UNIVERSITY OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

COURSE TITLE

DYNAMICS OF MACHINES (MACH2004)

COHORT: 23B-SF16

LECTURER

● MR. DEOCHAN MAHARAJ

DATE: TUESDAY 28TH MARCH, 2023

SUBMITTED BY:

● JEROME SOHAN, #97174

 Dynamics of Machine Lab
Aim: To Determine a Spring Constant
Apparatus

● Spring

● Ruler

● Masses (.5kg)

Procedure
1. The spring suspended by being attached to the rigid point as shown in the figure above.
2. The spring’s length is measured and used as a point of reference for further
measurements.
3. A mass of 0.5 kg is added and the springs extension is measured.
4. Step 3 was repeated by continuously adding 0.5 kg masses until 2.5 kg was achieved.
5. The results were observed and measured.

Results
Mass (Kilograms) Length (cm)
0 10.50
0.5 11.6
1 11.8
 1.5 12
2 12.2
2.5 12.7

Formulae
m
● Force=Mass ( kg ) × Acceleration ( s )

● Acceleration due to gravity= 9.81 m/s

● Extension=Initial length−Extension=mm

y 2− y 1
● Gradient=
x 2−x 1

Sample Calculation for a Mass of 1kg

● Force when the mass is 1kg

Force=1 ×9.81=9.81 Newtons

● Extension when the mass is 1kg

Extension=11.8−10.5=1.3 mm
Calculations
Force (Newtons) Extension (mm)
0 0
4.905 11
9.81 13
 14.715 15
19.62 17
24.525 22
Table Showing Results of Force Vs Extension

Force Vs Extension
30
24.525
25
19.62
20
Force (Newtons)

14.715
15
9.81
10
4.905
5
0
0
0 11 13 15 17 22
Extension (Millimeters)

A Graph Showing Force vs Extension

Gradient Calculation
24.525−4.905 19.62
Gradient= = =1.78 Newtons/millimeter
22−11 11
Discussion
The relationship between the extension and the restoring force of the spring is encapsulated in
the value the spring constant, k. The spring constant shows how much force is needed to
compress or extend a spring (or a piece of elastic material) by a given distance.
The spring constant's value corresponds to the properties of the particular spring. A higher spring
constant indicates a stiffer spring that is harder to stretch (because the resulting force F is greater
for a given displacement, x), whereas a lower spring constant indicates a looser spring that is
simpler to stretch.
In to calculate the spring constant masses of 0.5-kilogram intervals were added and the
respective extensions were recorded. Using this data, a graph of force vs extension was plotted
the gradient for the respected graph was calculated. The formula for hookes law states:
 Force=SpringConstant ( k ) × Extension
By re-arranging the formula, the spring constant is:
Force
SpringConstant ( K )=
Extension
By using the Force vs Extension Graph, the gradient for the respective graph was calculated
which can be used as the spring constant for the particular spring.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that the spring constant for this particular spring in this experiment is 1.783
Newtons/millimeter. The value was attained by re-arranging the hookes law formula to make
spring constant (K) the subject and using the gradient from a force vs extension graph to find the
respected value.
 Frequency Lab
Aim: To determine the frequency of an oscillating bar.
Apparatus:

● Universal Vibration Tester

● Graph Paper

● Pen/Pointer

Procedure
1. The universal vibration tester machine was assembled and the pointer assembly was
connected to the end of the oscillating bar.
2. The graph paper was placed on the rotating mechanism for measurements to be taken.
3. The rotating mechanism was turned on and the bar was held down with a force.
4. Upon release of the bar, the pointer drew the fluctuation of vibration.
5. The graph was analyzed and used for further calculations.
Results and Calculations
Data from the graph: 3.9cm=9 wavelengths
One wavelength
Distance 3.9
= =0.43 cm∨4.3 mm
Number of Wavelemgths 9
Time
Distance 4.3 mm
= =0.215 seconds
Speed 20 ms
Frequency
1 1
= =4.651 Hertz
Periodic Time 0.215
Theoretical Value
 1
√❑
2π

Sources of Error
Pointer pressing too hard or too lightly on graph page

Discussion
The frequency of simple harmonic motion, such as a mass on a spring, is defined by mass m and
spring stiffness given in terms of a spring constant k. The frequency of the oscillating bar is 4.7
Hz compared to the theoretical value of 5Hz.
Conclusion
The frequency of the spring is 4.7 Hz compared to the theoretical value of 5 Hz.