Forces on a rope when catching a free falling weight

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem involving a falling mass attached to a spool and the need to calculate the force needed to stop the mass. However, there is insufficient information provided in the problem and assumptions have to be made. The conversation also mentions the concept of elastic potential energy and the calculation of force using variables and algebraic equations. The final solution provides an estimate of the force needed to stop the falling mass.
  • #1
Zeusex
33
3
Homework Statement
A rope 3mm dia is tied to a 10kg mass and other side is attached to a spool. At a length of 20m, spool starts rotating uncontrollably at about 2m/s initially. After about 2s, brake is applied. How much force will this rope absorb due to sudden braking?
Relevant Equations
F = 2mgh/s
If I am not wrong,
F = 2*10*9.81*4/0.2 = 3924N

(0.2m considering 5% stretch in 4m long rope)
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
@Zeusex This seems like a poorly-written problem with insufficient information to me. There's no mention of 5% stretch in the problem, yet you assume this in your solution. Are you sure this is the full text of the problem?

What is the significance of "after 20 m"? Rotating uncontrollably suggests that perhaps we are supposed to assume this mass is in freefall (which doesn't really make sense when attached to a spool). But even if assuming freefall, you can't just assume the height change is 4 m after 2 seconds, because you can't assume the velocity is constant at 2 m/s. Freefall means acceleration. So I don't really know what this problem is driving at.

Finally, in your equation, it seems that "W" is supposed to represent weight, because you clearly substitute in mg for it in your solution. But if that's the case, then why is there a factor of 2 in the equation? The energy needing to be absorbed should just be equal to the gravitational potential energy lost, which is mgh over the height of the fall. If you want to convert that into elastic potential energy, then it needs to be something like mgh = (1/2ks^2), but that doesn't work because we don't even know what k is here. I'd say go back to the teacher and clarify what is being asked.
 
  • #3
LastScattered1090 said:
@Zeusex This seems like a poorly-written problem with insufficient information to me. There's no mention of 5% stretch in the problem, yet you assume this in your solution. Are you sure this is the full text of the problem? What is the significance of "after 20 m"? Rotating uncontrollably suggests that perhaps we are supposed to assume this mass is in freefall (which doesn't really make sense when attached to a spool). But even if assuming freefall, you can't just assume the height change is 4 m after 2 seconds, because you can't assume the velocity is constant at 2 m/s. Freefall means acceleration. So I don't really know what this problem is driving at. Finally, in your equation, it seems that "W" is supposed to represent weight, because you clearly substitute in mg for it in your solution. But if that's the case, then why is there a factor of 2 in the equation? The energy needing to be absorbed should just be equal to the gravitational potential energy lost, which is mgh over the height of the fall. If you want to convert that into elastic potential energy, then it needs to be something like mgh = (1/2ks^2), but that doesn't work because we don't even know what k is here. I'd say go back to the teacher and clarify what is being asked.
This is not a question from an assignment. Yes there are many unknowns I understand and trying to gather as much as information possible. This exercise is to give me an estimate. To do so, currenlt I assumed 5% stretch. What I meant by uncontrolled rotation is could be due to some mechanical issues, such as failure of coupling connecting motor to the spool.
Factor of 2 is because of the work done by the rope = Fs/2 where F is the maximum force and s is the amount it stretches.
Considering acceleration, F = 2*10*9.81*23.6/1.18 = 3924N. does this look correct to you?


k can be calculated assuming 5% of static stretch (x). k = mg/(xh) = 83.13 N/m
 
Last edited:
  • #4
Zeusex said:
F = 2*10*9.81*23.6/1.18 = 3924N
Hard to follow your calculation when it's just numbers.
Please define variables to represent all the aspects and work algebraically.
 
  • #5
haruspex said:
Hard to follow your calculation when it's just numbers.
Please define variables to represent all the aspects and work algebraically.
Thanks for replying.
I tried to explain below:

If I ignore the mass of the rope and assume it stretches a small amount compared with the distance the mass falls, and assume the rope remains within its elastic limit, force should be found by calculating the work done to stretch the rope when it stops the mass.

Kinetic energy of the mass = Wh where W is the weight and h is the distance it falls
Work done by the rope = Fs/2 where F is the maximum force and s is the amount it stretches
so F = 2Wh/s

Considering 2 seconds of fall at an initial speed of 2 m/s:
h = v₀t + (1/2)gt² = 23.6 m
Fall velocity: vf = v₀ + gt = 21.6 m/s

Assumed static elongation is 5% therefore s should be 5% of h = 1.18m

Now, putting above values to equation
F = 2*9.81*10*23.6/1.18 = 3924N
 
  • #6
But, at the moment of braking momentum is m*v = 10 kg*21.6 m/s = 216 kg-m/s.
Impulse equals the change in momentum, so the impulse would be 216 kg-m/s. Impulse is also equal to the force*time. Therefore change in momentum = force*time.
force = (216 kg-m/s)*time

If the mass comes to a stop in 1 second, the force would be 216 N.

