Originally Posted by
OptimumRC
... what I mean by spring rate is the spring constant, k, a force constant which gives you the elasticity of the spring (usually in a lb/in or kg/mm rating in compression springs). This is linear because if you had a 2lb/in and compressed it 1 inch, the spring would be exerting 2lbs of force and if the spring were compressed to 2 inches it would exert 4lbs of force (perhaps thhis is what you were refering to by the "compounding effect"). Thus, the spring increases in 2lb increments for every inch = 2lb/in
Yes, in this example 2lb/in IS the rate. This is the constant and does not change. This is regulated by wire size and material composition.
If this were a simple math problem i would say:
"Give me several different formulas to derive a constant X, in this case 10."
Simplex answers could be:
"5x2=10"
"5+5=10"
"20-10=10"
Just as 10 is the constant here, 2lb/in is an unchanging constant...