KEVOS® MAKEOS · Mechanics
Impact Energy and Stopping Force
What energy and force result when this mass is stopped over a short distance?
Impact energy of a falling or moving mass and the average and linear-spring peak forces when it is stopped over a given distance.
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How this tool works
Inputs, units and where to find them
| Input | Unit | Typical source |
|---|---|---|
| Situation | choice | Falling mass or a mass moving horizontally into a stop. |
| Mass | kg | Mass of the moving or falling body. |
| Drop height before contact | mm | Height of the fall before contact (falling only). |
| Speed at contact | m/s | Speed at the moment of contact (moving only). |
| Stopping distance | mm | Distance over which the body is brought to rest: buffer stroke, deflection or crush depth. |
Method and formulas
- Falling: v = √(2gh); energy E = m g (h + s), including the fall through the stopping distance.
- Moving: E = ½ m v².
- Average force = E ÷ s; a linear spring stop peaks at 2E ÷ s.
- Example: 50 kg falling 300 mm onto a 10 mm stop must absorb 152 J, averaging 15,200 N.
Limitations
- Rigid bodies and a known stopping distance are assumed; real stops have non-linear characteristics.
- Rebound and energy lost elsewhere are ignored, which is conservative for the stop.
- Example values are illustrations. Replace them with values for your actual task.
Typical uses
- Size end stops, buffers and shock absorbers
- Estimate the load from a dropped part or tool
- Compare stopping distances
Who it is for
- Design engineers
- Maintenance engineers
- Technicians
What you get
- Impact speed
- Energy to absorb
- Average stopping force
- Peak force for a linear spring stop
- Deceleration
Interpreting the result
- Select a buffer or absorber rated for the energy per stroke and the peak force, at your cycle rate.
References
- Machinery’s Handbook, 29th edition (Industrial Press, 2012), printed pp. 179–186, 278. Topic reference; no source tables or recommended settings are reproduced.
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