What is Wheel: Definition and 863 Discussions

In its primitive form, a wheel is a circular block of a hard and durable material at whose center has been bored a hole through which is placed an axle bearing about which the wheel rotates when torque is applied to the wheel about its axis. The wheel and axle assembly can be considered one of the six simple machines. When placed vertically under a load-bearing platform or case, the wheel turning on the horizontal axle makes it possible to transport heavy loads. This arrangement is the main topic of this article, but there are many other applications of a wheel addressed in the corresponding articles: when placed horizontally, the wheel turning on its vertical axle provides the spinning motion used to shape materials (e.g. a potter's wheel); when mounted on a column connected to a rudder or to the steering mechanism of a wheeled vehicle, it can be used to control the direction of a vessel or vehicle (e.g. a ship's wheel or steering wheel); when connected to a crank or engine, a wheel can store, release, or transmit energy (e.g. the flywheel). A wheel and axle with force applied to create torque at one radius can translate this to a different force at a different radius, also with a different linear velocity.

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  1. R

    Solving the Geneva Wheel Problem Homework

    Homework Statement I'll attach the screenshot, it has everything. Homework Equations This is in the section of absolute motion analysis.The Attempt at a Solution I actually was able to solve the problem correctly, but it was annoyingly complicated and I'm curious as to whether there's a better...
  2. L

    Friction when wheel slip is zero

    Most graphs show that when wheel slip is zero then the friction is zero. But I can't get it, as when the vehicle stand still on slope, the friction keeps the vehicle from going down hill Could someone explain for me? http://www.albi-engineering.nl/Electronics/Traction_Control/slipgraph.jpg
  3. marellasunny

    Torque vectoring:why does the inside front wheel also have same torque

    My question relates to torque vectoring during a turn(high speed). Wikipedia says torque vectoring is mainly done on the rear wheels during a turn. The front wheels receive the same amount of torque though. Why do the front wheels receive the same amount of torque during a turn? Say my engine...
  4. C

    Falling Weight Attached to a Wheel and a Sphere

    How do I calculate the acceleration of the falling weight? It is hanging from a string which goes through a wheel, and is attached to a sphere with thin walls. The string doesn't stretch and the wheel and the sphere spin without friction. The fact that the weight is connected to multiple...
  5. T

    Calculating Wheel Torque for Vehicle Dynamometer Design

    I am trying to come up with a formula to use with my labview program that will calculate wheel torque required to move a vehicle with some given variables. I have vehicle speed, vehicle weight, % grade or angle, tire diameter. I am trying to create a dynamometer that can determine proper motor...
  6. A

    Spinning Wheel: Is There a Particle at the Dead Centre That Does Not Spin?

    Let's imagine a spoke on a spinning wheel like that of a cart wheel. Now we know and can see that the outermost particles of the spoke have a higher speed than the inner particles. As we get closer and closer to the centre, we know that the speed gets slower and slower. Here's my question...
  7. H

    The Principle of Fizeau's Method: How a Toothed Wheel Helps Measure Light

    I don't know what is the principle of Fizeau's method. In the experiment a rotating toothed wheel is used.But why the toothed wheel is used? If the toothed wheel is not used,why the time for the light traveled cannot be measured?
  8. N

    Calculating Average Velocity and Acceleration of the Singapore Flyer

    Homework Statement The Singapore Flyer is te world's largest Ferris wheel. It's diameter is 150m and it rotates once every 30 min. a) Find the Magnitude of the average velocity b) Find the average acceleration at the wheel's rim. The Attempt at a Solution a) |v→| = Δs/Δt=75m.2π/30mins =...
  9. R

    Ground force applied to wheel in pure rolling motion at contact point

    Homework Statement Suppose a wheel with radius R is resting on a non-inclined surface. A torque \tau is applied to the wheel center. In an attempt to prevent wheel from spinning, the ground applies a static friction force to the wheel at the contact point (parallel to the surface), then the...
  10. B

    Complex numbers: reinventing the wheel?

