suspension springs and clock speed

[stewart]

I tried looking in "Find", but did not see my question. The question is "Does a stiff suspension spring speed up a clocks Rate?".

Stewart

 

[Jeremy Woodoff]

I believe the answer is "yes."

 

[shutterbug]

Yes, stiffer spring means less swing and faster motion. You can thin a spring to increase swing. Of course the major speed control is the pendulum length.

 

[clockdaddy]

Keep in mind that the length of the suspension spring also affects the timing of the clock.

 

[stewart]

Thank you Gents

Stewart

 

[Bryan Prindle]

I've always looked at it as a stiffer suspension spring has the same effect as shortening the pendulum rod. So, shorter rod, faster tick.

Bryan

 

[Mike Phelan]

Yes, but as to how much difference it makes, it depends on the thickness and length of the spring vs the weight of the bob.

As an example, if you have a 14lb bob, and a 0.005" spring, making the spring 0.02" will make hardly any difference to the rate.

HTH