The extend force of a cylinder in regeneration is equal to cap pressure times the rod.

• A. Cap pressure times the cap area
• B. Annular pressure times the cap area
• C. Pump pressure times the cap area
• D. Cap pressure times the rod

Answer: (D)

Regeneration changes which surface drives the piston during extension. When this circuit is active, the cap pressure is directed into the rod end, so the piston moves outward because pressure acts on the rod-face area. The force available to push the load in the extension direction is thus the cap pressure times that driving area, which is the rod cross-sectional area. Since the rod area is smaller than the full piston face, the extension force is cap pressure times the rod area, not cap area or any other combination. This setup is why regeneration increases extension speed but reduces the available force compared with full-area extension.