Description
The Spring Testing Apparatus uses a fundamental variable mass and scale measurement to test springs. It shows students how to fi nd the properties of a spring and proves some basic laws of physics (Hooke’s law, Newton’s law and spring design rules). It is also a useful tool for a workshop, to check the properties of a spring before it is used, or after it has been used. The apparatus is a compact metal frame with adjustable feet so the user can make the apparatus level. The back of the frame has a storage area for springs and masses. The front of the frame has a metric scale each side of a large slot, where the test spring hangs. Students choose a spring and note its dimensions. They then slowly load the spring with the masses (included) and note its extension against the metric scale. Students use their results to fi nd the properties of the spring and compare them with theory and the manufacturer’s details. For more advanced studies, students can also do tests on springs in series and parallel. The user guide (included) gives full details of how to use the equipment, spring theory, experiments and typical results. Supplied with the apparatus is a set of extension or ‘tension’ springs. The user can compare diff erent spring rates with diff erent spring sizes to fully understand the basic rules of spring design. Tension springs also have the extra ‘initial tension’ that other springs do not have which increases students’ learning about spring properties.
Learning Outcomes
Spring rate and Hooke’s law
To prove the basic rules of spring design
A simple spring scale
Springs in series
Springs in parallel
Specifications
ATICO is committed to a programmed of continuous improvement; hence we reserve the right to alter the design and product specification without prior notice.
Dimensions: 730 mm high x 310 mm wide x 250 mm front to back
Nett weight: 5 kg (without masses, hangers and springs)
Approximately 9 kg with masses, hangers and springs
Packed weight: Approximately 15 kg
Packed volume: Approximately 0.12 m3
Set of springs: 21 different springs: Two identical springs for parallel tests, and a range of springs with rates of 20 N/m to 140 N/m
Masses:
Two sets:
One set of 10 g masses to give 10 g to 500 g (including the 10 g hanger)
One set of 100 g masses to give 100 g to 1 kg (including the 100 g hanger)
Hooks and parallel hanger brackets: Five hooks and two parallel hanger brackets
Operating Conditions
- Operating environment: Laboratory
- Storage temperature range: –25°C to +55°C (when packed for transport)
- Operating temperature range: +5°C to +40°C
- Operating relative humidity range: 80% at temperatures < 31°C decreasing linearly to 50% at 40°C
