Fluid Power Engineering
Pneumatic Cylinder Simulator
A variable-controlled fluid power laboratory simulating extension/retraction forces, cylinder dimensions, pressure profiles, visual strokes, and system characteristics.
Cylinder Model
Double-Acting
Dynamic stroke sweep
Profile Nodes
26 pressure nodes
Simulated load scale
Output
CSV
Data exportable
Parameters
Cylinder preset
Animated stroke sweep
Governing Equations
Bore Area (A_ext)
A_ext = π * D² / 4
Annulus Area (A_ret)
A_ret = π * (D² - d²) / 4
Extension Force (F_ext)
F_ext = P * A_ext
Retraction Force (F_ret)
F_ret = P * A_ret
Operating pressure of 80 PSI acting on the 3.14 in² bore generates a theoretical extension force of 251 lbs.
Retraction force is lower (227 lbs) due to the presence of the piston rod decreasing the effective surface area (annulus area of 2.83 in²).
Linked Schematic
Extension Force
251lbs
Retraction Force
227lbs
Bore Area
3.142in²
Annulus Area
2.835in²
Force vs Operating Pressure
Simulation Performance Table
| Pressure (PSI) | Extension Force (lbs) | Retraction Force (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 PSI | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 30 PSI | 94.2 | 85.0 |
| 60 PSI | 188.5 | 170.1 |
| 90 PSI | 282.7 | 255.1 |
| 120 PSI | 377.0 | 340.2 |
| 150 PSI | 471.2 | 425.2 |
| 180 PSI | 565.5 | 510.3 |
| 210 PSI | 659.7 | 595.3 |
| 240 PSI | 754.0 | 680.4 |