Calculate force needed to move an object during a turn

  • I
  • Thread starter DJTauch
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Force
In summary, the conversation discusses a question about calculating the likelihood of 5 pallets stacked on top of each other shifting during a turn, taking into account friction and force. The individual needs help determining the necessary calculations and suggests conducting an experiment to measure the coefficient of friction.
  • #1
DJTauch
2
0
Hey all
Im trying to figure out the equation(s) to calculate the likely hood of an object that is traveling, moving when the travel path turns. I can figure out the f=mxa easily enough, but i need to take friction into account and the force experienced during the turn. Essentially I need to know the likely hood of 5 pallets stacked on top of each other shifting during a turn. Each pallet weighs 40 lbs. they are stacked on top of each other (friction), and they are traveling at no more than 6 mph. There is on average 100 lbs on the top of the stacked pallets. I cannot figure out which calculations I need to determine the likely hood or the force needed to shift the pallets in any way. Can anyone help? Thanks, djt
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
DJTauch said:
Hey all
Im trying to figure out the equation(s) to calculate the likely hood of an object that is traveling, moving when the travel path turns. I can figure out the f=mxa easily enough, but i need to take friction into account and the force experienced during the turn. Essentially I need to know the likely hood of 5 pallets stacked on top of each other shifting during a turn. Each pallet weighs 40 lbs. they are stacked on top of each other (friction), and they are traveling at no more than 6 mph. There is on average 100 lbs on the top of the stacked pallets. I cannot figure out which calculations I need to determine the likely hood or the force needed to shift the pallets in any way. Can anyone help? Thanks, djt
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

What is the 100 pound object? There is an experiment that would help a lot in this, as long as it is safe to do. Can you take that stack of 5 pallets plus the 100 pound whatever on top, and slowly tip the bottom pallet to the side? You want to record the angle of the pallets versus the horizontal just at the point where something starts to slip (pallet-to-pallet, or 100 pound load on top off the top pallet). That will give you an idea of what your coefficient of friction is, which you would combine with the equations for centripetal acceleration to give you the answer you are looking for.
 
  • #3
BTW, whatever number you come up with via the calculations, you are going to want to multiply by a pretty good safety factor like x2 or x3...
 
  • #4
berkeman said:
BTW, whatever number you come up with via the calculations, you are going to want to multiply by a pretty good safety factor like x2 or x3...
The 100 lbs is basically boxes. Cases of freight. The freight is on average 100 lbs but varies in size and weight individually. I will attempt the experiment, as that does seem like a very good way to calculate the friction. Thanks for the reply
 

1. What is the formula for calculating the force needed to move an object during a turn?

The formula for calculating the force needed to move an object during a turn is F = m * v^2 / r, where F is the force, m is the mass of the object, v is the velocity, and r is the radius of the turn.

2. How does the mass of the object affect the force needed during a turn?

The mass of the object directly affects the force needed during a turn. The greater the mass, the greater the force needed to overcome the object's inertia and change its direction.

3. What is the role of velocity in calculating the force needed during a turn?

The velocity of the object plays a crucial role in calculating the force needed during a turn. The greater the velocity, the greater the force needed to change the direction of the object.

4. Does the radius of the turn affect the force needed to move an object?

Yes, the radius of the turn does affect the force needed to move an object. The smaller the radius, the sharper the turn, and the greater the force needed to move the object through the turn.

5. Can other factors, such as friction, affect the force needed to move an object during a turn?

Yes, factors like friction can also affect the force needed to move an object during a turn. Friction can act against the motion of the object, requiring additional force to overcome it and complete the turn.

Similar threads

Optimal angle to guide pallets with the least friction
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
2K
I Can a Tower of Books Move with Lighter Forces?
    • Classical Physics
Replies
4
Views
956
I Force Needed to Push a Manual Treadmill
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
29
Views
5K
I Stopping forces in an emergency stop
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
5
Views
2K
I Understanding the Doppler Effect: Exploring Sound Waves on a Moving Object
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
8
Views
1K
I Express drag force/acceleration/velocity as function of time
    • Classical Physics
Replies
14
Views
320
Flow rate needed to lift object inside a vertical pipe
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
837
B How come friction can make a car turn?
    • Mechanics
Replies
10
Views
1K
Misc. Warming Barrels of Honey With Light
    • DIY Projects
Replies
20
Views
1K
Calculating Force Needed to Raise Steel Tower
    • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top