Pulleys, Pulleys, and More Pulleys

  • Thread starter Thread starter NekotoKoara
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Pulleys
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on understanding the forces acting on two different pulley systems, particularly how vertical and horizontal forces can create diagonal forces at a 45-degree angle. It highlights the importance of considering these forces when determining the safe working loads of pulleys, especially when they are housed in a metal casing bolted to the ceiling. Participants clarify that while the pulleys can be analyzed using combined diagonal forces, the direction of force matters for the metal casing's structural integrity. Resources on structural analysis and material breaking points are recommended for further understanding. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the complexities of pulley systems and the need for careful analysis in their design and application.
NekotoKoara
Messages
18
Reaction score
2
Ok so I will attach an image of two pulley systems. The one on the right is straight forward. Both forces are vertical so the force pulling down on the pulley is easy to figure out. The one on the left makes me a bit more confused. For the one on the left I was wondering if the combined vertical and horizontal forces would place a force in the diagonal direction (at a 45 degree angle?) on both pulleys towards the center of the system? If so how exactly would I figure out how this plays into the pulleys' safe working loads? Thanks for any guidance you can provide. :-)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Here's the photo.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_5104.JPG
    IMG_5104.JPG
    26.4 KB · Views: 511
NekotoKoara said:
if the combined vertical and horizontal forces would place a force in the diagonal direction (at a 45 degree angle?)
Yes, which would move them to the center, if they are hanging on ropes from the ceiling.

NekotoKoara said:
If so how exactly would I figure out how this plays into the pulleys' safe working loads?
Forces are vectors:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euclidean_vector#Addition_and_subtraction
 
  • Like
Likes NekotoKoara
A.T. said:
Yes, which would move them to the center, if they are hanging on ropes from the ceiling.

Cool. Now what if they are inside a metal casing that is bolted to the ceiling? Would I just ignore the horizontal and vertical forces and just use their combined diagonal force when it comes to the pulleys' safe working load?
 
NekotoKoara said:
Cool. Now what if they are inside a metal casing that is bolted to the ceiling? Would I just ignore the horizontal and vertical forces and just use their combined diagonal force when it comes to the pulleys' safe working load?
For the pulleys, yes.

But for the metal casing that is bolted to the ceiling, it does matter which direction you pull, not just the magnitude of the total force.
 
  • Like
Likes NekotoKoara
A.T. said:
For the pulleys, yes.

But for the metal casing that is bolted to the ceiling, it does matter which direction you pull, not just the magnitude of the total force.

Thanks for your guidance. I have a friend who is building a pulley system that is using pulleys in the configuration of the left system I posted. Would you happen to know of any online resource that I could read that address the potential issues that could arise with the metal casing?
 
NekotoKoara said:
Would you happen to know of any online resource that I could read that address the potential issues that could arise with the metal casing?
Potential issue is that the metal casing or it's attachment from the ceiling breaks.
 
A.T. said:
Potential issue is that the metal casing or it's attachment from the ceiling breaks.

That I am aware of lol. Sorry for not being clear. What I meant was do you have resources in mind that discuss the physics of breaking points of materials that I could read so I can become more familiar with to how to address these types of issues? I am not a physics student so I am teaching myself all of this stuff and at times have a hard time finding online resources to help me understand certain concepts. Any suggestions you have would be very appreciated :-)
 
NekotoKoara said:
That I am aware of lol. Sorry for not being clear. What I meant was do you have resources in mind that discuss the physics of breaking points of materials that I could read so I can become more familiar with to how to address these types of issues?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structural_analysis
 
  • Like
Likes NekotoKoara
  • #10
Back
Top