Hi group, I need help on solving a geometrically nonlinear engineering problem. As the title states, it *is* a homework problem. I have to turn it in a week from tomorrow, so it's likely I will have figured it out by then, but I've had issues with these problems before.
Anyways, The problem involves a weight W suspended between two identical springs of unstressed length L and spring constant k. I have to solve the system for equilibrium. I've got it down to W = 2*k*x*sin(alpha). I tired to solve a triangle with sides L, sin(alpha)*(L+x), and hypotenuse (L+x). alpha is the angle between horizontal and the equilibrium position of either spring (With weight W). Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
- Doug -