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A machinist receives an order from a railway company for a "cushion piston" consisting of two inter-sliding hollow cylinders. (Think of a large version of the spring loaded cylinder of a toilet roll dispensor.) The piston specifications state that a force of 10,000 lb should compress the piston a distance of 2 ft. To cut down on cost, the machinist would like to use some springs he has in stock. However, these springs compress only 1 ft with a force of 10,000 lb. The diameter of the cylinders is large enough to accommodate two springs as shown. How should the machinist construct the piston, as shown in diagram A or as shown in diagram B? Be sure to carefully explain your choice. |
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