I am confused.
 
  • #7
Doesn't that suggest that, given your assumed stiffness/spring constant, the mass will come to a stop in much less than one second? Can you think of ways to apply the equations for a spring to figure out what the stopping time would be?
 
  • #8
Zeusex said:
Assumed static elongation is 5%
This seems backwards. For a given elastic constant, the elongation will depend on the force, which is what you are trying to determine. Seems more natural to pick an elastic constant and determine the maximum force from that.
Zeusex said:
change in momentum = force*time
= average force * time, Ft/2 here.
Zeusex said:
If the mass comes to a stop in 1 second
You can determine the time from your other assumptions,
 
  • #9
Please explain.
haruspex said:
You can determine the time from your other assumptions,
haruspex said:
This seems backwards. For a given elastic constant, the elongation will depend on the force, which is what you are trying to determine. Seems more natural to pick an elastic constant and determine the maximum force from that.
I agree but there are two unknowns in the Hook's equation: force and elongation.
 
  • #10
LastScattered1090 said:
Doesn't that suggest that, given your assumed stiffness/spring constant, the mass will come to a stop in much less than one second? Can you think of ways to apply the equations for a spring to figure out what the stopping time would be?
Do you mean decay time for spring oscillation?
 
  • #11
Zeusex said:
Please explain.I agree but there are two unknowns in the Hook's equation: force and elongation.
Assume the elastic constant is k. The energy to be absorbed tells you the elongation (not forgetting the additional gravitational energy from the descent during the elongation), and that tells you the max force, F. But you cannot assume the average force is F/2. Use SHM equation to find the time taken.
 
  • #12
haruspex said:
Assume the elastic constant is k. The energy to be absorbed tells you the elongation (not forgetting the additional gravitational energy from the descent during the elongation), and that tells you the max force, F. But you cannot assume the average force is F/2. Use SHM equation to find the time taken.
Elastic constant for PE is around 4 GPa = 4*10^9 N/m²
Absorbed energy Es = 1/2kx^2 = 0.5*4x10^9*1.18 = 2.36E+09 joules? Thats huge. If I add mgh (gravitational potential energy, this would be higher)
Potential energy lost by mass due to fall = mgh = 10*9.81*23.6 = 2315.6 joules.
Does that mean the rope won't tear?
Fmax = Es/h = 1E+08 N?
 
  • #13
Zeusex said:
Absorbed energy Es = 1/2kx^2 = 0.5*4x10^9*1.18 = 2.36E+09 joules? Thats huge. If I add mgh (gravitational potential energy, this would be higher)
units don't match.
Spring constant I calculated earlier
k can be calculated assuming 5% of static stretch (x). k = mg/(xh) = 83.13 N/m
gives Es = 57.8 joules. :cry:
 
  • #14
Zeusex said:
Thats huge
yes, because you insist on taking the stretch to be 5% despite the high k value.
Don't keep plugging in numbers, just work algebraically until you have all the equations.
Find the extension in terms of k, m, g and the drop height.
 
  • #15
Apply Conservation of Energy to solve for the desired spring constant ##k## which assumes an elongation fraction ##f##.

Then Apply Newtons Second Law to determine the position of the mass ##x(t)## with initial conditions ##x(0) = 0, \dot x(0) = v_o##.

The tension in the rope/spring will be given by:

$$ |T(t)|= |k \, x(t)|$$

Or

If you are just interested in the maximum tensile maximum force developed:

$$ | T_{max}|= |k \, f x_o|$$
 
Last edited:
  • #16
erobz said:
Apply Conservation of Energy to solve for the desired spring constant ##k## which assumes an elongation fraction ##f##.

Then Apply Newtons Second Law to determine the position of the mass ##x(t)## with initial conditions ##x(0) = 0, \dot x(0) = v_o##.

The tension in the rope/spring will be given by:

$$ |T(t)|= |k \, x(t)|$$

Or

If you are just interested in the maximum tensile maximum force developed:

$$ | T_{max}|= |k \, f x_o|$$
Reply from manufacturer:
Spring rate: 70 N is required for 0.7% elongation.
Youngs modulus: 50GPa

So, the initial elongation in 20m long rope due to 10kg mass is 1%.
10*9.81 N = - k*0.2 m
=> k = 490.5 N/m

I am interested in knowing if the rope would break at the sudden braking and if so, at which fall height.
 
