Maximizing Pulley Performance: Uncovering the Truth with Capstan Equation Help"

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the analysis of pulley performance using the Capstan equation in a lab setting involving two pulleys. The user reports that their measured displacement values consistently fall below predicted values, prompting an investigation into the effect of friction. The calculated coefficient of friction required to explain the discrepancy is 0.0024, which raises questions about its reasonableness for plastic pulleys and thread. The applicability of the Capstan equation in this context is also questioned.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Capstan equation and its applications
  • Basic knowledge of friction coefficients in materials
  • Familiarity with experimental data collection and analysis
  • Concepts of displacement measurement in pulley systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Capstan equation and its relevance to pulley systems
  • Investigate typical friction coefficients for plastic materials
  • Learn about experimental methods for measuring displacement accurately
  • Explore the impact of friction on mechanical systems and performance
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in physics or engineering, particularly those studying mechanical systems and pulley dynamics, will benefit from this discussion.

breid040
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Homework Statement
How does frictional force affect the tension on opposite sides of a pulley string?
Relevant Equations
Tload=Thold(e^uψ)
Hello,
I am doing a lab with 2 pulleys, layout shown below.
image

When I was analyzing the data, my actual values for displacement (d) consistently fell below my predicted values. I was wondering how the friction between the pulleys affected my displacement data. I did some research and came across the listed equation, the capstan equation. However, in order for friction to be the cause of this small error, the coefficient of friction would have to be 0.0024. Is that too small to be reasonable for a plastic pulley and a thread? Also, is using this equation applicable here? Thanks ahead.
 
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breid040 said:
layout shown below.
Umm .. where?
You will need to describe the procedure in the lab, and it would help if you would post your collected data in cut-and-pastable form.
 

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