Calculating Torque and Tangential force from X,Y Vectors

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating torque and tangential force from X and Y vector forces at a specific point on a disk. The key equations involve the position vector r from the center of the disk to point P, expressed as r = x i + y j, and the force vector F at point P, given by F = F_x i + F_y j. To compute torque, the defining equation τ = r x F is utilized, where the angles θ and φ are critical for determining the components of the vectors. Understanding these calculations is essential for accurately converting forces at point P to tangential forces at the disk's edge.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector mathematics, including vector components and angles.
  • Familiarity with torque calculations in physics.
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometric functions (sine and cosine).
  • Ability to visualize and interpret diagrams involving forces and points on a disk.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of vector decomposition in physics.
  • Learn about torque and its applications in rotational dynamics.
  • Explore the relationship between linear forces and angular motion.
  • Investigate software tools for simulating physical systems involving torque and forces.
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, physicists, and students studying mechanics, particularly those interested in rotational dynamics and force analysis on circular objects.

Jdo300
Messages
548
Reaction score
5
Hello all,

I'm have a software program I using which gives me an output the X and Y vector forces at Point P on a disk, and I was wondering what calculations I need to use to convert the forces on Point P to the angular (Tangential?) force on the edge of the disk; I know the position of point P, as well as the size of the disk. I was also wondering how to calculate the amount of torque on the disk from the Vector forces of point P. I drew up a small diagram to help illustrate what I'm trying to do. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jason O
 

Attachments

  • Illustration.GIF
    Illustration.GIF
    3.6 KB · Views: 4,055
Physics news on Phys.org
sorry dear no idea for this because i am very bad at maths.
but still i will try to get the answer for this bye.
 
Jdo300 said:
Hello all,

I'm have a software program I using which gives me an output the X and Y vector forces at Point P on a disk, and I was wondering what calculations I need to use to convert the forces on Point P to the angular (Tangential?) force on the edge of the disk; I know the position of point P, as well as the size of the disk. I was also wondering how to calculate the amount of torque on the disk from the Vector forces of point P. I drew up a small diagram to help illustrate what I'm trying to do. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jason O
I am assuming P is an arbitrary point on the disk. There will be a vector r from the center of the disk to point P. That vector will have components x and y so in terms of the usual horizontal and vertical axes you have

r = x i + y j
F = F_x i + F_y j

The vector r forms an angle θ with the positive x-axis. In terms of this angle x = r*cosθ and y = r*sinθ. At P the vector F forms an angle φ with the positve x axis. In terms of this angle F_x = F*cosφ and F_y = Fsinφ. The equations for r and F become

r = r*cosθ[ B]i[/B] + r*sinθ j
F = F*cosφ i + F*sinφ j

What you are looking for is a way to express F in terms of components in the direction of r and in the perpendicular direction. If you move P to some other location in your diagram and draw the vectors r and F you should see that there is an angle between r and F that can be expressed in terms of θ and φ. But the force stays at point P. It is not applied at the edge of the wheel. Even if you leave the vectors in terms of x and y components, you can compute the torque from the defining equation

τ = r x F
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
26
Views
7K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K