Force Distribution

Hello,
I have probably a fairly simple question about how force is distributed. If i were to have some type of setup where a hydraulic cylinder with a one inch rod was pushing down (say 50 lbs) onto a plate, or something of that sort, how would that force be distributed across the plate? Would it be localized to the area of the end of the one inch rod, or would it dissipate thru out the whole plate evenly? What if the plate was attached to the one inch rod pushing down 50 lbs; would the whole plate be pushing down 50lbs at every point on it?

Thanks For your help!

Hi Davis,

You're dealing a problem in fluids.

force+rob+plate to fluid.

The force distribution depends upon the part of the system you considered.

If you deal until the plate only, the force will just be concentrated to the area of the plate where the tip of the rod touches.

But if you deal with the entire system until the fluid, the plate will gain the force given by the rod and it will distributed to the surface area of the plate pushing the fluid assuming there is no deformation happen to the plate.

This problem is much better with figure shown.

Hope it helps.

God Bless.

Best,
Neil

Thank you very much for your reply Neil. I very much understand this concept now. Your answer was very helpful.

Jeff Davis