Rod resting on a cylinder, find mu

resurgance2001

Problem Statement
Please see the photo of the question below with the diagram. We have to find the coefficient of friction between the rod and plane
Relevant Equations
Moments, Components of forces, and friction = mu x reaction force.
My solution is on the files.

The basic approac was the take moments about A. Then find the reaction at C.

Use the reaction at C to find the friction between rod and cylinder.

I take it to mean from the question that the friction between the rod and plane is equal to the friction between the rod and cylinder.

So find reaction at A.

And then divide the friction by the reaction at A.

So my real question is do you agree with the approach or can you suggest a more elegant way of solving the problem. ?

Thanks

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kuruman

Homework Helper
Gold Member
I do not agree with your method. There are additional forces $F_x$ and $F_y$ at the point where the rod touches the ground. You need to take these into account and write three equations balancing the horizontal forces, the vertical forces and the torques.
I take it to mean from the question that the friction between the rod and plane is equal to the friction between the rod and cylinder.
The statement "Given that friction is limiting at both A and C" does not mean that the forces of friction are equal; it means that at both A and C the rod is at the threshold of slipping.

I would use a coordinate system with vertical and horizontal axes otherwise you will go crazy trying to sort out the force of static friction where the rod meets the ground.

resurgance2001

I do not agree with your method. There are additional forces $F_x$ and $F_y$ at the point where the rod touches the ground. You need to take these into account and write three equations balancing the horizontal forces, the vertical forces and the torques.

The statement "Given that friction is limiting at both A and C" does not mean that the forces of friction are equal; it means that at both A and C the rod is at the threshold of slipping.

I would use a coordinate system with vertical and horizontal axes otherwise you will go crazy trying to sort out the force of static friction where the rod meets the ground.
Thanks. I have another answer that someone else has done. It looks like they are doing the right thing with what looks like possibly a good free body diagram. However, at the start of their answer they just seem to pull out of nowhere 1/2 NRC - I can’t see what the justification is for that equation. Are they balancing moments. The diagram looks convincing but I am not convinced it is the correct answer.

resurgance2001

Sorry I forgot to add the file.

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kuruman

Homework Helper
Gold Member
It looks like $NR_C$ represents the "normal reaction force at point C" which is perpendicular to the length of the rod. It has a vertical component equal to $NR_C\cos60^o=NR_C×\frac{1}{2}$. It is needed not to balance torques but to balance the vertical forces. I have not done the problem in detail. When I do, I will let you know whether I agree with the solution you posted in #4.

On edit: My answer disagrees with the one posted in #4. I found one error and there may be more. The third equation from the bottom is supposed to be the balance equation for thr vertical forces. It reads $NR_A+NR_C=\frac{8}{3}NR_C$. It has already been established that the weight $W=83NR_C$. It is also correct that $NR_A$ is the vertical force at A. However $NR_C$ on the left side should be the vertical component of $NR_C$ not its magnitude. I suggest that you derive your own solution and then we can compare with mine.

Last edited:

"Rod resting on a cylinder, find mu"

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