Required tension of rope around a cylinder to hold a object.

AI Thread Summary
To determine the tension required in a rope tied around a vertical cylinder to hold a mass, the coefficient of friction between the cylinder and the mass is crucial. The friction force is calculated as the product of the coefficient of friction and the force perpendicular to the cylinder's surface. This perpendicular force is not simply equal to the tension in the rope; it depends on the dimensions of the mass and how it interacts with the cylinder. Accurate dimensions are necessary to calculate the effective force pressing the mass against the cylinder. Understanding these relationships is essential for solving the problem effectively.
kaar
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please see attached drawing. I am trying to understand how this would work.

Imagine a vertical cylinder of diameter "D". I would like to tie a mass M to it, using a rope. what is the tension "T" that is required on the rope?

I assume the force required will depend on the coefficient of friction between the cylinder and the mass, let us assume that to be "mu".

but in this case, friction force = mu * force perpendicular to the cylinder surface

how to calculate this perpendicular force? is it just equal to the tension T? I am confused because when a rope goes though a pully we always assume tension to be tangential to the pully at any given point...

any clarifications of my understanding is welcome!
 

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I have redrawn the problem a bit, I think the physics remains the same. Hope this helps.
 

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You wrote,

is it just equal to the tension T?

No in general. I think you would have to accurate dimensions of the mass M to calculate what fraction of T presses mass M against the cylinder. My sketch above takes liberty with the dimensions as none were given.
 
That clarified my doubt..thanks.
 
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