Load distribution of rotating body

[Mr Zakaria]

Hi everyone,

I'm working on load distribution of what to be put on a platform.
The platform will be rotated by the wheels placed at the circumference of the platform.
The loads that need to be put are the optical components which have mass of 1 ton which will cover 8 m x 8 m area and thermal components with mass of 1.5 tons which will have an area of 1 m x 1 m area. The platform has an area of 10 m x 10 m. For load balancing, i think dummy load should be placed to make sure load distribution on the wheels is balanced. Does anyone know how is the right way to go about to place the dummy load?

Thank you in advance

 

[Bob S]

It depends on whether you want equal weight on each wheel, or an inertially balanced platform when it is rotated very fast.

 

[Mr Zakaria]

We want to have equal weight on each wheel. The platform will be rotating very slowly following the sun.

 

[DickL]

If there is an 'optical center' that needs to be at or near the center of rotation, that will effect the possible distribution, possibly making it impossible to balance the loading.

Can the dummy weights be incorporated within the foot print of the optical equipment?

To balance the loading, first place the optical and thermal equipments, cg's on a diameter, then move these along that diameter to minimize the moment about the center of the platform, and of course keeping them on the platform. Once you have them placed to minimize the moment, then add the dummy weights to get a zero moment at the center of the platform. The dummy weights will need to be placed equal distances off the diameter.

You may also want to consider arranging and/or adding wheels at various places around the platform to equalize the loading on the wheels. The wheels do not have to be arranged symmetrically around the platform.