Friction of a rolling cylinder on an incline

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mechanics of a rolling cylinder on an incline, specifically addressing the role of friction and torque. Participants clarify that the frictional force acts uphill, opposing the cylinder's tendency to slide downhill, thereby creating a clockwise rotation. Key equations are presented, including the relationship between frictional force and incline angle, with a critical angle of 45 degrees identified for rolling without slipping. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding both linear and rotational dynamics in analyzing motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with torque and rotational dynamics
  • Knowledge of frictional forces and their directionality
  • Basic trigonometry, specifically sine and tangent functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of torque in rotational motion
  • Learn about the conditions for rolling without slipping
  • Explore the implications of friction on different surfaces, such as rubber on concrete
  • Investigate the relationship between linear acceleration and angular acceleration in rolling objects
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of rolling motion and frictional forces in real-world applications.

  • #31
Chenkel said:
Does a static axis mean that some apparatus allows rotation about the center of mass but prevents translation?
Consider the front wheel on a bike as an example.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Chenkel
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
Chenkel said:
Impulse is Newton seconds, velocity is meters per second, Energy is Newton meters, so I am guessing (but not sure) that you take the dot product of the impulse and velocity vector to get the work done.
Okay, but why more work for the same impulse at the rim compared to at the centre?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Chenkel
  • #33
PeroK said:
Okay, but why more work for the same impulse at the rim compared to at the centre?
I'm not sure how to answer that question, and I'm also not sure if my equation for energy is correct... I cannot keep treating objects as point masses, I'll only get so far with that 😏 I must learn nature's secret.
 
  • #34
Chenkel said:
I'm not sure how to answer that question, and I'm also not sure if my equation for energy is correct... I cannot keep treating objects as point masses, I'll only get so far with that 😏 I must learn nature's secret.
Try drawing a diagram of each case. Hint: don't make the time of the impulse too short.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Chenkel
  • #35
I'm not trying to hijack Chenkels thread, but maybe someone could help us solve for the acceleration of the following wheel and it would be beneficial to both our understanding?

Rolling Wheel.jpg


I'm imagining a constant torque applied to the wheel ##T##. What is the acceleration of the wheel?

$$ \sum F_y = N - mg = 0 \implies N = mg \tag{1} $$

$$ \sum F_x = f_r = ma \tag{2}$$

From ##(1)##:

$$ f_r = \mu mg $$

## \mu## is not a constant with respect to ##a##. I believe it must be the case that if the wheel is not slipping:

$$\mu = \frac{1}{g}a \leq \mu_s\tag{3}$$

Now applying a torque balance about the axis ## \circlearrowright^+##

$$ \sum \tau = T - \mu mg R = I \alpha $$

With no slip : ## \alpha = \frac{a}{R}##

$$T - \mu mg R =I \frac{a}{R} \tag{4}$$

Substitute ##(3) \to (5)##:

$$ \implies a = \frac{T R}{ I + m R^2} $$

We have the condition that ## a \leq \mu_s g ##

Which means for the wheel not to slip:

$$ T \leq \mu_s g \frac{1}{R} \left( I + m r^2 \right)$$

correct?

EDIT:

It seems so be in agreement with what @haruspex gave in for the same geometry.

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/a-spring-disk-and-pulley-system.1016701/post-6651212

$$ \tau \leq \frac{3}{2}\mu_s N R$$
 
Last edited:
  • Love
Likes   Reactions: Chenkel
  • #36
Which wheel is this? Can we have a picture?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: erobz
  • #37
kuruman said:
Which wheel is this? Can we have a picture?
yeah, I forgot to put it in!
 
  • #38
I started a parallel thread here in the guise of a test to diagnose the doubts, confusion and misunderstandings that some participants may have and take corrective action. The idea is to keep this thread started by @Chenkel focused on the original question.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
4K