Finding equation of equlibrium for rod and two blocks

[KEØM]

Homework Statement

A slender rod AB of weight W is attached to blocks A and B which move freely in the guides shown. The constant of the spring is k, and the spring is unstretched when \theta = 0. (a) Neglecting the weight of the blocks, derive an equation in W, k, l, and \theta which must be satisfied when the rod is in equilibrium. (b) Determine the value of \theta when W = 4.5 lb, l = 30 in., and k = 1.8 lb/ft.

Here is a picture of the problem. It is number 4.60
"[URL title="download file from Jumala Files"]http://jumalafiles.info/showfile2-15016951829111680748225395249314210/problem460.pdf [/URL]

Homework Equations

\Sigma F_{x} = 0

\Sigma F_{y} = 0

\Sigma M_{B} = 0

The Attempt at a Solution

F_{s} = ks = lsin(\theta)

\Sigma M_{B} = lsin(\theta)(klsin(\theta) - lcos(\theta)A_{y} + W(l/2cos)(\theta) = 0 where A_{y} is the reaction force at A.

\Sigma F_{y} = A_{y} - W = 0

\Sigma M_{B} = lsin(\theta)(klsin(\theta) - lcos(\theta)W + W(l/2cos)(\theta) = 0

\Sigma M_{B} = l^2sin^2(\theta)k - (l/2)cos(\theta)W = 0

\frac{2lk}{W} = \frac{cos(\theta)}{sin^2(\theta)}

After inverting both sides and using the identity sin^2(\theta) + cos^2(\theta) = 1

I get for an answer:

sec(\theta) - cos(\theta) = \frac{W}{2lk}

The book's answer is tan(\theta) - sin(\theta) = \frac{W}{2lk}

Can someone tell me where I went wrong?

Thanks in advance,

KEØM

 

[LowlyPion]

I approached it a little more simply using the Tension in the arm L.

At equilibrium you have in the vertical direction

mg = T*sinθ

In the horizontal direction

kx = T*cosθ

Noting that x = (1 - cosθ)*(L/2)

then solving. I think that yields the answer in the book.

 

[KEØM]

Thanks for the reply LowlyPion. I have a couple of questions. When I solve your equations I get:
tan(\theta) - sin(\theta) = \frac{2W}{kl}.

I have probably done something wrong though.

I don't understand how you got your x. Your equation is telling me that it is half the distance of the rod minus the horizontal distance that half of the length of the rod covers. I don't understand how that gives you x.

One more question: Shouldn't your forces in the x direction be kx = -Tcos(\theta).
Or shouldn't one of your equations have a negative?

Thanks again,

KEØM

 

[LowlyPion]

I don't understand how that gives you x.

Isn't W acting at L/2 along the rod? It just seems to me that you would want to take the tension from that point to A.

As to the minus sign, the Tension is oppositely directed at A and L/2, I just took the direction that they seemed to be naturally acting.