Is this Cylinder Strong Enough to Open This Door?

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In summary, the conversation discusses a door that is designed to open 180 degrees in 1 second using a pneumatic plunger, but there are concerns about the plunger's strength and whether this can be considered a partially inelastic collision. The specifications of the door and plunger are also mentioned, along with potential safety hazards and suggestions for improving the design.
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I have this door that was designed to supposedly open for 180 degrees in 1 second. A Pneumatic Plunger was used to push the door. However I'm not sure if this was strong enough to open the door. Can this be counted as Partially Inelastic Collision?

DOOR:
m = 136pound
width = 40 inch
height = 80in

PLUNGER:
Working Pressure = 80psi
Bore Size = 1.5 inch
Stroke Size = 2 inch
Max speed = 6.4in/s
m = 1 lb

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  • #2
Probably not.
The outer edge of the door where the cylinder plunger strikes is 40” from the hinge axis.
For a 180° rotation in one second, the minimum plunger velocity will need to be Pi * R = 125 inch/second.
Yet your plunger is rated at only 6.5 inch/sec.

You must reduce the radius by moving the plunger closer to the hinge line.
The door must accelerate to over 125 inch/sec during the very short travel of the plunger.
The energy in the compressed air must be sufficient to accelerate the door to high angular velocity.
A door like that is capable of killing people. You are designing a man trap.
 
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1. What is the strength of the cylinder?

The strength of a cylinder is typically measured by its material, diameter, and thickness. The stronger the material and the thicker the cylinder, the more force it can withstand without breaking.

2. How do I know if the cylinder is strong enough to open a door?

You can determine if a cylinder is strong enough to open a door by calculating the force needed to open the door and comparing it to the maximum force the cylinder can withstand. This can be done by using equations such as the Mohr's Circle or the Tresca Criterion. Alternatively, you can consult with a structural engineer or use a specialized software for structural analysis.

3. Can a cylinder with a smaller diameter be strong enough to open a door?

Yes, a cylinder with a smaller diameter can still be strong enough to open a door depending on the material and thickness. However, a larger diameter cylinder will typically have a higher strength and be more suitable for this task.

4. What are the most common materials used for strong cylinders?

The most common materials used for strong cylinders are metal alloys such as steel, aluminum, and titanium. These materials have high strength-to-weight ratios and can withstand high amounts of force without breaking.

5. Can I use a cylinder made of plastic to open a door?

It is not recommended to use a plastic cylinder to open a door as plastic is not as strong as metal and may not be able to withstand the force needed to open a door. Additionally, plastic can deform and break more easily than metal, making it a less reliable option for this task.

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