  • #17
Zeusex said:
Reply from manufacturer:
Spring rate: 70 N is required for 0.7% elongation.
Youngs modulus: 50GPa

So, the initial elongation in 20m long rope due to 10kg mass is 1%.
10*9.81 N = - k*0.2 m
=> k = 490.5 N/m

I am interested in knowing if the rope would break at the sudden braking and if so, at which fall height.
Lets just first check to see if the maximum force would break the rope? Is the Yield Strength of the rope quoted anywhere in the literature - should be in units ##\rm{GPa}##?

We are assuming the mass is in freefall before braking (from what I'm reading). There isn't initial elongation with that simplifying assumption (we are ignoring the inertia of the drum ).

We are pretending the brake immediatly halts the drum, and the inital length of unwound rope/spring is ## H## (how far it fell), and the rope is a linear spring (this is likely not the case - ask the manufacturer about this if you are already in contact).

Let's restart here:

What is the kinetic energy (ignoring drag and the mass of the rope) in terms of ##H## just before the spring begins to apply a force?
 
Last edited:
  • #18
erobz said:
Lets just first check to see if the maximum force would break the rope? Is the Yield Strength of the rope quoted anywhere in the literature - should be in units ##\rm{GPa}##?

We are assuming the mass is in freefall before braking (from what I'm reading). There isn't initial elongation with that simplifying assumption (we are ignoring the inertia of the drum ).

We are pretending the brake immediatly halts the drum, and the inital length of unwound rope/spring is ## H## (how far it fell), and the rope is a linear spring (this is likely not the case - ask the manufacturer about this if you are already in contact).

Let's restart here:

What is the kinetic energy (ignoring drag and the mass of the rope) in terms of ##H## just before the spring begins to apply a force?
Considering 2 seconds of fall at an initial speed of 2 m/s:
H = v₀t + (1/2)gt² = 23.6 m
Fall velocity: vf = v₀ + gt = 21.6 m/s

KE = 1/2 mv^2 = 0.5*10*21.6^2 = 2333 joules.

Max allowed mass to be lifted by this rope is 100 kg. For now we can assume that the rope behaves like a linear spring.
 
  • #19
Zeusex said:
Considering 2 seconds of fall at an initial speed of 2 m/s:
H = v₀t + (1/2)gt² = 23.6 m
Fall velocity: vf = v₀ + gt = 21.6 m/s

KE = 1/2 mv^2 = 0.5*10*21.6^2 = 2333 joules.

Max allowed mass to be lifted by this rope is 100 kg.
The kinetic energy of the mass just before the rope applies any force is simply ##mgH##.

Now reset your PE datum to this location. Using Conservation of Energy ( and a linear spring rate assumption - perhaps a bad assumption ) what is the relationship for ##E(0) = E(x)## when the force is maximized ( assuming it does not break before this point ). In other words, express the conservation of energy from this point forward for the mass/spring system when the velocity of the mass at ##x## i.e ##v(x) ## is ##0##.
 
  • #20
erobz said:
The kinetic energy of the mass just before the rope applies any force is simply ##mgH##.

Now reset your PE datum to this location. Using Conservation of Energy ( and a linear spring rate assumption - perhaps a bad assumption ) what is the relationship for ##E(0) = E(x)## when the force is maximized ( assuming it does not break before this point ). In other words, express the conservation of energy from this point forward for the mass/spring system when the velocity of the mass at ##x## i.e ##v(x) ## is ##0##.
When v(x) = 0, 1/2 kx^2 = mgH
 
  • #21
Zeusex said:
When v(x) = 0, 1/2 kx^2 = mgH
Almost. What about the potential energy of the mass?
 
  • #22
erobz said:
Almost. What about the potential energy of the mass?
Because at this point, it is like "new equilibrium"?
 
  • #23
Zeusex said:
Because at this point, it is like "new equilibrium"?
The mass lost some gravitational energy on its drop w.r.t the PE=0 datum. That energy must be absorbed by the spring.
 
  • #24
erobz said:
The mass lost some gravitational energy on its drop w.r.t the PE=0 datum. That energy must be absorbed by the spring.
So x = sqrt(mgH/k)
and absorbed energy, Es = 1/2kx^2 joules
 
  • #25
Zeusex said:
So x = sqrt(mgH/k)
and absorbed energy, Es = 1/2kx^2 joules
No, I think you are getting further away.

$$mgH = \frac{1}{2}k x^2 \pm PE(x)$$

I'm letting you figure out what the sign should be and the relationship.
 
  • #26
erobz said:
No, I think you are getting further away.

$$mgH = \frac{1}{2}k x^2 \pm PE(x)$$

I'm letting you figure out what the sign should be and the relationship.
Should be + as it is gaining PE
So how do I find x and tension?
 
