Required torque to move a carousal

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter WolfSpice
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    Torque
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the required torque to turn the center shaft of a carousel at a speed of 10 RPM. The context includes engineering considerations for motor specifications, with an emphasis on the effects of friction and weight distribution.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to determine the torque needed for a carousel with specific weights and dimensions, assuming a frictionless bearing.
  • Another participant questions the need for torque if the carousel is truly frictionless, suggesting that no torque would be required to maintain motion.
  • A third participant supports the idea that once the carousel is in motion, it should require approximately zero torque to keep it turning.
  • A later reply clarifies that while the carousel is not truly frictionless, the lack of a specified friction factor in the bearing catalog leads to uncertainty about the torque requirements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of torque for maintaining motion, with some asserting that no torque is needed under ideal conditions, while others acknowledge the practical implications of friction in real-world scenarios. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact torque requirements.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about friction, as well as the lack of specific friction factors for the bearings, which may affect the calculations and conclusions drawn.

WolfSpice
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Ok, so I'm doing an engineering project for a carousal and need to spec a motor, therefor I need to know how much torque I need to turn the center shaft of the carousal at 10rpm. If the bearing is considered frictionless how do I find the answer.

Lets say the carousal weights 300lbs, with an additional 60lbs on each side (weight of the rider) at 1.5ft from the center.

The center shaft is 6in in diameter if that matters.
 
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Hmm if the carousel is actually frictionless then why do you need any torque at all to keep it going at 10 rpm?
 
Once you get it going, you should need approximately 0 torque.
 
Well you see, my problem is, technically it's not frictionless, but there's no friction factor listed for any bearing in the catalog, so I figured maybe there was something else to it, guess not.
 

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