A 227 pound compressor is supported by four legs that contact the floor of a machine shop. At the bottom of each leg there is a circular pad formed from a synthetic material to dampen vibration. The synthetic material will support up to a maximum pressure of 42 psi before deforming. What is the minimum diameter to avoid deforming the material?

1.312 in

Explanation:

Data provided in the question:

Weight of the compressor, W = 227 pound

Number of legs = 4

Maximum pressure = 42 psi

Now,

Let F be the force taken by the legs

Therefore,

W = 4F

or

227 pound = 4F

or

F = 56.75 pounds

Also,

Force = Pressure * Area

or

56.75 pounds = 42 psi * πr² [ r is the diameter of one leg]

or

r² = 0.4301

or

r = 0.656

therefore,

diameter = 2r = 2 * 0.656

= 1.312 in