Calculate the clamping force to prevent the load from sliding

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the clamping force necessary to prevent a rubber clamp from slipping on a vertical steel tube. The calculated clamping force is 333 N with a friction coefficient of 0.6 and an additional perpendicular force of 200 N. While this calculation indicates that the clamp will not slide, it is essential to incorporate a safety factor ranging from 2.0 to 10.0 based on application criticality, vibration presence, and the accuracy of the friction coefficient. Additionally, the impact of the load's moment and the condition of the rubber, especially when wet, must be considered for real-world applications.

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  • Understanding of clamping force calculations
  • Knowledge of friction coefficients, particularly for rubber and steel
  • Familiarity with safety factors in engineering applications
  • Basic mechanics of materials, including hoop tension concepts
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KavaKovala
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TL;DR
Clamping force
Dear,

Could you tell me if the calculations on the attachment are correct? I need to determine the force necessary to prevent the clamp from slipping.

Basically the clamp is a part of rubber that I can press against the pipe wall. A load will be attached to this part of rubber. The tube is vertical.

It's too simple to be true my calculations, lol

Thanks in advanced!

Clamp material: Rubber
Tube material: Steel
 

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If I correctly understand, you have a clamp force of 333 N, a friction coefficient of 0.6, and a force perpendicular to the clamping force of 200 N. You are correct, it will (just barely) not slide. And it really is that simple.

However, any real world clamping problem requires a safety factor. Depending on how critical the application, presence of vibrations, how accurately you know the friction coefficient, and the consequences of sliding, a suitable safety factor could be anywhere from 2.0 to 10.0.
 
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jrmichler said:
If I correctly understand, you have a clamp force of 333 N, a friction coefficient of 0.6, and a force perpendicular to the clamping force of 200 N. You are correct, it will (just barely) not slide. And it really is that simple.

However, any real world clamping problem requires a safety factor. Depending on how critical the application, presence of vibrations, how accurately you know the friction coefficient, and the consequences of sliding, a suitable safety factor could be anywhere from 2.0 to 10.0.

Hi jrmichler,

Thank you for your reply!

Just a doubt, Does the moment created by the load have any effect that must be considered?

I appreciate your help.
 
In order to answer your question, a diagram is needed that clearly shows what is being clamped to what, and how the clamping force is being applied. You need to show actual, rather than simplified, parts. And tell us what happens if it slips.

Keep in mind that, while you understand what you are trying to do, we have only your diagram and text to figure out what you are trying to do.
 
Water is a rubber lubricant. If the rubber gets wet, it may slide.
Check the coefficient of friction for wet rubber.

I assume in your diagram, the pipe is yellow. Is the rubber black ?
Is the blue band around the pipe a clamp, made from rubber or steel ?
What is the lighter blue ?

Hoop tension in a band around a pipe is not equal to surface pressure on the pipe.
Hoop tension is only doubled where both ends meet perpendicular to the clamped block.
 
I have encountered a vertically oriented hydraulic cylinder that is designed to actuate and slice heavy cabling into sections with a blade. The cylinder is quite small (around 1.5 inches in diameter) and has an equally small stroke. The cylinder is single acting (i.e. it is pressurized from the bottom, and vented to atmosphere with a spring return, roughly 200lbs of force on the spring). The system operates at roughly 2500 psi. Interestingly, the cylinder has a pin that passes through its...

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