How much weight could this hold?

[dimmaz88]

Hello everyone, this is my first time here and I was wondering if you could help.

I would like to know if there is a way of calculating how much weight this simple component could hold. It will be made from mild steel.

TIA

Scott

 

[phinds]

How would you go about figuring that out?

 

[berkeman]

Hello everyone, this is my first time here and I was wondering if you could help.

I would like to know if there is a way of calculating how much weight this simple component could hold. It will be made from mild steel.

TIA

Scott

Welcome to the PF.

What do you mean by holding weight? In which axis? In compression or in tension? What is the application? (hopefully not for a balcony in Berkeley...)

 

[dimmaz88]

Sorry I should of added more detail. Imagine it's a chain link vertically, and it's under tension.

 

[berkeman]

Sorry I should of added more detail. Imagine it's a chain link vertically, and it's under tension.

What is the application?

 

[dimmaz88]

Sorry I meant horizontally, I'm really tired tonight lol. It's part of a slackline setup.

 

[berkeman]

Sorry I meant horizontally, I'm really tired tonight lol. It's part of a slackline setup.

You mean like this?

http://www.mountainproject.com/images/33/35/106143335_medium_25f525.jpg

 

[dimmaz88]

Erm..not quite lol. I hope it wouldn't combust.

 

[berkeman]

Erm..not quite lol. I hope it wouldn't combust.

The problem is, we can't discuss potentially dangerous activities here on the PF (that's in the Rules link at the top of the page under Info). If you don't have the background to do the calculation yourself, it's probably not a good idea for you to be trying to make a DIY slackline setup. Aren't there commercially available slackline setups that have different weight ratings?

 

[dimmaz88]

I thought there might be some materials software for working out things like this. I know this would take plenty of tension, I just wondered if I could work out how much.

If I compare the dimensions to avaliable items, this is overkill (comparison with a quick link for example).

 

[SteamKing]

Can't tell how much this piece will hold ... there's no diameter shown for the holes nor their location relative to the sides of the piece.

 

[dimmaz88]

Sorry, forgot to add those in. Here is an amended pic.

 

[dimmaz88]

Can't tell how much this piece will hold ... there's no diameter shown for the holes nor their location relative to the sides of the piece.

Is it possible to calculate now you have dimensions?

 

[Lok]

Is it possible to calculate now you have dimensions?

Now for a quickie eyeballing (which you should never ever do without testing the part afterwards) calculation.

The thinnest section is a cut out through a hole and has a surface Area of 25*(9+9)=450mm^2.
Now the worst construction steel in the world S185 (there could be something worse than this) has a Yield Strength of 175-185N/mm^2.
That would give a 8 metric tonnes. So With a safety factor of 4 (as clearly you will be next to it in use) you could say it has a maximum strength of 2 tonnes.
All the above are with loads of assumptions.

Because Engineering is more about practice in hopes of avoiding the math, never use a part in a life threatening situation that has not been subjected to failure testing. Not sure how considering the strength of it.
Also if you know your mild steels yield strength you could do the math again and get a more real result.

 

[dimmaz88]

Wow, thanks Lok. That's a great answer.

Would you mind explaining the (25*(9+9)=450mm^2).

I find this really interesting, I'll have to read more on the subject. I assume the size of the pin that passes through the hole makes a difference too?

 

[berkeman]

Thread closed temporarily for Moderation...

 

[berkeman]

Since this thread could involve life safety, it will remain closed.