Calculating Force Applied to Input Piston in Hydraulic System

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the force applied to the input piston in a hydraulic system, where the load-bearing piston has an area 50 times larger than that of the input piston. The original poster presents a scenario involving a load of 6000N on the larger piston and attempts to determine the corresponding force on the input piston.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster uses a ratio to relate the forces and areas of the pistons, but there is confusion regarding the correct ratio. Some participants question the validity of the initial ratio used and clarify that it should be 50:1 instead of 50:10. Others confirm the equilibrium state of the system and discuss the implications of the corrected ratio on the calculated force.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants engaging in clarifying the ratio and its impact on the force calculation. There is acknowledgment of a mistake in the original ratio, and a revised understanding is emerging regarding the relationship between the forces and areas of the pistons.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the load is not supposed to be accelerated, indicating that the system is in an equilibrium state. There is an emphasis on ensuring the correct interpretation of the ratios involved in the calculations.

mike2007
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The load bearing piston in a hydraulic system as an area 50 times as the the input piston. If the larger piston supports a load of 6000N, how large a force must be applied to the input piston?

Since the area is 50 times as large i used a ratio 10:50

Using the formula F2/F1 = A2/A1

6000/F1 = 50/10
6000/F1 = 5
F1 = 6000/5
= 1200N
I have no idea if i am anywhere close!
 
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The ratio should be 50:1, not 50:10. Otherwise, that would be how to find the force required on the input piston to balance out the 6000N on the output. If this was what you were looking for then this seems correct, except for the ratio mistake. I'm assuming you are looking for this equilibrium state. (The load is not supposed to be accelerated correct?)
 
Last edited:
Thats correct the load is not supposed to be accelerated and it should be in equilibrium state.
thank you
 
mike2007 said:
Thats correct the load is not supposed to be accelerated and it should be in equilibrium state.
thank you

Please notice that I didn't notice the mistake in you ratio the first time around. Check my edited first post again to make sure you see the mistake. Sorry for missing that. I should have been more observant. It's getting late here!
 
I see where i made the mistake but if the ratio is now 50:1, won't that change the answer to F1 = 6000/50 = 120N
?
 
mike2007 said:
...won't that change the answer to F1 = 6000/50 = 120N
?
That's correct.
 

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