location 0.475 cm away from its equilibrium position. Find the force constant of the spring required for the calibration to be correct.
in N/m
Explanation / Answer
the force on the object is
F = ma = 0.00423 kg*0.792 m/s^2*9.8 = 0.032831568 N
and k = N/s = 0.032831568 N/0.00475 m = 6.911 N/m