My question is about the speed and kinetic energy of center opening doors.
Is the impact of one door closing on a stationary object much different than the impact of both doors closing on each other? Because the doors are mechanically connected, the mass would be the same. How is this determined?
Your help is appreciated.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert L Krieger Jr.
Below is what I have copied from ASME A17.1
2.13.4.2 Closing Mechanism
2.13.4.2.1 Kinetic Energy
(a) Where the hoistway door and the car door/gate are closed in such a manner that stopping either one manually will stop both, the kinetic energy of the closing door system shall be based upon the sum of the hoistway and the car door weights, as well as all parts rigidly connected thereto, including the rotational inertia effects of the door operator and the connecting transmission to the door panels.
(b) Where a reopening device conforming to 2.13.5 is used, the closing door system shall conform to the following requirements:
(1) The kinetic energy computed for the actual closing speed at any point in the Code zone distance defined by 2.13.4.2.2 shall not exceed 23 J (17 ft-lbf).
(2) The kinetic energy computed for the average closing speed as determined in accordance with 2.13.4.2.2 shall not exceed 10 J (7.37 ft-lbf).
(c) Where a reopening device is not used, or has been rendered inoperative (see 2.13.5), the closing door system shall conform to the following requirements:
(1) The kinetic energy computed for the actual closing speed at any point in the Code zone distance defined by 2.13.4.2.2 shall not exceed 8 J (6 ft-lbf).
(2) The kinetic energy computed for the average closing speed within the Code zone distance (see 2.13.4.2.2), or in any exposed opening width, including the last increment of door travel, shall not exceed 3.5 J (2.5 ft-lbf).
2.13.4.2.2 Door Travel in the Code Zone Distance
(a) For all side sliding doors using single or multiple speed panels, the Code zone distance shall be taken as the horizontal distance from a point 50 mm (2 in.) away from the open jamb to a point 50 mm (2 in.) away from the opposite jamb.
(b) For all center-opening sliding doors using single or multiple speed panels, the Code zone distance shall be taken as the horizontal distance from a point 25 mm (1 in.) away from the open jamb to a point 25 mm (1 in.) from the center meeting point of the doors.
(c) The average closing speed shall be determined by measuring the time required for the leading edge of the door to travel the Code zone distance.
2.13.4.2.3 Door Force. The force necessary to prevent closing of the hoistway door (or the car door or gate if power operated) from rest shall not exceed 135 N (30 lbf) (see 2.13.3.1). This force shall be measured on the leading edge of the door with the door at any point between one-third and two-thirds of its travel.
