- #1
How much weight could this hold?
- Thread starter dimmaz88
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around calculating the weight capacity of a component made from mild steel, specifically in the context of its application in a slackline setup. Participants explore various factors that influence the strength and safety of the component under tension.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Scott initially seeks help in determining the weight capacity of a mild steel component.
- Participants inquire about the specifics of the application, including whether the component will be under tension or compression.
- Scott clarifies that the component is part of a slackline setup and is intended to hold weight horizontally.
- Concerns are raised about discussing potentially dangerous activities and the importance of using commercially available setups with known weight ratings.
- One participant suggests that materials software could assist in determining the weight capacity, while another emphasizes the need for caution and testing.
- A calculation is provided based on the dimensions of the component, yielding a theoretical maximum strength of 2 tonnes after applying a safety factor.
- Questions arise regarding the specifics of the calculations, including the significance of the hole dimensions and the size of the pin passing through the hole.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express varying levels of agreement on the importance of safety and testing, but there is no consensus on the exact calculations or the suitability of the component for its intended use.
Contextual Notes
Limitations include the absence of specific dimensions for the holes and their placement, as well as the reliance on assumptions regarding material properties and safety factors.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in engineering, materials science, or safety considerations in DIY projects may find this discussion relevant.
- #2
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How would you go about figuring that out?
- #3
berkeman
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dimmaz88 said:
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...)
- #4
dimmaz88
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Sorry I should of added more detail. Imagine it's a chain link vertically, and it's under tension.
- #5
berkeman
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dimmaz88 said:
What is the application?
- #6
dimmaz88
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Sorry I meant horizontally, I'm really tired tonight lol. It's part of a slackline setup.
- #7
berkeman
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dimmaz88 said:
You mean like this?
http://www.mountainproject.com/images/33/35/106143335_medium_25f525.jpg
- #8
dimmaz88
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Erm..not quite lol. I hope it wouldn't combust.
- #9
berkeman
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dimmaz88 said:
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?
- #10
dimmaz88
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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).
If I compare the dimensions to avaliable items, this is overkill (comparison with a quick link for example).
- #11
SteamKing
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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.
- #12
- #13
dimmaz88
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SteamKing said:
Is it possible to calculate now you have dimensions?
- #14
Lok
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Now for a quickie eyeballing (which you should never ever do without testing the part afterwards) calculation.dimmaz88 said:
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.
- #15
dimmaz88
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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?
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?
- #16
berkeman
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Thread closed temporarily for Moderation...
- #17
berkeman
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Since this thread could involve life safety, it will remain closed.
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