    I am studying complex numbers and, hard as I try, I cannot see great difference between them and the conjugate numbers known and used since 500 B.C. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadratic_formula#Historical_development) to solve a quadratic equation p/2 \pm \sqrt(p/2 ^2\pm q) where the sum...
  11. N

    Torque calculation based on weight and wheel size

    hey, So i need a formula that will help me calculate the torque required to run 2 wheels that support a certain weight. The things i know are follows: Total weight of the vehicle: 650-700kgs Wheel Diameter: 16-17 inches Average Velocity i will require the vehicle to move at: 10m/s...
  12. gcombina

    What Determines True Statements About Wheel Motion?

    Which statement concerning a wheel undergoing rolling motion is true (a) The angular acceleration of the wheel must be zero m/s2. (b) The tangential velocity is the same for all points on the wheel. (c) The linear velocity for all points on the rim of the wheel is non-zero. (d) The tangential...
  13. Greg Bernhardt

    Engineering the Copenhagen Wheel: Revolutionizing Biking?

    Looks pretty awesome! Any thoughts from a engineering standpoint? Could it revolutionize biking? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S10GMfG2NMY
  14. A

    What Is the Most Efficient Diameter for a Mill Wheel in a Stream?

    Hi Im thinking of constructing a millwheel with flat fins to run in a stream. Is there a formula i can use to calculate the most efficient ∅ to construct it , when taking into account the velocity and area the stream and the surface area of the fins when submerged. and their relevant angles...
  15. G

    Angular rotation of a wheel that slips

    A wheel spinning clockwise on its axis at with angular velocity ω0 drops to the horizontal ground. It initially has no center-of-mass velocity. The coefficient of kinetic friction between the ground and the barrel is µ. The radius of the wheel is R, and it is a solid disc of mass M. Express your...
  16. B

    Understanding the Physics of a Wheel and Axel: Exploring Forces and Movement"

    I know that the physics community generally hates this kind of question, though I don't know why. Like Richard Feynman said, you can tell an expert by his reluctance to answer honest but naive questions. Okay, I understand that a wheel and axel can be viewed as a lever system with the fulcrum at...
  17. A

    Ideas to attach a swivel wheel Solidworks

    Hi everyone, I am newly registred here. I am a university student in mechanical engineering in Canada. Homework Statement I have to use Solidworks to build a cart that has a steel plate on the top mounted somehow to 4 swivel wheels assembly provided that has a pin to attach. *see...
  18. A

    A wheel rolls down a flat inclined surface

    1. A wheel rolls down a flat inclined surface that makes an angle $\alpha$ with the horizontal. The wheel is constrained so that its plane is always perpendicular to the inclined plane, but it may rotate about the axis normal to the surface. Obtain the solution for two-dimensional motion of the...
  19. umair20

    Why Does the Steering Wheel Self-Correct?

    Why the steering wheel comes back to its main position automatically to some extent after the car has been turned...??
  20. W

    Ferris Wheel Weight of the Rider

    Homework Statement A Ferris wheel has a radius of radius of 15.0 m. It rotates at a constant angular speed, and makes one full revolution in 25.0 s. Calculate the apparent weight of a rider (mass = 60 kg) when at the bottom of the wheel. r=15 T=25s v=(2*pi*15)/25 a=((2*pi*15)/25)^2/15...
  21. J

    Motor Selection to Operate Golf Cart Steering Wheel

    Hi all, I am trying to select a motor for a project that will have enough torque to operate the steering wheel of a golf cart. I'm trying to avoid over design as I want to be as economical as possible. The problem that I am having lies in determining the torque that is required to move the...
  22. karush

    MHB Find angle in radians of tractor wheel going 22 mph in 12 s

    the calculation is mine however, if ans is correct not sure what the conventional way would to set this up?
  23. PsychonautQQ

    Ferris Wheel work done by net force

    My textbook says that if you are on a ferris wheel that is rotating, the total work done by all the forces acting on your is zero. How is that possible? You are moving so isn't work being done to you?
  24. Z

    Pebble dropped on rotating wheel, starts to slide after rotation

    Homework Statement A wheel of radius R=50cm rolls along the ground with velocity V=2m/s. A pebble released on top of the wheel so that it is instantaneously at rest on the wheel. The co-efficient of friction between wheel and pebble is μ=1. The pebble starts to slide down when it has rotated...
  25. Q

    Solution Found: Spring & Wheel - 2x4 Spinning Ball and Spring

    I have a simple problem with a simple solution - but i can't figure out how to do it. Help would be greatly appreciated! Basically I have a 2x4. on this 2x4, i want to put a spinning 1" ball (or wheel) that will allow things to roll on it. BUT i want the ball to have a spring behind it...
  26. Y

    Energy Distribution in Wheel - Can Multiple Dynamos Increase Output Power?

