Engineering Hand tool boundary conditions - Forces determination

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining boundary conditions for a finite element analysis of a hand tool, specifically a spanner. The user is attempting to model the forces exerted by a bolt on the spanner's jaws but is struggling with the magnitude and direction of these forces despite applying force and moment equilibrium principles. There is a suggestion that the force direction may need adjustment, as the spanner's design allows for better grip on hexagonal nuts in confined spaces. Additional considerations include the deformation of the nut rather than the spanner jaws and the need for clarity in the measurements used in the model. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accurately defining forces and their application points for effective analysis.
LuigiL
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Homework Statement
Determine the forces acting on the hand tool (magnitude & direction).
Relevant Equations
ΣF = 0, ΣM = 0
Hello,
I' m trying to make a linear static analysis (Finite Element Analysis) on the following hand tool. I want to determine the boundary conditions. In order to do that I have decided to use a force couple to represent the forces that a bolt exerts on the jaws of this spanner.
Despite using force and moment equilibrium, I' m not able to determine the magnitude and direction of the forces.
Should I include any other forces in order to satisfy the equilibrium (maybe a force R in the lower jaw)?

I would be grateful if you can give me some advice. Thank you.

## M_O = F_1 \cdot d, ~ \text{&} ~ F_1=F_2 ##
## \Sigma M_O = 0,~ 144.93 \cdot F_3-M_O = 0,~ M_O = 14493 ~N \cdot mm. ##

## \Sigma F_x = 0,~ F_{3x} - R_x=0,~ R_x = F_3 \cdot sin(14.31^\circ). ##
## \Sigma F_y = 0,~ F_{3y} - R_y=0,~ R_y = F_3 \cdot cos(14.31^\circ). ##
Attachment.png
 
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Welcome to PF.

I think you are modelling the spanner with the force 3 applied up when it should be down. The reason is that the offset head will tend to slide off a nut if used the way you show it here. That would change the hexagonal nut contact points into the diagonally opposite positions between the jaws, which puts them at more similar distances along the handle.

The offset head allows a hexagonal nut in a confined place, to be advanced in 30° steps, by repeatedly turning over the spanner when access is restricted. But it also allows the more secure orientation when working on a more exposed nut.

The two nut edges that contact the spanner jaws will be deformed by the pressure of the spanner until the area of the contact is sufficient to handle the force applied. When you model the hardened spanner jaws, it is the nut that will deform, not the spanner. Maybe you need to model the soft plastic nut between the hard jaws.
 
Hi,

##M_O = F_1 \cdot d, ~ \text{&} ~ F_1=F_2##
How have you determined that those forces are equal ? And what do you use for ##d## ?

I take it the purple ##O## is the center of the nut ?

Then, if the purple ##O## is your center of rotation, shouldn't the 144.63 (144.93 ?) be smaller ?
Like the 137.97 + 4.69
Now it looks as if it is up to the point where ##F_1## acts

The drawing has a lot of measurements that are unexplained.

And how do you determine these to such an accuracy ?

##\ ##
 
BvU said:
Hi,

How have you determined that those forces are equal ? And what do you use for ##d## ?

I take it the purple ##O## is the center of the nut ?

Then, if the purple ##O## is your center of rotation, shouldn't the 144.63 (144.93 ?) be smaller ?
Like the 137.97 + 4.69
Now it looks as if it is up to the point where ##F_1## acts

The drawing has a lot of measurements that are unexplained.

And how do you determine these to such an accuracy ?

##\ ##
Hello,
I assumed that ##F_1=F_2##.
##d## is the unknown and I want to determine it.
Indeed ##O## is the center of the nut.

##144.93 = 137.97+\frac{13.91}{2}## is the perpendicular distance from point ##O## to point ##3## (Force ##F_3##).

I apologize for the complexity of my drawing. Measurements were taken from the software that I designed this hand tool (with some roundings).
 

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