Development of the Layout of the Experimental Setup for Determining the Stiffness Coefficient of Cylindrical Springs and Studying Free Harmonic Oscillations

Abstract

Purpose of research. Is to develop a layout of an experimental setup that allows conducting research with elastic elements by exercising a force impact on them as well as automatic data collection and analysis, which allows determining the stiffness coefficient and investigating simple harmonic oscillations.Methods. The developed device makes it possible to determine elasticity coefficient of the spring applying two methods – static and dynamic. The dynamic method requires strict adherence to a certain procedure of experimental stydy. In this case, the system under study is under the action of a restoring force directly proportional to the displacement, i.e. it is a simple generator of harmonic oscillations. The prototype of the experimental setup being created includes a supporting structure, a control system to which an ultrasonic distance measurement sensor is connected, and a special mobile application that allows visualizing and recording the results of measurements in a user-friendly form.Results. The developed prototype makes it possible to determine spring deformation by static and dynamic methods; the presence of a special mobile application for devices with the Android operating system allows the user to control the device from his mobile phone. The experimental device allows visualizing the obtained data graphically and export them to a file of variable values. Exported values are displayed in tabular form for further processing using statistical tools or numerical computing applications.Conclusion. To improve the quality of the educational and training process of physics students it is necessary to introduce special equipment for experimental research into the educational process. Such equipment can be applied in the studies conducted in various sections of mechanics, including kinematics, oscillatory motion, impact, elasticity, etc.