Find angle for the ring to be in equilibrium

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AntonPannekoek
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Homework Statement


Find the angle Theta so that the system is in equilibrium
Mass of each block: 2 Kg
Mass of ring: 4π Kg
Diagram of a semicircular ring resting on the floor with a hanging block attached by a string from the top, a second block on the left end, and a line from the center at angle theta.


Homework Equations


Static equilibrium:
Rotational equilibrium

The Attempt at a Solution


Static equilibrium:
2g + 2g + 4πg = Normal
N = 4g + 4πg
Diagram of a large ring resting on a horizontal floor with a ramp at left, two small blocks on its inner surface, angles labelled theta and 45, dimension labels R, R/sqrt(2) and 2R*sqrt(2)/(3*Pi), normal force N upward and weight W downward.


Taking the torque with respect to the center of mass:

(N*(cosθ + sinθ)*2R*√2)/√2 * 3π + g*R(cosθ-sinθ) = [ 2*g*(cosθ+sinθ)*( (R/√2) + (2R√2)/3π) ] / √2 + 2*g*cosθ *(R + 2R/3π) + 2g*sinθ*(2R/3π)

This doesn't lead me anywhere.
Thanks for your help
 
Dag Anton, :welcome:

Center of mass is way too complicated: depends on ##\theta##. Take the support point or the center of the circle
 
Last edited:
Not sure whether you figured this out, but I believe the given mass 4π is for the complete ring, so the 3/4 ring shown has mass 3π.
It will be easier to think about if you add in the missing quarter ring, plus another placed symmetrically on the other side to compensate. Then you only have to deal with that quarter ring balancing the two suspended masses.
What are the x and y coordinates of the mass centre of the quarter ring, relative to the circle's centre?