Calculating Kinetic Energy of Cylinder with Clamped End

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of kinetic energy for a cylinder with one end clamped and the other end displaced over time according to a specified function. Participants explore the implications of linear density and the effects of strain on the kinetic energy calculation, addressing both theoretical and practical aspects of the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a kinetic energy formula for a cylinder based on a displacement function, leading to a specific expression for energy that appears to be lower than expected.
  • Another participant confirms the correctness of the initial calculation, relating it to the rotational motion of the cylinder and its moment of inertia.
  • A question is raised regarding the type of density being used, specifically whether it is linear density.
  • A clarification is made that the discussion pertains to a stretching rod rather than a rotating cylinder, emphasizing the need for a proper understanding of the density involved.
  • Concerns are expressed about the assumption of constant density, with a suggestion that density may vary with space and time due to strain.
  • One participant argues that within the framework of infinitesimal elasticity, the variation in density can be considered negligible.
  • A final post indicates that the initial concern about the calculation was unfounded, as the colleague's critique was incorrect.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the validity of the kinetic energy calculation, but there is some contention regarding the assumptions about density and strain. The discussion reflects multiple viewpoints on the implications of these factors without reaching a consensus on the necessity of adjusting the density in the calculations.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the constancy of density and the applicability of infinitesimal elasticity, which may not be universally accepted. The implications of these assumptions on the kinetic energy calculation remain unresolved.

muzialis
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Hi All,
I have a very simple question on a calculation, I would not doubt it correctness if it were not for the fact I am told by a colleague it is wrong, and I cannot see why (good job college times are gone).

We have a cylinder of length L, density $$\rho$$ constant along the cylinder, one end is clamped, one end is moved according to a function $$\delta(t)$$ describing the imposed displacement over time.
Each section is supposed to move as described by the function $$u = \frac{\delta}{L} x$$, u being the displacement.
Then the total kinetic energy equals
$$E = \frac{1}{2} \rho \int_{0}^{L} \dot{u(x)}^{2} \mathrm{d}x$$
yielding $$E = \frac{1}{6}\rho L \dot{\delta}^2$$, so 3 times less than the kinetic energy of a translation at speed $$\delta$$.
It seems all reasonable to me...maybe some rest will help..
Thanks!
 
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You have done it correctly. What you have described is a cylinder rotating about one end by an angular frequency:
[tex]\Omega = \frac{\dot{\delta}}{L}[/tex]
It has a kinetic energy given by:
[tex]KE = \frac{I \Omega^2}{2} = \frac{M L^2 \dot{\delta}^2}{2 \times 3 L^2} = \frac {M \dot{\delta}^2}{6} = \frac {\rho L \dot{\delta}^2}{6}[/tex]
Where the moment of inertia of the cylinder about one end is given by:
[tex]I = \frac{M L^2}{3}[/tex]

This is less than the kinetic energy of the whole cylinder moving at the speed δdot because one end is moving at this speed and the other end is motionless, with the part in between moving at intermediate speeds. Where is the problem?
 
Last edited:
What kind of density is your ρ? Linear density (m/L)?
 
Phyzguy, many thanks for your reply. The probelm is that I was not referring to a rotating cylinder, but to one clamped to one end and extended from the other one..A strethcing rod...
Nasu, yo are correct I should have stated it explicitly, it is a linear density (such that the mass pertaining to a differential element is $$\rho \mathrm{d}x$$.
thanks
 
muzialis said:
Phyzguy, many thanks for your reply. The probelm is that I was not referring to a rotating cylinder, but to one clamped to one end and extended from the other one..A strethcing rod...
Nasu, yo are correct I should have stated it explicitly, it is a linear density (such that the mass pertaining to a differential element is $$\rho \mathrm{d}x$$.
thanks

Ah, I see. In that case, the problem with your analysis is that ρ is not constant, but is a function of space and time. You need to write an expression for ρ(x,t) and move it inside the integral.
 
Phyzguy,

I understand (hopefully) what you say, for the strain in the cylinder will alter the density.
That is arguably true, but I missed to mention the calculation is done in the frame of infinitesimal elasticity, within which strains are <<1 and the variation in density is negligible.

Thanks
 
muzialis said:
Phyzguy,

I understand (hopefully) what you say, for the strain in the cylinder will alter the density.
That is arguably true, but I missed to mention the calculation is done in the frame of infinitesimal elasticity, within which strains are <<1 and the variation in density is negligible.

Thanks
So then what is the question? What does your colleague say is incorrect?
 
There is no problem actually, faced with the question it turned out the collegaue was wrong...thanks anyhow!
 

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