Center of mass: What would make the truck tipover?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the conditions under which a truck may tip over when a load is added. The subject area includes concepts related to center of mass and moments in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to calculate the center of mass and its implications for stability. Questions arise regarding the relationship between the weight distribution and the tipping point of the truck.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different methods to analyze the problem, including taking moments about the axles. Some guidance has been offered regarding the calculations needed to determine the tipping condition, but there is no explicit consensus on the approach or interpretation of the equations.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be some confusion regarding the equations and assumptions used in the calculations, particularly about how to account for the distance of the load from the axles.

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Homework Statement



http://screencast.com/t/ZTk3NDUxNjU

I need help with understanding number 18.


Homework Equations


Center of mase formula: m1x1+m2x2/(all masses)


The Attempt at a Solution


How do you tell if adding the weight will make the truck tipover.

I calculated that the center of mass would shift to 1.75m from where the load was added. Or .25 m from the axle. (axle 1)+(axle 2)/(the whole mass of the system)
2000*4.5+8000*1.5/12000=1.75m from where the new load was added.
 
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Take the moment about the front axle to find resultant weight on the rear axle.

If the rear axle weight is greater than the total weight, then the truck will tip over. Because this will mean that the reaction at the front axle will be downward (like a chain pulling the axle down)
 
hmm I don't quite understand.
would the equation be
x*3/120000=2.5?

This would mean that the distance of the weight of the load would be ignored.
 
Moment about front axle:

Frear axle*3m = Wtruck * 2,5m + Wload * (3m + 1,5m)
 

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