Determining maximum force applied on a lever

[KEØM]

Homework Statement

The lever BCD is hinged at C and is attached to a control rod at B. Determine the maximum force \vec{P} which can be safely applied at D
if the maximum allowable value of the reaction at C is 500 N.

Here is a picture of the problem. It is number 4.20.
"[URL title="download file from Jumala Files"]http://jumalafiles.info/showfile2-14173678132920785343298714637103960/problem420.pdf [/URL]

Homework Equations

\Sigma F_{x} = 0

\Sigma F_{y} = 0

\Sigma M_{C} = 0

The Attempt at a Solution

I know I have two unknowns at pin C C_{x}, C_{y} but I don't know either of their magnitudes. I have a tension in rod BA and I don't its magnitude and I also don't know the magnitude of \vec{P}. I only have 3 equations to work with here but more than that of unknowns. Am I missing a relationship here or am I not making a correct assumption?

Thanks in advance,

KEØM

 

[nvn]

But you also have a given equation regarding the magnitude of C. Therefore, don't you have four equations?

 

[KEØM]

I must just not be seeing how that equation helps me because I can't solve for any thing right now.

\Sigma M_{B} = -(.03)C_{x} - (.04)C_{y} - (.105)P = 0

\Sigma F_{y} = C_{y} + Tsin(\theta) = 0

\Sigma F_{x} = C_{x} + P + Tcos(\theta) = 0

C = 500 = \sqrt{(C_{x})^2 + (C_{y})^2}

\theta = 53.1^{\circ}

 

[nvn]

KEØM: Remember what I mentioned in post https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=320964#post2245037". How about if you solve your first three equations simultaneously, as much as possible? Afterwards, substitute into your fourth equation.

 

[KEØM]

I have tried several times in solving these four equations and I just can't do it. Are you sure I am not missing some assumption or relationship?

 

[nvn]

Your equations are correct. Use the advice in post 4. If you show your work, it will quickly uncover your algebra mistake.

 

[KEØM]

\Sigma M_{B} = -(.03)C_{x} - (.04)C_{y} - (.105)P = 0

\Sigma F_{y} = C_{y} + Tsin(\theta) = 0

\Sigma F_{x} = C_{x} + P + Tcos(\theta) = 0

C = 500 = \sqrt{(C_{x})^2 + (C_{y})^2}

\theta = 53.1^{\circ}

C_{y} + Tsin(\theta) = 0 \Rightarrow C_{y} = -\frac{4}{5}T

C_{x} + P + Tcos(\theta) = 0 \Rightarrow C_{x} + P + \frac{3}{5}T = 0

T = -\frac{5}{4}C_{y}

C_{x} -\frac{1}{4}C_{y} = -P

-(.03)C_{x} - (.04)C_{y} - (.105)P = 0 \Rightarrow .2857C_{x} + 0.3810C_{y} = -P

C_{x} -\frac{1}{4}C_{y} = .2857C_{x} + 0.3810C_{y}

C_{x} -\frac{1}{4}C_{y} = 2857C_{x} + 0.3810C_{y}

0.7143C_{x} = 0.6310C_{y} \Rightarrow 1.13C_{x} = C_{y}

500^2 = C_{x}^2 + (1.13C_{x})^2

C_{x} = 331.02 N, C_{y} = 374.74 N

While I was typing my failed attempt in here I finally realized how to solve it.

Is this right? When I try to solve for P I am getting a negative answer.

Thanks again for helping me nvn,

KEØM

 

[nvn]

Close, but not quite; (3/5)*(5/4) is not equal to 1/4. Try it again. Also, always place a zero before the decimal point for numbers less than 1.

 

[KEØM]

Woops! Stupid Mistakes. Now I get:

C_{x} = 422.7 N, C_{y} = 267.0 N

This doesn't change the negative value I get for P though.

 

[nvn]

Very good, except notice that when you solve for Cx, it is actually Cx = +/-(number)^0.5. Knowing P is positive, you can figure out whether the other +/- values should be positive or negative.

 

[KEØM]

Ok. So if I choose C_{x} to be negative then:

\frac{3}{4}C_{y} - C_{x} = P \Rightarrow \frac{3}{4}(267.0) - (-422.7) = P

P = 623.0 N and I have my answer

Thanks again,

KEØM

 

[nvn]

No, plug your answer for Cx into an earlier equation to solve for Cy, to obtain the correct sign on Cy.