Mass suspended from rotating flywheel

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics homework problem involving a mass suspended from a rotating flywheel. Participants analyze the dynamics of the system, including linear and angular acceleration, tension in the rope, and frictional torque. The conversation includes attempts to solve the problem and clarify concepts related to rotational motion and forces.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the linear acceleration of the wheel using the formula A = 2 x S / t², resulting in 0.444 m/s².
  • Another participant questions the distinction between friction and inertia, noting that the problem statement does not mention friction.
  • There are discussions about the radius of gyration being provided in the problem, with one participant confirming it as 0.212 m.
  • Concerns are raised about the units used in calculations, with one participant pointing out that the units for acceleration, torque, and angular acceleration are incorrect.
  • One participant suggests reconsidering the torque on the wheel/motor assembly and emphasizes the need to find angular acceleration differently due to the unknown inertia of the wheel/motor assembly.
  • Another participant provides a revised calculation for angular acceleration and frictional torque, arriving at specific numerical values for these quantities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the calculations and the interpretation of the problem. There is no consensus on the correct approach to finding the frictional torque or the angular acceleration, indicating that multiple competing views remain.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations are noted to have incorrect units, and there is uncertainty regarding the method to find the acceleration torque. The discussion reflects a reliance on the definitions and assumptions made in the problem statement, which may not be fully resolved.

Andy86
Messages
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Homework Statement


A mass of 0.5kg is suspended from a flywheel,
The mass is released from rest and falls a distance of 0.5m in 1.5s
Mass of wheel = 3kg
Outside radius of wheel = 300mm
Radius of gyration = 212mm

Homework Equations


a- Linear acceleration of wheel
b- Angular acceleration of wheel
c- Tension in rope
d- Frictional torque

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
a) A = 2 x S / t^2
= 2x 0.5 / 1.5^2
= 0.444m/s

b) Inertia = mass x radius of gyration^2
= 3kg x 0.212^2
= 0.134832 KG M 2

Force = mass x acceleration
= 0.5kg x 0.444
= 0.222N

Torque = Force x Distance
= 0.222N x 0.3
= 0.0666 N

ANGULAR ACCELERATION = TORQUE / INERTIA
= 0.0666N / 0.134832
= 0.4944 Rad / s

c) Tension in rope
tension = Mg - Ma
= (0.5kg x 9.81) - (0.5 x 0.444)
= 4.683N

d) Frictional torque

Torque in rope = force x dist
= 4.683 x 0.3m
= 1.4049NM

Frictional Torque = Torque - Accel. Torque
= 1.4049 - ?
= ??

Im not too sure how to find the acceleration torque! I solved these questions (or thought I did a while ago and now I am writing up my solutions to submit them some bits don't make sense, any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated)

Thanks
A
 
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Hi Andy, welcome to PF :smile: !

How do you distinguish friction from inertia ?
There is nothing on friction in the problem statement.
There is no question in the problem statement.

Is the radius of gyration a given or did you round off ##0.3\sqrt{1\over 2}## ?
 
Hi BvU, thanks for the warm welcome!

The Radius of gyration is given in question = 212mm or 0.212m
The last question (d) asks to calculate frictional torque (resisting motion)
 
Andy86 said:

Homework Statement


A mass of 0.5kg is suspended from a flywheel,
The mass is released from rest and falls a distance of 0.5m in 1.5s
Mass of wheel = 3kg
Outside radius of wheel = 300mm
Radius of gyration = 212mm

Homework Equations


a- Linear acceleration of wheel
b- Angular acceleration of wheel
c- Tension in rope
d- Frictional torque

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
a) A = 2 x S / t^2
= 2x 0.5 / 1.5^2
= 0.444m/s
These are the wrong units for acceleration.

b) Inertia = mass x radius of gyration^2
= 3kg x 0.212^2
= 0.134832 KG M 2

Force = mass x acceleration
= 0.5kg x 0.444
= 0.222N

Torque = Force x Distance
= 0.222N x 0.3
= 0.0666 N
These are the wrong units for torque. Remember, the number 0.3 has units.
ANGULAR ACCELERATION = TORQUE / INERTIA
= 0.0666N / 0.134832
= 0.4944 Rad / s
These are the wrong units for angular acceleration.
c) Tension in rope
tension = Mg - Ma
= (0.5kg x 9.81) - (0.5 x 0.444)
= 4.683N

d) Frictional torque

Torque in rope = force x dist
= 4.683 x 0.3m
= 1.4049NM

Frictional Torque = Torque - Accel. Torque
= 1.4049 - ?
= ??

Im not too sure how to find the acceleration torque! I solved these questions (or thought I did a while ago and now I am writing up my solutions to submit them some bits don't make sense, any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated)

Thanks
A
 
Andy86 said:
Hi BvU, thanks for the warm welcome!

The Radius of gyration is given in question = 212mm or 0.212m
The last question (d) asks to calculate frictional torque (resisting motion)
Ok, got it.

A picture is nice, I suppose you made one ?

Acceleration of the 0.5 kg weight is due to the net force on the thing. one force is mg, the other T (tension in wire)
So reconsider the torque on the wheel/motor assembly.
 
Next: you don't know the inertia of wheel/motor assembly, so you'll have to find the angular acceleration in a different way.

[edit] have to run now. good luck
 
Think ill retype this; sorry guys

a) A=2xS/t²
= 2x0.5/1.5²
=0.444 m/s²

b) a = acceleration / radius
= 0.444m/s² / 0.3m
= 1.481 rad/s²

c) tension = Mg - Ma
= (0.5kg x 9.81m/s²) - (0.5kg x 0.444m/s²)
= 4.683N

d) Calculate frictional torque

torque in rope = force x radius
= 4.683N x 0.3M
= 1.4049NM

acceleration torque = Mass x radius of gyration² x angular acceleration
= 3 x 0.212² x 1.481
= 0.199NM

Frictional torque = torque in rope - acceleration torque
= 1.4049 - 0.199
= 1.205NM
 

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