Understanding Forces in a Bosun Chair System

  • Thread starter OVB
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In summary, the man is on a bosun chair attached to a frictionless massless pulley and is holding onto the other end of a rope at ground level. The force needed to pull himself up at a constant speed is T + T = mg in the first case, and T = mg in the second case. The force exerted by the ceiling on the system is not mentioned and would require a free body diagram to determine. The difference between the two cases is due to the number of tensions pulling down on the pulley.
  • #1
OVB
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A man is on a bosun chair attached to a frictionless massless pulley and is holding onto the other end of a rope. (at ground level)

a. What is the force he must pull himself up at if he is to move at a constant speed?
Is the set up T + T = mg?

b. If instead the rope is held by someone else, what is the force needed to pull him up at a constant speed?

And is this set up as T = mg?

c. What is the force exerted by the ceiling on the system for both cases?

This one I am lost on since I need to do a free body diagram for each case.

I don't understand why there is such a difference, in essence.
 
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  • #2
a and b, you are correct. In a, there are "two tensions" pulling up on the guy in the sling. In b, there is only one tension pulling on the guy.

c:

how many tensions are pulling down on the pulley?
 
  • #3
Draw a free body diagram from the pulley. That should help.
 

What is a man on a bosun chair?

A man on a bosun chair is a type of suspended work platform commonly used in construction and maintenance work. It consists of a seat or harness attached to a rope or cable that is suspended from an overhead support.

How is a man on a bosun chair suspended?

A man on a bosun chair is typically suspended using a rope or cable that is attached to a secure overhead anchor point. The rope or cable is then fed through a pulley system to allow for easy raising and lowering of the chair.

What types of safety precautions should be taken when using a man on a bosun chair?

When using a man on a bosun chair, it is important to follow proper safety protocols. This includes wearing a safety harness to prevent falls, ensuring the chair is securely attached to the rope or cable, and having a spotter on the ground to monitor the worker's movements.

What are the advantages of using a man on a bosun chair?

A man on a bosun chair allows workers to access hard-to-reach areas, such as the sides of buildings or tall structures, with ease. It also provides a stable and comfortable platform for working at height, making tasks more efficient and reducing the risk of falls.

Are there any limitations to using a man on a bosun chair?

While a man on a bosun chair can be a useful tool for working at height, it does have some limitations. It may not be suitable for use in high winds or adverse weather conditions, and it is important to regularly inspect the equipment for any signs of wear or damage.

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