Alternative approach to analyzing a massless string

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on analyzing the tension variation in a massless string rotating around a fixed pulley, with a coefficient of static friction μ. The derived equation T2 = T1 (1 + Cosβ) / (1 - Cosβ) contrasts with the traditional method of integration, which yields T2/T1 = eμΦ. The author critiques the applicability of a solution from a different problem, emphasizing the importance of using the correct approach for this specific scenario.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static friction and its coefficient (μ).
  • Familiarity with Newton's laws of motion.
  • Knowledge of tension forces in strings and pulleys.
  • Basic calculus for integration techniques.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of static friction in mechanical systems.
  • Learn about tension analysis in rotating systems.
  • Explore advanced applications of Newton's laws in dynamics.
  • Investigate integration techniques for solving differential equations in physics.
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical engineers, physics students, and anyone involved in analyzing tension in pulley systems will benefit from this discussion.

Amin2014
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Consider a massless string which can rotate about a fixed pulley (first picture). The coefficient of static friction is μ. Assuming that the motion is impending, the goal is to find the equation that describes the variation in tension of the string.
( T2/T1 = eμΦ where Φ is the subtended angle.)

The usual method of solving this problem involves writing Newton's law for an infinitesimal element of the string and then integrating. In the second picture I've provided an extract from a different problem. Why can't we apply the solution provided in the second picture to the original problem stated above?
 

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Here's my own solution:
N Cos β =μ N Sinβ therefore tan β = 1/μ
Writing Σ M = 0 about the point of application of R and taking the radius of the pulley to be r we have :
T2 ( r - rCos β) = T1 (r + r Cosβ)
dividing by r and rearranging:
T2 = T1 (1 + Cosβ) / ( 1 - Cos β)
Which yields a different relation between T1 and T2 than the method of integration.
 

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Amin2014 said:
Consider a massless string which can rotate about a fixed pulley (first picture). The coefficient of static friction is μ. Assuming that the motion is impending, the goal is to find the equation that describes the variation in tension of the string.
( T2/T1 = eμΦ where Φ is the subtended angle.)

The usual method of solving this problem involves writing Newton's law for an infinitesimal element of the string and then integrating. In the second picture I've provided an extract from a different problem. Why can't we apply the solution provided in the second picture to the original problem stated above?
Click on "alternative Solution.png", for better image quality.
 

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