Is this kind of pressure chamber design possible?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of a specific pressure chamber design, particularly whether the pressure inside such a chamber can effectively cause a button mechanism to be activated. The conversation touches on principles of fluid dynamics, convection, and mechanical design considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the design can function as intended, particularly in relation to convection effects and the forces exerted on the button mechanism.
  • One participant suggests that convection currents could exert a force on the button, but notes that the push rod would also be affected by pressure differences, complicating the scenario.
  • Another participant argues that the design is flawed due to the thin neck of the button, which they claim reduces the actuation force significantly.
  • There is a suggestion that a balanced lever mechanism might be a more reasonable approach to transfer force effectively.
  • Participants express the need for more context regarding the thought experiment and the underlying principles to provide meaningful commentary.
  • Questions are raised about the potential force that could be asserted through convection and whether it can be calculated under specific conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the viability of the design, with multiple competing views presented regarding its effectiveness and the principles involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the design, such as the impact of the button's neck diameter on actuation force and the need for clearer descriptions of the intended mechanics and scenarios.

physsure
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Hi!
Given that the chamber is airtight and no air leakage occurs, is the design in the picture below possible? Can the pressure inside the chamber cause the button (black part at the top) to be "pushed"?

https://imgur.com/a/wOSD30D

Obviously the temperatures are over-exaggerated, but the principle is the same at very high temperatures.
 
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It's not clear what's going on here. Are you attempting to represent the effects of Convection, caused by the red (=hot?) at the bottom?
If so, the convection currents will indeed exert a force on a horizontal (?) disc at the top. It does require a suspension of disbelief, though because the push rod will also be subject so any difference in pressure between inside and outside. A small cross sectional area of hole but, nonetheless there will be an upwards force which may or may not balance the weight force of all the button and disc. A more reasonable scenario would be to use some balanced lever mechanism to transfer the force to the outside.
 
physsure said:
Hi!
Given that the chamber is airtight and no air leakage occurs, is the design in the picture below possible? Can the pressure inside the chamber cause the button (black part at the top) to be "pushed"?

https://imgur.com/a/wOSD30D

Obviously the temperatures are over-exaggerated, but the principle is the same at very high temperatures.
No, bad design. Thin neck of button as depicted reduce actuation force as square of neck diameter. It can work, but margin for setting pressure of seal nearly non-existent.
 
trurle said:
No, bad design. Thin neck of button as depicted reduce actuation force as square of neck diameter. It can work, but margin for setting pressure of seal nearly non-existent.
If this is a thought experiment then it should, at least. take account of such things and the design should eliminate their effect; it is perfectly possible to do so.
 
sophiecentaur said:
If this is a thought experiment then it should, at least. take account of such things and the design should eliminate their effect; it is perfectly possible to do so.

How much force is it possible to assert through convection? It must be minimal but is it possible to calculate given a scenario?
 
physsure said:
How much force is it possible to assert through convection? It must be minimal but is it possible to calculate given a scenario?
We are operating in an information vacuum here. You need to describe what it's all about, what is supposed to happen and what's the idea based on? Remember- PF knows nothing about the workings of your mind. We can only comment on what we read and see.
 
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