Piston and Cylinder: Force, Area, Distance

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mechanics of a piston and cylinder system, specifically how the movement of the piston is influenced by the force applied and the contents of the cylinder. Key factors include the area of cross-section calculated as A=πd²/4, where d is the diameter of the cylinder. The piston will not move if the cylinder is filled with concrete or an incompressible liquid, while it will move freely in a vacuum. The presence of compressible gas introduces additional variables that affect piston movement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles, particularly force and pressure.
  • Familiarity with the concept of cross-sectional area in cylindrical shapes.
  • Knowledge of fluid mechanics, especially regarding incompressible and compressible fluids.
  • Basic understanding of vacuum conditions and their effects on pressure systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of Pascal's Law and its application in hydraulic systems.
  • Learn about the behavior of gases under pressure, focusing on Boyle's Law.
  • Explore the mechanics of pneumatic systems and their applications in engineering.
  • Study the effects of compressibility in fluid dynamics and its implications for piston movement.
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Students and professionals in mechanical engineering, physics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of piston-cylinder systems and fluid mechanics.

racool
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i got a small doubt.. can any1 please xplain me. if we apply a certain force"F" on cylinder of area of cross section A=pi*d^2/4(thatis,the diameter of cyllinder is d),then how much distance will the piston head move ??:bow:
 

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racool said:
i got a small doubt.. can any1 please xplain me. if we apply a certain force"F" on cylinder of area of cross section A=pi*d^2/4(thatis,the diameter of cyllinder is d),then how much distance will the piston head move ??:bow:

It depends on what's inside the cylinder.
- If we've packed the cylinder of concrete and allowed it to harden, the piston won't move at all, no matter how much force we apply.
- If the cylinder has no leaks and is full of an incompressible liquid, the piston won't move but the cylinder will burst if we apply enough force.
- If there's nothing in the cylinder at all, just vacuum, any force at all will cause the piston will move all the way to end of the cylinder
- If there is some compressible gas in the cylinder...

If you could clarify your question you'll get better answers.
 

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