Force/pressure exerted from rubber band

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the force exerted by a rubber band when stretched around a pole. It establishes that the force F1 exerted on the pole's surface can be derived from the contact pressure p1, which is calculated using the formula p1 = F2/(r*b), where F2 is the force required to stretch the rubber band, r is the pole's radius, and b is the rubber band's width. The resultant force on one half of the pole's circumference is given by F1 = 2*p1*r*b, leading to the conclusion that F1 equals 2*F2. This highlights the relationship between force and pressure in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically force and pressure.
  • Familiarity with the properties of elastic materials, particularly rubber bands.
  • Knowledge of geometric dimensions, including radius and width.
  • Ability to apply mathematical formulas in physical contexts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of elastic materials and their stress-strain relationships.
  • Explore advanced applications of pressure calculations in engineering contexts.
  • Study the effects of varying widths and lengths of rubber bands on force exertion.
  • Learn about the implications of contact pressure in different material interactions.
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the mechanics of materials and force calculations will benefit from this discussion.

pryphnoq
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If you stretch a rubber band around a pole, the band exerts a force onto the surface of the pole (F1 in figure 1). Is it possible to calculate this force if I know the force needed to stretch the rubber band to the same total length as the circumference of the pole? That is to say:
1. I know the force F2 in figure 2
2. The total length of the rubber band is the same in figure 1 and figure 2

Can I calculate the force F1? Is it meaningful to talk about force, or should one talk about the pressure instead?
 

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pryphnoq: Yes, it would be more relevant to talk about the contact pressure underneath the rubber band, which would be p1 = F2/(r*b), where r = pole radius, and b = rubber band width (when stretched). The total resultant force of this pressure, on one half of the pole circumference, would be, F1 = 2*p1*r*b = 2*F2.
 
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