Relationship between radius and force under constant torque?

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The discussion centers on the relationship between force and radius in a wheel subjected to constant torque. It is established that the tangential force on a particle increases linearly with distance from the axis of rotation, with the formula for tangential force being F = torque/radius. Participants clarify that in a rigid body model, all points on the wheel share the same angular velocity and acceleration, despite varying moments of inertia. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding force application and the definition of moment of inertia in this context. Overall, the mechanics of torque, force distribution, and angular motion are emphasized.
24forChromium
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Suppose that there's a wheel. A constant torque is applied to the wheel from the central axis.

What is the relationship between the amount of force received by each particle on the wheel in relation to the distance each particle is away from the axis?
 
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By 'amount of force' do you mean the total tangential force? Of course, as the object increases its angular speed the centripetal component will grow. Assuming a rigid body model the tangential force increases linearly from the axis of rotation.
 
brainpushups said:
By 'amount of force' do you mean the total tangential force? Of course, as the object increases its angular speed the centripetal component will grow. Assuming a rigid body model the tangential force increases linearly from the axis of rotation.
you mean:
tangential force received by point = torque*radius?
 
Sorry if I wasn't clear. Say you have a force F applied at the radius R. The tangential force on a particle at a distance R/2 will be F/2 (again, assuming a rigid body model).
 
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brainpushups said:
Sorry if I wasn't clear. Say you have a force F applied at the radius R. The tangential force on a particle at a distance R/2 will be F/2 (again, assuming a rigid body model).
I see, and I suppose it doesn't matter whether or not is the torque applied from the center or from the side?
 
I don't believe it does. Think about what is happening in the wheel. The points on the edge speed up with a tangential acceleration which must be proportional to the tangential force. Because the tangential acceleration varies linearly from the pivot the tangential force must also.
 
brainpushups said:
I don't believe it does. Think about what is happening in the wheel. The points on the edge speed up with a tangential acceleration which must be proportional to the tangential force. Because the tangential acceleration varies linearly from the pivot the tangential force must also.
that sounds right, and the points further away from the axis have a greater moment of inertia don't they? If they have a greater angular inertia and have to reach an angular velocity higher than those near the axis, shouldn't the equation be F = T*r^2 ?
 
24forChromium said:
the points further away from the axis have a greater moment of inertia don't they?

Yes.

24forChromium said:
If they have a greater angular inertia and have to reach an angular velocity higher than those near the axis,

The particles have the same angular velocity in the rigid body model.

24forChromium said:
shouldn't the equation be F = T*r^2 ?

Not sure how you reason that.
 
24forChromium said:
that sounds right, and the points further away from the axis have a greater moment of inertia don't they? If they have a greater angular inertia and have to reach an angular velocity higher than those near the axis, shouldn't the equation be F = T*r^2 ?
If the body is rigid then all points attain the same angular velocity and have the same angular acceleration.
 
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jbriggs444 said:
If the body is rigid then all points attain the same angular velocity and have the same angular acceleration.
I think only certain, I will say, physics grammar need to be observed while asking or replying questions. I point out some instances:
1. Force cannot be given or accepted like energy. It acts on an object, which should be a material having some mass, I think. in that sense the phrase force at a point has no significance, if we do not know ultimately it is acting on what. In this case where-ever we apply the force it is acting on the whole wheel.
2. moment of Inertia of a point with no regard to its mass is again a meaningless statement.
 
  • #11
brainpushups said:
The particles have the same angular velocity in the rigid body model.
That may depend on where you observe.
 

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