  • #27
Zeusex said:
Should be + as it is gaining PE
So how do I find x and tension?
Are you sure it's gaining potential energy as its falling? Move the term over to the LHS. Does it look like the spring has absorbed the initial kinetic energy of ##mgH## and the "would be" kinetic energy from the mass falling a further distance ##x##?
 
  • #28
erobz said:
Are you sure it's gaining potential energy as its falling? Move the term over to the LHS. Does it look like the spring has absorbed the initial kinetic energy of ##mgH## and the "would be" kinetic energy from the mass falling a further distance ##x##?
Yes you are right. I keep on thinking that the thread is still in tension although falling and applying tension which is why 'spring' tends to return back to equilibrium.
 
  • #29
Zeusex said:
Yes you are right. I keep on thinking that the thread is still in tension although falling and applying tension which is why 'spring' tends to return back to equilibrium.
So whenever you have got the relationship, please share.
 
  • #30
erobz said:
So whenever you have got the relationship, please share.
mgH = 1/2kx^2 - kx
=> kx^2-2kx-2mgH = 0.
:rolleyes:
 
  • #31
Zeusex said:
mgH = 1/2kx^2 - kx
=> kx^2-2kx-mgH = 0.
:rolleyes:
No. Think gravitational potential energy. The missing term should look a whole lot like the LHS of the equation I posted.
 
  • Like
Likes Zeusex
  • #32
erobz said:
No. Think gravitational potential energy. The missing term should look a whole lot like the LHS of the equation I posted.
2mgH = 1/2kx^2?
=> x = sqrt(4mgH/k)
F = |kx|?
 
  • #33
Zeusex said:
2mgH = 1/2kx^2?
=> x = sqrt(4mgH/k)
F = |kx|?
No, not quite. That is a good approximation is the stretch ##x## is very small. But I would prefer you figured out what you are missing.

What is the gravitational potential energy of the mass at distance ##x## below the PE = 0 datum?
 
  • #34
erobz said:
No, not quite. That is a good approximation is the stretch ##x## is very small. But I would prefer you figured out what you are missing.

What is the gravitational potential energy of the mass at distance ##x## below the PE = 0 datum?
mgx
 
  • Like
Likes erobz
  • #35
Zeusex said:
mgx
and what is its sign ( positive or negative)?
 
<h2>1. What is the force acting on the rope when catching a free falling weight?</h2><p>The force acting on the rope when catching a free falling weight is called tension. This force is created by the weight of the falling object and is transmitted through the rope to the person catching it.</p><h2>2. How does the length of the rope affect the force when catching a free falling weight?</h2><p>The length of the rope does not affect the force acting on it when catching a free falling weight. However, a longer rope may require more force to be exerted by the person catching the weight in order to stop it from falling.</p><h2>3. What factors affect the amount of force needed to catch a free falling weight?</h2><p>The amount of force needed to catch a free falling weight depends on the weight of the object, the speed at which it is falling, and the reaction time of the person catching it. The angle at which the rope is held and the friction of the rope may also play a role.</p><h2>4. Can the force on the rope be greater than the weight of the falling object?</h2><p>Yes, the force on the rope can be greater than the weight of the falling object. This can happen if the person catching the weight exerts more force than the weight of the object, or if the rope is at an angle that increases the tension force.</p><h2>5. What happens to the force on the rope when the weight is caught?</h2><p>When the weight is caught, the force on the rope decreases as the weight is no longer falling. The rope will still experience tension as long as the weight is being held, but the force will decrease as the weight is supported by the person catching it.</p>

1. What is the force acting on the rope when catching a free falling weight?

The force acting on the rope when catching a free falling weight is called tension. This force is created by the weight of the falling object and is transmitted through the rope to the person catching it.

2. How does the length of the rope affect the force when catching a free falling weight?

The length of the rope does not affect the force acting on it when catching a free falling weight. However, a longer rope may require more force to be exerted by the person catching the weight in order to stop it from falling.

3. What factors affect the amount of force needed to catch a free falling weight?

The amount of force needed to catch a free falling weight depends on the weight of the object, the speed at which it is falling, and the reaction time of the person catching it. The angle at which the rope is held and the friction of the rope may also play a role.

4. Can the force on the rope be greater than the weight of the falling object?

Yes, the force on the rope can be greater than the weight of the falling object. This can happen if the person catching the weight exerts more force than the weight of the object, or if the rope is at an angle that increases the tension force.

5. What happens to the force on the rope when the weight is caught?

When the weight is caught, the force on the rope decreases as the weight is no longer falling. The rope will still experience tension as long as the weight is being held, but the force will decrease as the weight is supported by the person catching it.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
38
Views
973
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
17
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
6K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
426
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
974
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
Back
Top