Can free body diagrams be used if friction at pivot is not negligible?

In summary, free body diagrams can be used in dynamic systems with non-negligible friction at rotational pivots. Incorporating friction into the equations of motion may require considering both forces and torques, and it may result in an indeterminate solution. However, using frictionless pivots as a simplifying assumption can lead to a unique result.
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macardoso
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Are we allowed to use free body diagrams in dynamic systems where there is non-negligible friction in say the rotational pivot between two linkages? If so, how to incorporate friction into the equations of motion? If not, what method allows friction to be accounted for?
 
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macardoso said:
Are we allowed to use free body diagrams in dynamic systems where there is non-negligible friction in say the rotational pivot between two linkages?
Sure, it's just another force. It is a bit tricky at a rotational pivot because there will be a torque as well as a force, but if you're comfortable working with torques around an idealized frictionless pivot you'll be able to introduce the effects of friction naturally.
 
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Sounds good, I'll work on this on my own, and I might post back for clarification on my specific case in the future. Thanks!
 
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Note however that it's likely (or at least possible) that you'll end up with an indeterminate solution, as there could easily be more than one statically balanced set of forces and moments that could result in the final situation. Frictionless pivots are often a simplifying assumption that is necessary to achieve a single unique result.
 

1. What is a free body diagram?

A free body diagram is a visual representation of all the forces acting on an object. It helps to analyze the motion of an object by showing the magnitude and direction of each force.

2. Can free body diagrams be used to analyze motion if friction at the pivot point is not negligible?

Yes, free body diagrams can still be used to analyze motion even if friction at the pivot point is not negligible. However, the presence of friction will affect the magnitude and direction of the forces shown on the diagram, so it is important to account for it in calculations.

3. How do you account for friction at the pivot point in a free body diagram?

To account for friction at the pivot point in a free body diagram, you can add an arrow representing the friction force in the opposite direction of the motion. The magnitude of the friction force can be calculated using the coefficient of friction and the normal force at the pivot point.

4. What is the purpose of using free body diagrams in physics?

The purpose of using free body diagrams in physics is to help analyze the motion of objects by visualizing and understanding the forces acting on them. It allows for the application of Newton's laws of motion to solve problems and make predictions about the behavior of objects.

5. Are free body diagrams used in other fields besides physics?

Yes, free body diagrams are also used in other fields such as engineering, mechanics, and biomechanics. They are a useful tool for analyzing the forces acting on structures, machines, and living organisms.

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