Springs in Series
Springs in Series
Springs in series share the same force and their deflections add, so the combination is softer than either spring.
The equivalent stiffness is k = k_1·k_2/(k_1 + k_2). where k_1 and k_2 are the two spring rates.
Inputs
k_1 := 2000 N/m=2000 kg/s^2
k_2 := 3000 N/m=3000 kg/s^2
Apply the product-over-sum rule for series springs.
k := k_1·k_2/(k_1 + k_2)=1200 kg/s^2
Results
The result is softer than the softer spring. Series springs (like a soft and stiff element in line) are governed by the softer one.
Assumptions & limitations
- Linear springs.
- Massless connection.
- Same force through both.