Effect of Internal Clearance on Buckling of Multistage Hydraulic Cylinder

Multistage cylinders are generally used to lift and tilt heavy loads under controlled speed. In defence applications multistage cylinders are used in missile tilt platform and antenna mast. Earth moving equipment’s such as tippers, dumpers, cranes and compactors uses multistage cylinders for operations. In the present work multistage hydraulic cylinder (telescopic cylinder) with three stage has been analysed using strain energy method and verified with finite element analysis. The research work investigates the effect of internal clearances which reduces the critical buckling load of hydraulic cylinders. The results are validated by buckling load test. The clearances between the tube to piston guides, gland guide to piston rod, clearances due to tube expansion under pressure, initial curvature in the tube, eccentricity of cylinder components and tube ovality are considered in the buckling load test. Describes the comparative study of buckling load tests of three stage hydraulic cylinders having fixed free and hinged mounting with five different internal clearances.