Calculating Car Lift Height with a Hydraulic Lift

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a hydraulic lift used to raise a car. The scenario includes specific measurements such as the weight of the car, the dimensions of the pistons, and the forces applied. Participants are exploring the relationship between the input and output forces and the corresponding movements of the pistons.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining the setup of equations related to force and area, questioning whether the initial conditions and measurements are correctly interpreted. There is discussion about how the height of the car affects the calculations and the relationship between the movements of the input and output pistons.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the interpretation of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the significance of the given height of the car and how it relates to the input piston’s movement. Multiple interpretations of the height and its implications are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of the car's height and the movement of the pistons, as well as the lack of equilibrium in the system. The specific values provided in the problem are being scrutinized for their relevance to the calculations.

BeiW
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Homework Statement


A hydraulic lift is used to jack a 970 kg car .12m off the floor. The diameter of the output piston is .18 m, and the input force is 270 N.

If the input piston moves .13 m in each stroke, how high does the car move up for each stroke?

2-3. Relevant equations and attempt at solving
Fin=Fout
That becomes pghA=pghA
p = density
g=gravity
h=height
A=area

So I get 270=p(9.8)(.13)(A) which is the input force.
I could set that equal to the output force:
270=p(9.8)(.13)(A1)=(p)(9.8)(h2)(.02545)
.02545 is the area of a circle when I plug in .09 for radius.

The p's would cancel, and I'm left with the variables A1 and h2.

I know I can use the system of equations to solve this, but I want to know if I set up the equations correctly. And also, what do I do with the .12 m (that the car is lifted off the ground)??
 
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i believe the .12m is given so that you can find the initial height of the input piston since they are not in equilibrium
 
hy23 said:
i believe the .12m is given so that you can find the initial height of the input piston since they are not in equilibrium

In that case, would I add the .12m to the .13 for h1?
 
.12m refers to the car or height of the output piston, the input piston moves by .13m, the distance the car moves is related by the force/piston area ratios of the input and output
 

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