jedi,
that doesn't help because my issue is understanding how the length of my load affects the equivalent system.
I suppose the ultimate question is - do I take the center of mass of my load to determine where on the lever system it is applied?
I would like to clarify my description a little:
The load is 3lbs - the load center mass is at 32"
The unloaded lever system has a 1" arm and 14" arm on each side of the fulcrum.
The load gets attached to the end of the 14" arm (extending it)
I assume 14" (arm) + 32" (center mass) = 46" with...
Forgive me if this is in the wrong category.
I have a product I am working out - I am a programmer and electronic engineer by trade, which didn't include a lot of work with physics principles.
I have a lever system which seems simple - but the trick is, my load is acting as a lever too...