How to Calculate Radial Load for Door Hinges
Radial load is the total load applied to the axis of rotation that bears it. This figure is useful in determining the proper weight of a door based on the hinges that are used. Radial load is calculated slightly differently depending on whether or not the hinges are on a vertical or horizontal axis. Use the forces generated by the door and the external force on the door, along with the distance between the hinges, to calculate radial load.
Determine the forces generated by the door which is the distance between the hinge and the door's center of gravity and the external force applied to the door, the distance between the hinge and an external load on the door and the distance between the two hinges.
Multiply Fdoor with D1 and add it to the product of Fext and D2. Divide the total by Dhinge. This calculates radial load for a door with a vertical axis.
Radial load = [(Fdoor x D1) + (Fext x D2)] / Dhinge
Multiply Fdoor with the difference between Dhinge and D1. Then divide by Dhinge. This calculates radial load for one hinge in a door with a horizontal axis.
Radial load hinge one = Fdoor x (Dhinge - D1) / Dhinge.
Multiply Fdoor by D1 and divide by Dhinge. This calculates radial load for the second hinge in a door with a horizontal axis.
Radial load hinge two = Fdoor x D1 / Dhinge
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