# Physics of punching a heavy bag

1. Jun 29, 2012

### pkumor

I am working on a project where my client wants to hang several heavy punching bags from the roof structure of his building. As my physics is quite rusty, I need help in determining the reactions a struck heavy bag will have on a roof member.

I have attached a diagram with a brief description of the problem. Any assistance on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

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• ###### Heavy Bag Diagram.pdf
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2. Jun 29, 2012

### Infinitum

Hi pkumor! Welcome to PF

Start by observing all the forces acting on the punching bag. In which position would the tension be maximum?

3. Jun 29, 2012

### pkumor

Infinitum,
Am I missing a force?

I am guessing the max tension would be when the bag is vertical, but I also need to know what the tension at the top of the swing would be to determine the maximum horizontal force being applied at the support...

4. Jun 29, 2012

### Infinitum

You don't seem to have the tension labelled on the bag. I missed it while looking earlier.

The maximum tension is at the bottom most point, when the bag is given a velocity to freely move in circular motion. But what is the question exactly, the person applies a force F, continuously, or is it impulsive?

If it is impulsive(as a punch is :tongue2:), you need to include the centripetal force into your force equations.

5. Jun 29, 2012

### pkumor

For the sake of this question the force is an impulse, the boxer hits the bag and it moves away from him.

And that is where I need the help, as I stated my physics is rusty. I do not know how to correctly applying the equations to this problem and need some detailed guidance (or just the answer) so I can move onto designing the roof members.

Also (T) was included in the diagram, but not the centripetal force...

6. Jun 29, 2012

### Infinitum

So if it is an impulsive force, you need to calculate the velocity the bag attains when it was punched, from the impulse equation,

$$F = \frac{\Delta mv}{\Delta t}$$

Now, getting this velocity the of the bag, the maximum tension(which is at the bottommost point) will be given as,

$$T = mg + \frac{mv^2}{l}$$

7. Jun 29, 2012

### pkumor

ok, but isn't v dependent on how far up the bag moved through the arc, which would be determined by the initial F?

How do I calculate $\varphi$ from the initial punch?

Also how do I calculate the tension in the rope at the top of the arc when the velocity equals zero?

If it helps we can say F=500lb, r=8ft, w=100lb...

8. Jun 29, 2012

### Infinitum

Of course it is dependent on initial F

At the highest point the bag reaches, its velocity is zero. So, apply conservation of energy at this point to determine what height it reaches. Now, you know that the bag is moving in a circle, so what is the angle displaced by it, if you know how high it has gone?

When the velocity is zero, the bag is at the most extreme position of the circular arc it is travelling(somewhat like a simple pendulum) So which in which direction will it have no net acceleration. What can you say about the forces in this direction?