Force-Time Diagram for High Elevation Block Drop | Calculate Max Force

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the force-time diagram and maximum tension for a block dropped from a high elevation, attached to a rope. Participants clarify that while the block is in free fall, only gravitational force acts on it. Once the rope becomes taut, the block transitions into simple harmonic motion (SHM), where the maximum tension occurs at the moment the rope snaps taut. The calculation involves analyzing impulse and differentiating the force equation to identify maximum and minimum forces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with concepts of impulse and momentum
  • Knowledge of simple harmonic motion (SHM)
  • Basic principles of tension in ropes and elastic materials
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  • Study the principles of impulse and how it relates to force calculations
  • Learn about the dynamics of simple harmonic motion (SHM) in detail
  • Explore the mathematical modeling of force-time diagrams
  • Investigate the effects of different types of ropes on tension and oscillation
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Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in dynamics and force analysis in systems involving tension and oscillation.

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This isn't a homework question but something I thought up but couldn't figure out.

If I tie a block to a rope at a very high elevation and throw the block down, what would the force-time diagram look like (from the moment the block is thrown) until the block begins to oscillate and how would I calculate the maximum force assuming that the rope has no dampening effect?

Thanks
 
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i can't understant what oscillation you are talking about

is it free fall or something like pendulum motion

do we need to take account of variation of acceleration due to gravity
 
It sounds like the rope is attached to the top of a pole, or something. Correct? In that case, while the block is in freefall, there is only the force of gravity causing it to accelerate. Assuming the rope is not a bungee cord, the block would become a swinging pendulum when the rope goes taught. As a pendulum, the block experiences the force of gravity plus the force of of the rope.

And what do you mean by "maximum force"? Force of what on what at what time?
 
Hi

Sorry for not stating my question properly. I was thinking of a situation similar to what chrisbaird said, rope is attached to the top of a pole at one end and a mass at the other. The mass is dropped from the top of the pole; I'm wondering how I can calculate the maximum tension in the string. I imagined this situation more ideally in that the oscillation I was talking about was up and down (due to the elasticity of the string) not side to side like a pendulum.
 
I think you would have to look at the impulse.
When the rope snaps taught would be where the maximum force is. If you get an equation to describe the impulse at a given time and then differentiate, the zero's should give you the max and mins of force, the max being the max tension on the rope. The subsequent motion would then be damped SHM.
 

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