Find Pressure from Force: Calculate PSI for 400lbs

[infraray]

If I have something that can lift 400lbs. How would I determine how much pressure this could generate if used in a punch type situation. I would be punching a hole.

 

[Danger]

If I understand the question correctly, you just divide your 400 lbs. by the surface area over which it is applied. For instance, a 1/4 sq. inch punch with 400 lbs behind it would exert 1,600 psi.

 

[infraray]

Yeah, that was exactly what I was wanting to know. I don't know why I was thinking it was more difficult. Thanks.

 

[Danger]

Quite welcome, I'm sure.

 

[16d @ 4"]

Quite welcome, I'm sure.

Actually, that depends on the kind of loading (i.e. static or impact).
It is true that to solve for stress, one only needs to divide F/A.
However, in an impact situation, you force is actually mass times acceleration. Therefore,

Stress = ma/A

(I think)

 

[Danger]

The wording of the question sort of led me to think that infraray was considering the use of an arbour press or such-like, so I assumed the impact speed to be negligible. It would be a little more complicated if he were using a gun of some kind, because there'd probably be deformation of the tool head and more heat production. That's a little out of my league.

 

[fierwall5]

Actually acording to Newtons second law of motion F=ma and their for ma/A=F/A so it does not mater either way