What caused the cable to break during the lifting of a 4500kg container?

In summary, the investigation of the accident involving a 4500kg container being lifted by a steel cable with a diameter of 2.0cm and a safety rating of 50,000N, found that the crane was not defective and the maximum tension the cable could hold was exceeded due to a defective cable. The crane operator did not lift too heavy a load.
  • #1
ixbethxi
13
0
You've been called to investigate an accident in which a cable broke while lifting a 4500kg container. The steel cable is 2.0cm in diameter and has a safety rating of 50,000N. The crane is designed not to exceed speeds of 3.0m/s or accelerations of 1.0m/s^2, and your tests find the crane is NOT defective. what is your conclusion? did the crane operator life too heavy a load or was the cable defective.

can someone check my solution? i don't know if its right

the max tension the cable can hold is 50,000N

T-((4500kg)*(9.81m/s/s))=4500(1.0m/s/s)

T= 48,645<50,000 which means the cable must of been broken because it could possibly hold more.
 
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  • #2
What about speed, vertical or horizontal?
 
  • #3
ixbethxi said:
You've been called to investigate an accident in which a cable broke while lifting a 4500kg container. The steel cable is 2.0cm in diameter and has a safety rating of 50,000N. The crane is designed not to exceed speeds of 3.0m/s or accelerations of 1.0m/s^2, and your tests find the crane is NOT defective. what is your conclusion? did the crane operator life too heavy a load or was the cable defective.

can someone check my solution? i don't know if its right

the max tension the cable can hold is 50,000N

T-((4500kg)*(9.81m/s/s))=4500(1.0m/s/s)

T= 48,645<50,000 which means the cable must of been broken because it could possibly hold more.

Yes. You are somehow right.

If u were to work out the acceleration allowed to lift the weight. [tex] 50000-(4500*9.81)= 4500a [/tex] By working out a, u will get the max acceleration allowed for the lifting of the mass. From there, you can see that the acceleration is more than that of those specified in the qn. Thus, its not that the mass is too heavy but its due to the defective cable.
 
  • #4
ixbethxi said:
... and your tests find the crane is NOT defective. what is your conclusion?...
 
  • #5
i concluded that it waas the cable that was defective
 

Related to What caused the cable to break during the lifting of a 4500kg container?

What is the purpose of finding the maximum tension of a cable?

The maximum tension of a cable is crucial in determining the strength and safety of the cable in a given application. It helps in selecting the appropriate cable for a specific project and ensures that the cable can withstand the expected load and environmental conditions.

How is the maximum tension of a cable calculated?

The maximum tension of a cable is calculated by using the formula T = P x L, where T is the tension, P is the applied load, and L is the length of the cable. This formula assumes that the cable is in a straight line and does not account for other factors such as friction and angles.

What factors can affect the maximum tension of a cable?

The maximum tension of a cable can be affected by various factors such as the type and quality of the cable, the material it is made of, the diameter and length of the cable, the angle of the cable, and any external forces or loads applied to the cable.

Why is it important to consider the maximum tension of a cable in construction projects?

In construction projects, the cable is often used to support structures and carry loads. It is essential to determine the maximum tension of the cable to ensure that it can withstand the expected load without breaking. This helps to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of the structure and workers.

What are some methods to increase the maximum tension of a cable?

There are several ways to increase the maximum tension of a cable, such as using a thicker or stronger cable, reducing the length of the cable, increasing the angle of the cable, or using additional support such as anchors or tensioners. It is important to consult a professional engineer to determine the most suitable method for a specific application.

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