Finding Binding Force in Falling Disk System with Lagrange Equations

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the equation of motion and binding force for a falling disk system using Lagrange equations of the first kind. The system has one degree of freedom, represented by the angle ##\phi##, which indicates the rotation from the starting position. Participants suggest using the binding function ##f = y - R\phi## and discuss the application of Lagrange multipliers as outlined in Goldstein's "Classical Mechanics." The binding force is identified as the term ##\lambda \frac{\partial f}{\partial y}##, and the relationship between translational and rotational motion is emphasized.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lagrange equations of the first kind
  • Familiarity with classical mechanics concepts, particularly constraints and degrees of freedom
  • Knowledge of Lagrange multipliers for solving optimization problems
  • Basic understanding of rotational dynamics and angular acceleration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Lagrange multipliers in the context of classical mechanics
  • Review Goldstein's "Classical Mechanics" for detailed explanations of constraints
  • Learn about generalized coordinates and their application in Lagrangian mechanics
  • Explore the relationship between translational and rotational motion in mechanical systems
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Students of physics, particularly those studying classical mechanics, as well as educators and researchers interested in advanced applications of Lagrangian dynamics.

Vrbic
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Homework Statement


Let's have a disk and massless rope tangled in it. One end of rope is tied to the ceiling and the disk is falling freely down. System has one degree of freedom. As a coordinate we can choose angle ##\phi## which says an angle of rotation from the start position. Find from the Lagrange equations of the first kind equation of motion and binding force.

Homework Equations


Lagrange equtions of the first kind:
$$m \ddot x = F_x+ \lambda \frac {\partial f} {\partial x} \\
m \ddot y = F_y+ \lambda \frac {\partial f} {\partial y} $$, where f is binding function

The Attempt at a Solution


I suppose this term ## \lambda \frac {\partial f} {\partial y}## is binding force, but I don't have no idea how to find it.
Next here we use coordinate ##\phi ##, I should transforme y -> ##\phi ##. I suppose diameter of disk ##r ## so ##y=r\phi ##. Do you agree?
I probably know how to solve it other way: ##-ma = -mg +F1, M=F1*R=I*\alpha ##(angular acceleration) ##=mR^2/2*a/R=amR/2## from this I know anything what I need: ##-ma=-mg + am/2 => a=2g/3 ## Is it right?
But I don't know how to solve it through Lagrange equation. Can you advice me?
 
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Vrbic said:
System has one degree of freedom.

the disc is falling as well as rotating so initially two degrees of freedom of rotational motion as well as translational motion appears.
now one can talk about constraints. and what will be constraining equations which can render one degree of freedom dependent on the other.,
if ds is displacement then it must be equal to radius times the change in angle
ds - R. d(phi) =0
so, lagranges equati on has to be written first in generalized coordinates and one can use method of lagranges multipliers ; one can look up Goldstein's book on classical mechanics...
 
drvrm said:
one can look up Goldstein's book on classical mechanics...
It's really wide book :)
I've read some paragraphs and something is clear. But I don't understand why is sometimes convenient to have a constraint written in derivatives (velocities)? And how I find out, if it is my case? I know a procedure of solving minimalization problem for function of more variables by Lagrange multipliers, but generally I don't get relation between minimalization problem and this problem.
When I look up at Lagrange equations of first kind which I wrote, I guess that ##f## function should be ##f=y-R\phi##. And one equation will be for ##y## and second for ##\phi## do you agree?
 

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