Pulley & Angle: Tension Calculation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the tension in a wire wrapped around a pulley, particularly focusing on how the angle of the wire affects the tension when a force is applied. Participants explore the implications of the angle on the tension calculation, considering both theoretical and experimental perspectives.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to understand how the angle of the wire influences the tension, suggesting that without the angle, the tension could be calculated by dividing the pulling strength by a factor of 2.
  • Another participant proposes decomposing the tension force into two components: one parallel and one perpendicular to the red line.
  • A participant mentions that if the wire is bent at an angle A, the tension could be expressed as F*cos(A), implying that this would reduce the tension in the wire.
  • A later reply contests this view, arguing that the tension in the wire actually increases when there is an angle, suggesting a possible misunderstanding in the calculations presented.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how the angle affects tension, with some suggesting it decreases tension while others argue it increases. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on the relationship between angle and tension.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the specific geometry of the pulley system and the definitions of tension in relation to the angle. Participants have not provided complete mathematical derivations to support their claims.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in mechanics, particularly those studying forces in pulley systems or tension calculations in engineering contexts.

RorschachDK
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Hello everybody

Im trying to calculate the tension in wire (se attached image). the wire is wrapped around a pulley and combined in the end at which you pull with 50 kN. As far as I understand, if youdon´t have this angle so that that the wire ends follow the red dotted line then one can just divide the pulling strength by a factor of 2. But how does this angle influence?

Best regards
 

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decompose the tension force on the string into two components. One of the components ought to be parallel to the red line while the other component will be perpendicular
 
dauto said:
decompose the tension force on the string into two components. One of the components ought to be parallel to the red line while the other component will be perpendicular

If the wire is bend a certain angle A, then the tension in the wire would be F*cos(A)?, then this would make the tension in the wire smaller - I have done this experiment in real life and experienced a smaller force was nessecary in order to brake the wire compared to a normal pull in the wire.
Am I not understanding you rigth?
 
RorschachDK said:
If the wire is bend a certain angle A, then the tension in the wire would be F*cos(A)?, then this would make the tension in the wire smaller - I have done this experiment in real life and experienced a smaller force was nessecary in order to brake the wire compared to a normal pull in the wire.
Am I not understanding you rigth?

It's the other way around - the tension in the wire is greater not smaller when there's an angle. You may have multiplied somewhere when you should have divided? Show your work and someone here will spot the problem.
 

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