Pmax The figure shows a switch for a distillation unit which

The figure shows a switch for a distillation unit, which is designed to function below certain pressure. The switch should be able to shut the unit down at a given pressure by closing an electric circuit when it touches the contact at D as point C moves due to P. This force is produced by a transducer that generates an output proportional to the pressure inside the unit. Parts AB and BC are made of stainless steel with E=190 GPa, sigma=300 MPa and they have square cross sections (side=5 mm). Find the force P_. that can be applied without producing yielding with a safety factor of 2 and the gap \"a\" that must be used to make sure that contact occurs when P=P_. Use the Tresca criterion. State and justify any assumptions you make.

Solution

Force p =31.25

N=1.84

Pmax =32