Does the Relation ##T_2 = T_1 e^{\mu \theta}## Hold for an Accelerating Capstan?

In summary, for a massless rope wrapped around a pulley with friction, the tensions on either side of the pulley are related by ##T_2 = T_1 e^{\mu \theta}## and the torque on the pulley due to friction equals ##R(T_2 - T_1)##. This applies to both static and accelerating systems, as long as the string remains in contact with the pulley. The net force on the pulley due to the string will always be zero, regardless of the state of motion of the string, due to the massless nature of the string.
  • #1
etotheipi
For a massless rope wrapped around a pulley with friction, it can be shown via integrating over string elements that the tensions on either side of the pulley are related by ##T_2 = T_1 e^{\mu \theta}##, if ##\mu## is the coefficient of friction and ##\theta## is the angle subtended by the rope in contact with the pulley. Details on this derivation for the case where the system is in static equilibrium can be found here, under section 2.

It is subsequently possible to show that the torque on the pulley due to friction equals ##R(T_2 - T_1)## and the net force on the pulley due to the string equals the component of ##\vec{T}_1 + \vec{T}_2## in a direction along the axis of symmetry of these two forces.

I wondered if the relation ##T_2 = T_1 e^{\mu \theta}## could also be shown to be valid if the rope was instead accelerating around the pulley, or even if the pulley itself were undergoing translational acceleration (assuming it retains contact with the rope)? Or whether it no longer applies. Thank you!
 
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  • #2
I figured it out, the net force on any individual element of string must be zero regardless of the state of motion of the string, since the string element is massless. So this result holds always for massless strings, and no further proof is required.
 
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1. What is the relation between T2 and T1 in an accelerating capstan?

The relation between T2 and T1 in an accelerating capstan is given by the equation T2 = T1 e^(μθ), where T2 is the tension in the rope on the larger side of the capstan, T1 is the tension in the rope on the smaller side of the capstan, μ is the coefficient of friction, and θ is the angle of wrap of the rope around the capstan.

2. How does the angle of wrap affect the relation between T2 and T1?

The angle of wrap, θ, directly affects the relation between T2 and T1. As the angle of wrap increases, the tension in the rope on the larger side of the capstan, T2, increases exponentially compared to the tension in the rope on the smaller side, T1. This is due to the exponential term in the equation T2 = T1 e^(μθ).

3. Does the relation hold for all values of μ and θ?

No, the relation T2 = T1 e^(μθ) does not hold for all values of μ and θ. It is only valid for a specific range of values. For example, if μ is equal to zero, the relation becomes T2 = T1, which is the case for a frictionless capstan. Additionally, if θ is equal to zero, the relation also becomes T2 = T1, which is the case for a capstan with no angle of wrap.

4. How does acceleration affect the relation between T2 and T1 in a capstan?

Acceleration does not have a direct effect on the relation between T2 and T1 in a capstan. The relation is based on the angle of wrap and coefficient of friction, not the acceleration. However, acceleration can indirectly affect the relation by changing the angle of wrap or the coefficient of friction, depending on the situation.

5. Can the relation be used to calculate the tension in a capstan with an accelerating object?

Yes, the relation T2 = T1 e^(μθ) can be used to calculate the tension in a capstan with an accelerating object, as long as the angle of wrap and coefficient of friction are known. However, it is important to note that this equation is based on ideal conditions and may not accurately represent real-world scenarios where factors such as rope elasticity and surface roughness can affect the tension in the rope.

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