Trampolines: Force and Compression

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective was to find the change in a trampoline's force when an object is dropped onto it off-center. Using this data, we tried to find the relationship between these two factors to see if there's a "spring constant." Methods/Materials First, a bowling ball was dropped onto a trampoline from a constant height, while changing the distance from the center. Trampoline compression was measured by placing a motion detector directly under the drop location. Results were inconclusive so the procedure was altered. The experiment was repeated with one person standing on a device that reduced surface area and the other measuring trampoline compression with string underneath the trampoline. Lastly, the string method was used on a smaller trampoline with varying weight to measure changes in compression in one location. Results We concluded that the distance from the center and trampoline compression have a quadratic relationship. At a constant position, mass and compression have a positive linear relationship. At a specific point on a trampoline there's a spring constant, though the spring constant varies with position. As the object's distance from the center of the trampoline changes, the amount the springs are pulled changes due to more force being put on either the material or the spring. Conclusions/Discussion From the results we created an equation, which eliminates the spring constant. F=(mg*sqrt(dx^2+dy^2))/(dy*(1+dx/(D-dx))) We'd like to further simplify this, but the trampoline is an extremely complicated situation. Ideally, we would be able to find the way to make the most efficient trampoline with such an equation.

Competition history

• CSEF 2013 Physics & Astronomy · Entry S1803

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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