Telescoping Cylinder Calculator

Calculate extension/retraction forces, flow requirements, and speed for multi-stage telescoping cylinders.

Input Parameters

Results

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Stage 1 Force
lbs
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Last Stage Force
lbs
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Stage 1 Speed
in/s
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Stroke Ratio
Note: Each inner stage has smaller bore, reducing force. Last stage extends first and retracts last.

Reference

Stage Bore_i = Outer Bore × (1 - i × 0.15) Force_i = P × π/4 × Bore_i² Speed_i = (Q × 231) / (A_i × 60) Stroke Ratio ≈ n(n+1)/2