Does Gravity Affect the Inertia Load in a Dual-Weight Pulley System?

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The discussion centers on calculating the torque required to move a dual-weight pulley system consisting of two 850 lb weights connected by a chain. The user seeks to determine whether the inertia load should be considered as 1700 lbs or 850 lbs. The conclusion reached is that gravity affects both weights equally, and thus the inertia load remains 1700 lbs, as both weights contribute to the total inertia that must be overcome to initiate movement.

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I have a counterweight system I am trying to develop. One of my associates and I are in disagreement over something though.

The system is simple, it is effectivly two 850 Lb weights connected together by a chain. The chain is suspended by two pulleys. One of the pulleys is connected to motor. I am trying to calculate the torque required to move the system 40 inches in 1 second.

I believe the only forces that I have to overcome is inertia due to acceleration and the system friction. Assuming there is no friction the inertia is all that is l have to overcome.

Here is my question: Is the inertia load 1700 Lbs or 850. My associate says gravity will remove one of the loads but if gravity acts on both weights shouldn't it cancel out?
 

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You are correct.
 

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