Inertia Problem Solution - Finding Torque on a Spinning Block

  • Thread starter ehrenfest
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Inertia
In summary, the problem involves a uniform block spinning about a long diagonal with constant angular velocity. The goal is to find the magnitude of the torque exerted on the block. The solution involves finding the principal moments of inertia and using a coordinate system with the origin at the center of the block. The next step involves differentiating the basis vectors, but it is unclear how to proceed with this step.
  • #1
ehrenfest
2,020
1
[SOLVED] inertia problem

Homework Statement


A uniform mass m and dimensions a by 2a by 3a spins about a long diagonal with angular velocity [tex]\omega[/tex]. Use a coodinate system with origin at the center of the block. Find the magnitude of the torque that must be exerted on the block if the angular velocity is constant in magnitude and direction.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I found the principal moments of inertia. They are:
[tex]\left(a^2\frac{m}{12}13, a^2\frac{m}{12}10, a^2\frac{m}{12}5\right)[/tex]
I let [tex] \vec{\omega}[/tex] be [tex]\omega(1,2,3)/\sqrt{14}[/tex].
Now I believe the angular velocity is:
[tex]\vec{L} = \frac{m a^3 \omega}{12 \sqrt{14}} (13,20,15)[/tex]
Those are the components of that vector in the body system, right? I am confused about what to do next. If I differentiate w.r.t time, it seems like I get zero. But I guess I need to differentiate the basis vectors as well and that I am rather unsure of how to do... Anyone have any ideas? Am I right so far?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
[tex]\frac{d{\vec L}}{dt}={\vec\omega}\times{\vec L}[/tex].
 

FAQ: Inertia Problem Solution - Finding Torque on a Spinning Block

1. What is the Inertia Problem Solution?

The Inertia Problem Solution refers to the process of finding the torque required to overcome the inertia of a spinning block. Inertia is the resistance of an object to change its state of motion, so the solution involves determining the torque needed to change the direction or speed of the spinning block.

2. How is torque calculated for a spinning block?

Torque is calculated by multiplying the force applied to the block by the distance from the axis of rotation. For a spinning block, the force is the product of the mass and the angular acceleration, and the distance is the radius of the block.

3. What factors affect the torque on a spinning block?

The torque on a spinning block is affected by several factors, including the mass of the block, the angular velocity of the block, and the distance from the axis of rotation. Additionally, the shape and distribution of mass within the block can also affect the torque.

4. How does the torque affect the motion of the spinning block?

The torque applied to a spinning block determines the change in the block's angular velocity. If the torque is greater than the inertia of the block, the block will experience a change in its angular velocity. If the torque is equal to the inertia, the block will maintain a constant angular velocity.

5. What is the practical application of solving the Inertia Problem?

Solving the Inertia Problem is important in many engineering and physics applications, such as designing machinery and analyzing the motion of rotating objects. It can also help in understanding the concepts of torque, inertia, and angular velocity, which are important in many areas of physics and mechanics.

Back
Top