Friction in circular motion and torque transmission

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mechanics of friction in circular motion and the transmission of torque between rotating surfaces. Participants explore the dynamics of a system involving masses spinning at a certain RPM and the effects of friction on torque transmission, while seeking to optimize force transmission without altering the friction coefficient.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a system with three masses spinning at 600 RPM and transmitting torque, questioning how to maximize force transmission without changing the friction coefficient.
  • Another participant draws a parallel to linear friction, questioning whether the stated friction value is a coefficient or a force, and notes that contact area typically does not affect the frictional force.
  • Further clarification is provided about the mechanics of the blocks and their interaction with a rotating drum, suggesting that the friction force is dependent on how hard the blocks press against the drum.
  • One participant expresses a desire for the blue part (the drum) to rotate without slowing down, indicating a need for effective torque transmission.
  • Another participant suggests calculating the torque due to friction and mentions the moment of inertia of the drum, referencing the relationship between torque and angular acceleration.
  • A question arises regarding the calculation of the normal force (N) in the context of radial forces, indicating a need for further clarification on this aspect.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying understandings of the mechanics involved, with some agreeing on the principles of torque and friction while others seek clarification on specific calculations and concepts. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal approach to maximize torque transmission without changing the friction coefficient.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached consensus on the definitions of terms such as friction force versus coefficient, and there are unresolved questions about the calculation of forces in this system. The discussion also reflects uncertainty about the dynamics of the blocks and their interaction with the rotating drum.

Vonnesy
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3 masses 120 degrees away from each other each one of 46g is spinning at 600RPM 58mm away from the center and are fixed to a guide pole. The masses are transmitting torque on a surface and the friction between the surfaces is 0.62 The area of contact is 192mm^2. How much torque is transmitted from one surface to the other.

How can I make it to transmit as much force possible without changing the friction coefficient?

Here is an image so you can have an idea hopefully you can help me out have no idea where to start.
 

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This is the rotational equivalent of one block sliding over another isn't it?
the friction between the surfaces is 0.62
"0.62" what? Is this the actual friction force or is it the coefficient?
How can I make it to transmit as much force possible without changing the friction coefficient?
How would you answer that question for linear friction and forces?

Note: area of contact does not normally matter.
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=106428
 
the blocks slide on the blue part which is the one that is going to rotate when the friction between the blocks and the surface stick together

The blocks are moving along a rotor's axis this makes the blocks move toward the blue part's wall that's when the blue part starts rotating. Like a centrifugal switch

The friction coefficient is 0.62
 
There is a lot of blue in that diagram - but I figured the blocks and arms were rotating inside a drum that the ends of the arms were brushing. I figured the blocks could move along the shafts too.

It is the blocks that push - so, as the central axle turns faster, the blocks press harder against the drum and slow it down?

The the force due to friction f is how hard the blocks press against the wall times the coefficient of kinetic friction ... f=μN just like you are used to... N would, in this case, be radial and outwards - what sort of force does that sound like? This produces a retarding torque τ=fr each.

That the sort of thing you are looking for?
 
That's right but I don't want to slow it down although it will I want the other part to also rotate
 
I want to make the blue part rotate so the more it pushes the more force the more it is going to slow down and also transmit the motion to the blue part
 
You are driving the middle 3-prong bit, and you want the blue drum to rotate as a result ... yep.

This is the rotating version of those puzzles where you pull a block across the top of a bigger block and you want to get the acceleration of the bigger block. Work it out: you can now figure out the torque due to friction between the masses and the drum. You know the moment of inertia of the drum. \Sigma \tau = I\alpha.
 
You are driving the middle 3-prong bit, and you want the blue drum to rotate as a result ... yep.

This is the rotating version of those puzzles where you pull a block across the top of a bigger block and you want to get the acceleration of the bigger block. Work it out: you can now figure out the torque due to friction between the masses and the drum. You know the moment of inertia of the drum. \Sigma \tau = I\alpha.
 
what do you mean, how do I calculate N as radial and outwards??
 

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