    Recently I heard about using exercise bikes to generate electricity. It is more or less like a bi-cycle fixed in a training stand. They convert the rotation of the wheel into electrical energy. The scenario is that they take some W watt of power from that model. In their case a disc like...
  27. H

    Calculating Spring Rates for Rear Wheel Drive Sports Car

    Homework Statement A rear wheel Drive Sports car has the following specifications The design conditions are that the maximum front ride frequency must be 3.2 Hz and that the rear ride frequency must be at least 10% less than the front. Total Mass 850kg Weight Distribution 45%Front Unsprung Mass...
  28. D

    Proportionality of Traction and Wheel Slip

    Hi All! I've been doing some research in an attempt to uncover the proportionality between usable traction, which is defined as the the product of coefficient of static friction and the normal force, and the wheel slip. Given the nature of the the equation for usable traction, I expected that...
  29. N

    Launching a projectile from a spinning wheel

    Homework Statement Two engineers are working together in a competition to launch a pumpkin as high as possible using a launching device that must be kept within a certain height. Since the engineers have a height restriction, they want to accelerate the pumpkin to a large speed before...
  30. M

    Run-down of a wheel as a func. of time from full speed to standstill.

    Homework Statement Hello I need to find a an equation that describes the rundown of a wheel as function of the time. The wheel is running at an constant speed and is then disconnected and runs down to standstill. We know what the angular velocity of the wheel is at time 0, Wm. We know...
  31. W

    Friction of a rotating wheel on non-uniform terrain

    I have a conceptual issue with wheel friction that has been bothering me for a while. Consider the wheels on a car set to cruise control such that they rotate with constant angular velocity. Neither the wheel nor the ground are deformable (so we can ignore rolling friction) and the wheels slip...
  32. L

    How does rolling resistance of rail wheel depend on diameter?

    Freight train is more efficient than truck due to lower rolling resistance. And I wonder which one has lower rolling resistance, small diameter or larger one or it doesn't not depend on diameter at all? Both are steel wheel on steel rail.
  33. P

    Bicycle wheel on the North Pole

    Hi You'all, Newbie here so no calculus or polysyllabics on the first date please. If I hold a bicycle wheel horizontally and spin it at the north pole, the torque from the Earth spinning and the torque from the bicycle wheel are along the same axis. Does this mean the wheel could float off...
  34. L

    Simple physics question: Which Spot on the wheel travels faster?

    Homework Statement Hello, I have difficulty understanding a problem on a practise mechanical aptitude test. I have a uploaded a photo of the question in case I am looking at it improperly. from what I understand, A and B are both making the same amount of rotations per minute, but A has to...
  35. R

    How does a vehicle's AWD system determine how to distribute power to each wheel?

    i was studying about four wheel drive/ all wheel drive and while studying about it i was just wondering how does your vehicle decide, to which wheel power should be transmitted more and to which one the power should be reduced, while cornering or while whee skidds.
  36. N

    Calculating the mass of the wheel on a pendulum on a watch

    Homework Statement The balance wheel of a watch is a thin ring of radius 0.95 cm and oscillates with a frequency of 3.10 Hz. If a torque of 1.1x10-5 Nm causes the wheel to rotate 45°, calculate the mass of the balance wheel. Homework Equations I=mr2 T=(2π)sqrt(I/mgh) τ=-Kθ The...
  37. K

    Coriolis Force on a Wheel of radius r spinning at angular velocity

    Imagine that we have a wheel spinning with the axis of rotation normal to the Earth's surface. For convenience, let's assume that the wheel is located somewhere in the north hemisphere. According to the definition of the Coriolis force, every little particle dm of the wheel has a coriolis...
  38. H

    Why is the front pedal gear larger than the rear wheel gears?

