Lever with offset pivot problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter conneem
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Lever Pivot
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the force acting on a gas compression spring (F1) in a lever system with an initial force (F0). The solution involves balancing moments using the equation (F0)(5x) = (F1)(y), where y is determined through trigonometry and similar triangles. The problem is identified as non-trivial due to the dynamic nature of the system, where F1 varies as the lever turns and the spring compresses. The suggestion is made to plot F1 over a range of angles to visualize the relationship between the forces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of static equilibrium and moment balance
  • Knowledge of trigonometry and similar triangles
  • Familiarity with dynamics and how forces change in a system
  • Basic principles of lever mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore advanced lever mechanics and moment calculations
  • Learn about dynamic systems and force variation over time
  • Investigate graphical methods for plotting force relationships
  • Study gas compression spring behavior under varying loads
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, physics students, and mechanics interested in understanding lever systems and force dynamics in mechanical designs.

conneem
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I have a situation a shown in the diagram below. A lever with a gas compression spring opposing it's turning. I want to find the force acting on the spring, F1, for a given inital force @ F0.

[PLAIN]http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/9830/lever01.png

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I don't think this is a trivial lever problem but I may be wrong?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF.

You're right. It's not trivial.

How do you plan to solve it?
 
I have reduced it to a static problem and am looking at the initial configuration as drawn above, before any movement.

In this situation I believe that F1 can be worked out by introducing an imaginary lever, as shown below and balancing the moments i.e.

(F0)(5x) = (F1)(y)

where y can be found by trigonometry using similar triangles.

However if we revert the problem back to a dynamic one, the length y will change as the system turn and the spring compresses, so for a constant force F0, F1 will vary. However I think you could plot this out over a certain turning angle, by just selecting a range of angles and calculating y for that configuration and thus F1.

I appreciate any comments :smile:

[PLAIN]http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/8334/lever02.png
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Confusion about how to identify lever arm
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
8K
Understanding and Troubleshooting Handlebar Load Calculations
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
2K
Mechanical Advantage in a crank system
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
9K
Mechanical advantage: lever arm
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
How do I set up this pendulum problem with a pivot point not on edge
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Rotational Motion Question, lever arm with two masses
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad Leverage and Forces on a Pivot System
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
11K
A block dropping onto a spring system
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
3K
(torque) a force needed for wheel to rise up onto box
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
How to find the forces and balance a lever with a weight on one end?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K