Formula Used:
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The piston length calculation determines the required length of a piston to resist shear force in motion, considering fluid dynamics properties and geometric parameters. This is essential in hydraulic and pneumatic system design.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for the relationship between shear force, fluid viscosity, piston velocity, and geometric dimensions to determine the required piston length.
Details: Accurate piston length calculation is crucial for ensuring proper sealing, minimizing leakage, optimizing performance, and preventing excessive wear in hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Tips: Enter all values in SI units. Ensure positive values for all parameters. The radial clearance should be significantly smaller than the piston diameter for accurate results.
Q1: What is shear force in piston motion?
A: Shear force is the force that causes deformation along the plane parallel to the direction of force, resisting the motion of the piston through the fluid.
Q2: Why is dynamic viscosity important in this calculation?
A: Dynamic viscosity determines the fluid's resistance to flow and directly affects the shear forces acting on the piston surface.
Q3: What is radial clearance and why is it important?
A: Radial clearance is the gap between the piston and cylinder wall. It affects fluid flow patterns and shear forces, making it a critical parameter in the calculation.
Q4: What are typical values for these parameters?
A: Typical values vary by application, but generally: shear force (10-1000 N), viscosity (0.001-1 Pa·s), velocity (0.1-10 m/s), diameter (0.01-0.5 m), clearance (0.0001-0.01 m).
Q5: When is this calculation most applicable?
A: This calculation is particularly important in hydraulic systems, pneumatic cylinders, and reciprocating pumps where precise piston sizing is critical for system performance.