Lever with offset pivot problem

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The discussion revolves around calculating the force acting on a gas compression spring (F1) in a lever system, given an initial force (F0). The problem is identified as non-trivial, requiring an understanding of static and dynamic conditions. The user proposes using an imaginary lever to balance moments, leading to the equation (F0)(5x) = (F1)(y), with y determined through trigonometry. They acknowledge that as the lever turns and the spring compresses, F1 will vary, suggesting a method to plot F1 against different angles. The conversation emphasizes the complexity of the lever mechanics involved.
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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?
 
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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
 
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