How Do You Calculate the Linear Acceleration and Impact Velocity of a Load?

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To calculate the linear acceleration and impact velocity of a load attached to a drum, the key equations involve Newton's second law (F = ma) and the rotational dynamics equation (τ = Iα). The problem involves a 50kg drum and a 15kg load, with the drum's radius being 350mm. When the brake is released, the tension in the rope and the gravitational force acting on the load must be considered to derive the linear acceleration. The discussion emphasizes the importance of applying these fundamental principles to solve the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement



was wondering if anybody here does mech engineering and if so can they point me in the right direction of this question please.


Figure 1 below shows a drum of mass of 50kg and radius 350mm. The drum can be assumed to be a uniform solid cylinder. A rope of negligible mass is wrapped around the drum and is attached to a load of 15kg which is held 2.4m above the ground initially. Determine:
• the linear acceleration of the 15kg load when the brake preventing the drum from rotating is released and
• the velocity with which the 15kg load will impact the ground with.

(Assume the acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s2.)

drum-1.png



Homework Equations



q = qo + wo t + (1/2)a t2
w2 = wo
2 + 2 a q

to start, i am not looking the answer and i just want someone to please show me how to get the linear acceleration

thanks
 
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welcome to pf!

hi brooker2009uk! welcome to pf! :smile:

(btw, this is a fairly standard dynamics problem also, so you'll get answered sooner if you post future questions like this in the physics homework forum :wink:)

you'll need F = ma for the load, and τ = Iα for the drum …

(and also the rolling constraint, a = rα)

call the tension "T" …

what do you get? :smile:
 
thank you, that is getting the torque but i need an equation to get the linear acceleration of the load when the brake is released
 
brooker2009uk said:
thank you, that is getting the torque but i need an equation to get the linear acceleration of the load when the brake is released

yes, that's F = ma !

get on with it! :smile:
 
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