The Relationship Between Force, Pressure & Area

Question 1

Force

Answer 1

Input or output expressed in pounds (lb)

Pressure x Area

Question 2

Pressure

Answer 2

Energy raised in the fluid is expressed in lb per square inch (psi)

Force/Area

Question 3

Area

Answer 3

The number of square units in the surface expressed in square inches (in^2)

Force/Pressure

Question 4

Piston example

Answer 4

A force applied at the piston in the left cylinder increases the pressure in the system which causes the piston in the right cylinder to move

If we apply a force of 20lb to the piston in the left cylinder exactly the same force will be felt at the piston in the right cylinder

The ability to transmit a force from one part of the aircraft to another

Question 5

Piston altered example

Answer 5

Alter the system so that the area of the piston face on the right cylinder is ten times the area of the piston face on the left cylinder

20lb acting on 2in^2 piston = 10 psi felt equally across the left cylinder

10 psi acting on the larger piston of 20in^2 produces a force of 200lb

10 times the area produces 10 times the force