1. What Is Stiffness?

Stiffness (k) is a measure of an object's resistance to deformation in response to an applied force. It is defined as the ratio of force (F) to the resulting deflection (δ).

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the stiffness formula:

Where:

• \( k \) — Stiffness (N/m)
• \( F \) — Applied force (N)
• \( \delta \) — Resulting deflection (m)

Explanation: The formula shows that stiffness is directly proportional to the applied force and inversely proportional to the deflection.

3. Importance Of Stiffness Calculation

Details: Stiffness calculation is crucial in engineering and materials science for designing structures, selecting materials, and predicting mechanical behavior under load.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter force in newtons (N) and deflection in meters (m). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units are used for stiffness?
A: Stiffness is typically measured in newtons per meter (N/m) in the SI system.

Q2: How does stiffness differ from strength?
A: Stiffness measures resistance to deformation, while strength measures the maximum stress a material can withstand before failure.

Q3: Can stiffness be negative?
A: No, stiffness is always a positive value since both force and deflection are positive quantities.

Q4: What factors affect stiffness?
A: Material properties, cross-sectional area, length, and shape all influence the stiffness of an object.

Q5: How is stiffness used in real-world applications?
A: Stiffness calculations are essential in designing springs, beams, buildings, vehicles, and various mechanical components.