How to Calculate Force Through a Wedge

Introduction

If you are trying to calculate force through a wedge you may have no idea where to start. This article will outline what equation you can use and why you would need to calculate force through a wedge. Some of the math may be a bit more complicated than what one is used to but if you follow the equations by solving the problem on a calculator or by hand you will be able to get the measurements that you need.

First it is important to know what constitutes a wedge. A wedge is defined as an object that is a simple tool that has an upward slant and that can be put into motion ( the slanted upward object that cannot be put into motion is an inclined plane). Once you know this you will know what can be considered a wedge and that these equations to calculate force through a wedge will be accurate.

Things You'll Need

Ruler

Calculator

Wedge

Pen or Pencil

Paper

Steps for Calculating the Force Through a Wedge

Step One: Measure the width with a ruler. Width will measure how wide an object is and will be used in the math. Make sure to note what you get for the width so you can use it for your equation. Width is sometimes referred to as length so in the equation it will be denoted as L.

Step Two: Measure the height with the ruler. Height measures the tallness of the object. Make sure to note the height so that you can use it in the equation to calculate force. Height will be denoted as H in the equation.

Step Three: Make a ratio of L/H. This means put the number you got for height on top and divide by height the number that will be put on the bottom. For example the width is 3 cm and the height is 6 cm (this would be denoted by 3/6 equaling ½ as your ratio). For more complicated ratios use your calculator.

Step Four: Use that number and know that the force will be the top number. Force over weight equals the length over height. This will help you figure out how much force is needed to go through the wedge.

Tips

Keep in mind that friction is not factored into the equation so even if you get a force needed of 1,000 pounds you may need to add more weight.

Keep in mind for more complicated ratios to double check your math therefore you get an accurate measurement.

Wedges can include instruments such as knives, saws, and axes just to name a few of the many tools that can be considered wedges.

Warning

Note if the math is done incorrectly you may have trouble doing the job and may even harm yourself. Hence the importance of double checking the math.

Key Concepts

Force helps to measure how much weight will be needed to do the job.

Wedges can help to simplify work by knowing the appropriate equation.

Height and width are important measurements for getting the measurement for force needed.

References

http://books.google.com/books?id=UP4QAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA170&lpg=PA170&dq=how+to+calculate+force+through+a+wedge&source=bl&ots=hic1RZ2wOd&sig=T6dW6C01tbgS4rKk7paKYfcrpck&hl=en&ei=jeEtTtDyA6eBsgLE8-TFCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CF4Q6AEwCTge#v=onepage&q&f=false (p.170)

http://www.answers.com/topic/mechanical-advantage-and-simple-machines

http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~rapidproto/mechanisms/chpt2.html