Friction, contact area and a clamp design

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the effectiveness of a V-jaw clamp design versus a curved jaw clamp for securing a cylinder. While friction is independent of contact area, the resulting clamping force is proportional to the contact area, which is influenced by pressure and area. The V-jaw design, providing four points of contact, offers enhanced stability and orientation control for the cylinder compared to a single curved jaw design. The material composition of the clamps also plays a critical role in determining friction factors.

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  • Understanding of friction principles and their relationship to contact area
  • Knowledge of clamping mechanisms and their designs
  • Familiarity with material properties affecting friction
  • Basic mechanics of stability in cylindrical objects
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  • Explore the impact of contact area on friction in practical applications
  • Investigate material selection for clamps to optimize friction factors
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Mechanical engineers, product designers, and anyone involved in the design and application of clamping systems for cylindrical objects.

cabellos6
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I know theoretically that friction is independent of contact area. However, i have a cylinder which i want to clamp via two jaws. My thinking is that a v jaw, clamping at four points around the circumference of the cylinder would be more effective than a curved jaw design??

Thoughts would be much appreciated.
 
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My thoughts.

Yes, friction may be independent of contact area, but the resulting force IS proportional to the contact area (pressure x area).

I am not sure what you mean by "curved" jaw design...I mean, is it rigid? is the radius of the curved jaw the same radius of the cylinder? ...what are the chances of that! If not, then what is the resulting contact between cylinder and jaw?

Do both clamps offer the exact same material in contact with the cylinder? If not, then, you are talking about 2 different friction factors, too.

Having 4 points of contact, even if the resulting force was the same, offers the advantage of more stability and keeping the cylinder oriented better so that it does not rotate in any other direction not just on its own axis. Don't you think?
 

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