Expansion & materials
Pressure force on an end cap
- where
- force on end cap (N)
- pressure difference across cap (Pa; any unit you pick is converted)
- internal pipe diameter (m; any unit you pick is converted)
Explain this equation
Works out the force trying to push off an end cap or blank under pressure. Use it to appreciate loads on caps, push-fit ends and anchors.
p is the pressure difference across the cap. d is the internal bore. π × d² / 4 is the area the pressure acts on.
Force equals pressure times area. Because area depends on diameter squared, larger pipes see much more force at the same pressure.
Sense check: 3 bar on a 20 mm bore gives about 94 N, the weight of about 9.6 kg. A 100 mm bore at the same pressure gives about 2.4 kN.
Watch out: this is static force only. Water hammer and thermal movement can add more. It does not design anchors.
Enter your values to see the result.
Good to know
Static end force only; does not design anchors or account for water hammer and thermal movement.
Sources
Results are arithmetic only. Worked examples are not recommended design settings. This library does not provide automatic gas pipe selection, live gas tightness tests, purging procedures, combustion acceptance limits, installation approval or commissioning certification. Manufacturer data and the applicable current method remain essential.