    As titled: When moving at a constant velocity, say drag force is the only resistive force, don't we want to amplify the force output? why would we want to use a larger gear for the paddle than the rear wheel's? I understand that we will need to paddle faster with a larger gear output...
  39. E

    Angular momentum of spinning mass on wheel

    Homework Statement An object of mass 2 kg is held in circular motion by a string of negligible mass. Initially the radius is 1 m and the tangential velocity is 4 m/s. The string is subsequently let out gradually until the radius doubles to 2 m. There are no frictional or resistive forces...
  40. S

    Torque on a wheel and angular acceleration.

    So, torque is given by I (moment of inertia) x angular acceleration. Let's say that the wheel is a hollow cylinder so the M.O.I is mr^2, I think. If a torque, T is applied to the wheel and there is a frictional force acting on the wheel, calculate the angular acceleration. Well, T - r(F) = I x a...
  41. Greg Bernhardt

    Which is Better: The Wheel of Time or LotR?

    The Wheel of Time was heavily influenced by LotR, but it's unique enough to stand on it's own. Which do you prefer?
  42. E

    How Is the Accelerating Force Resolved at the Axle of a Wheel?

    In the diagram attached, a force acts tangentially on the edge of a wheel. To make things easier, the wheel is massless, so moment of inertia doesn't need to be taken into account. However there is a concentrated mass M at the axle(It could be taken as the mass of the axle). Two equal but...
  43. S

    Bullet hits block connected to wheel and bounces off

    Homework Statement There is a small block of steel with mass 2.4kg and is firmly attached to a low mass wheel a distance .3m from its center. The wheel is free to rotate about a vertical axis and is at rest. A .0023kg bullet traveling with an initial speed of 305m/s in the horizontal plane...
  44. F

    Analyzing Angular Motion of a Ferris Wheel

    Homework Statement Starting from rest, a ferris wheel of diameter 30.0m undergoes an angular acceleration of 0.040 rad/s^2. A certain rider is at the lowest point of the wheel just as it starts to move. a)find the velocity of the rider just as he completes a quarter of a turn. b)find the...
  45. S

    Motor Torque required for 4 wheel drive electric car

    Homework Statement There is 14 kg of mass kept on a chassis (consider chassis weightless). Chassis is having 2 identical rear wheels and 2 Steel caster ball wheels at front. Consider the weight distribution to be equal on each of the wheel. All wheels are coupled to a DC motor-gearbox (1:1)...
  46. S

    What is the Lagrangian for a Mouse on a Rotating Wheel?

    Homework Statement A mouse of mass m runs around the inner circumference of a vertical wheel which is free to rotate about the centre. The wheel has mass M and moment of inertia I. Let θ be the angle that the radius vector makes to the mouse from the downward vertical at time t. Write down the...
  47. A

    How Much Force Does It Take to Move a 300kg Cart with Small Wheels?

    Hello Guys i'm constructing some cart with conveyor on it weight of cart with conveyor is 300kg cart has 4 wheels i need to know if one person could move it, or i need to make it lighter how can i to calculate the force than person needs to move this cart? does radius of the wheels...
  48. W

    Does the spinning of a wheel affect its aging compared to its surroundings?

    One of the classical consequences of relativity is that if someone travels far away from Earth and comes back, he would have aged less than people here (acceleration and thus changing frames of reference being the reason.) So, why wouldn't this work also for shorter distances? If someone runs...
  49. N

    Determine the angular velocity of the Wheel

    Homework Statement The cart has a velocity vc = 3.4 ft/sec to the right. Determine the angular speed N (positive if counterclockwise, negative if clockwise) of the wheel so that point A on the top of the rim has a velocity (a) equal to 3.4 ft/sec to the left, (b) equal to zero, and (c) equal...
  50. L

    Static Equilibrium and a wheel

    Homework Statement what magnitude of force applied horizontally at the axle of the wheel is necessary to wheel over an obstacle of height h = 0.108 m? The wheel's radius is r = 0.698 m and its mass is m = 1.71 kg. Homework Equations I know that in order to have a static equilibrium we...
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