Enter the falling distance, cross-sectional area, modulus of elasticity, load, and cord length into the calculator to determine the shock force.

Shock Force Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Shock Force.

SF = L * ( 1+(1+(2*FD*A*E)/(L*LG))^1/^2)
  • Where SF is the shock force (lbf)
  • L is the load (lbf)
  • FD is the falling distance (in)
  • A is the cross-sectional area of the rope (in^2)
  • E is the modulus of elasticity (lbf/in^2)
  • LG is the length of the chord (in)

What is a Shock Force?

Definition:

A shock force is a force seen by a rope attached to a falling object.

How to Calculate Shock Force?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines the steps and information needed to calculate the Shock Force.

First, determine the load. In this example, the load is 10 lbf.

Next, determine the falling distance. The falling distance is 12 inches.

Next, determine the cross-sectional area. For this problem, the area is 5 in^2.

Next, determine the modulus of elasticity. In this case, the modulus is 2.5 pounds/in^2.

Next, determine the length of the rope. This is given as 7 inches.

Finally, calculate the shock force using the formula above:

SF = L * ( 1+(1+(2*FD*A*E)/(L*LG))^1/2)

SF = 10 * ( 1+(1+(2*12*5*2.5)/(10*7))^1/2)

SF = 36.42 lbf