Calculate the extension and retraction force of a cylinder with this Cylinder Force Calculator.
How do you calculate the extension force of a cylinder?
To find the extension force of a cylinder, use the
cylinder force formula: Extension Force (lbs) = Piston Area x PSI
PSI = Pressure (Pounds per Square Inch)
r = Radius
Piston Area = (Pi X r2)
To find the retraction force of a cylinder, use the
cylinder retraction force formula:
Retraction Force (lbs) = (Piston Area - Rod Area) x PSI
Example: For a double-acting cylinder with a piston radius
of 2 inches, a rod radius of 1 inch, 2000 psi
supplied to the base on extension, and 2500 psi supplied
to the rod end for retraction:
Extension Force = (3.1416 x 22) x 2000
psi
Extension Force = 25,132.8 lbs
Retraction Force = Annulus x 2500 psi
Annulus = (3.1416 x 22) - (3.1416 x 12)
=
Retraction Force = 23,562 lbs (rounded to the nearest
10,000th)
