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Sizing Industrial Shock Absorbers for Mass With Propelling Force

Industrial shock absorbers play a critical role in safely decelerating moving masses influenced by external forces. This guide explains how to size shock absorbers for cases where a mass is propelled by an external force.

CALCULATION CONCEPTS 

  • Kinetic Energy (W1): The energy possessed by a moving mass due to its velocity.

    • Formula: W1 = 1/2 * m * v^2

    • Significance: This is the primary energy that the shock absorber must dissipate to bring the moving mass to a complete stop.

  • Propelling Energy (W2): Propelling energy is the energy used to drive or push an object forward.

    • Formula: W2 = F⋅s

    • Energy added by the external force FFF acting over stroke s.

  • Total Energy Per Stroke (W3): In the presents of external propelling forces, the total energy to be absorbed by the shock absorber is equal to the kinetic energy of the moving mass.

    • Formula: W3 = W1 + W2

  • Load Factor: The ratio of the total energy per stroke (W3) to the shock absorber's maximum allowable energy capacity.

    • Formula: Load Factor = (W3 / W3per) * 100

    • Recommendation: For optimal performance and durability, the load factor should ideally be below 80%.

  • Impact Speed (vD): The velocity of the mass at the moment of impact with the shock absorber. In this case, it is equal to the initial velocity of the moving mass (v).

  • Effective Mass (me): The equivalent mass experienced by the shock absorber during deceleration. It ensures smooth deceleration over the entire stroke length.

    • Formula: me = W3 / (1/2 * v^2)

    • Note: The effective mass must fall within the shock absorber's specified permissible range.

  • Deceleration Time (t): The time required to bring the moving mass to a complete stop.

    • Approximate Formula: t ≈ 2.6 * s / vD

    • Note: Shorter deceleration times generally result in higher forces on the shock absorber.

  • Supporting Force (Q): The force exerted by the shock absorber to decelerate the mass.

    • Formula: Q = 1.5 * W3 / s

    • Note: The structure to which the shock absorber is mounted must be adequately designed to withstand this force.

  • Cycles Per Hour (x): The number of impacts the shock absorber experiences within one hour.

    • Formula: x = 3600 / (t_reset + t)

    • Note: The actual number of cycles per hour must not exceed the shock absorber's maximum permissible cycles per hour (xper).

SIZING PROCEDURE

  1. Gather Input Data:

    • Mass of the object (m) in kilograms.

    • Velocity at impact (v) in meters per second.

    • Desired stroke length (s) in meters.

    • Number of cycles per hour (x) in impacts/hour.

  2. Calculate Total Energy Per Stroke (W3): Use the formula W3 = 1/2 * m * v^2.

  3. Determine Effective Mass (me): Calculate me using the formula me = W3 / (1/2 * v^2) and ensure it falls within the acceptable range for the shock absorber.

  4. Estimate Deceleration Time (t): Calculate t using the approximate formula t ≈ 2.6 * s / vD.

  5. Verify Supporting Force (Q): Calculate Q using the formula Q = 1.5 * W3 / s and ensure the mounting structure can withstand this force.

  6. Check Load Factor and Cycles Per Hour:

    • Calculate the Load Factor and ensure it is below 80% for optimal performance.

    • Verify that the actual cycles per hour (x) do not exceed the maximum permissible cycles per hour (xper) for the shock absorber.

Example Calculation​

  • Given:

    • Mass (m) = 36 kg

    • Force (F) = 400N

    • Velocity (v) = 1.5 m/s

    • Stroke Length (s) = 0.025 m

    • Cycles/hours (n) = 1000

  • Step 1: Calculate W1:

    • W3 = 1/2 * 36 kg * (1.5 m/s)^2 = 41 Nm

  • Step 2: Calculate W2:

    • W2= 400 x 0.025 = 10 Nm

  • Step 3: Calculate W3:

    • W1+W2=41+10=51Nm

  • Step 4: Calculate W4:

    • E4=W3 x n =51⋅1000=51,000Nm/hour

  • Step 5: Calculate me:

    • me = 2 x 51/1.5² = 48 kg

  • Step 6: Calculate: t = 1.52 x 6 x 0.025 = 0.043 seconds

  • Step 7: Calculate: Q=1.5 x 51/0.025​ = 3,060N

Note: This is a simplified guide. For precise sizing, consider factors like operating temperature, environmental conditions, and specific shock absorber characteristics.

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