Does Applying Excess Torque to a Wheel Cause It to Slip?

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between torque, angular acceleration, and linear acceleration when a wheel is set into motion. It is stated that if more torque is applied than needed, the wheel will accelerate and may slip if the available friction force is less than the force needed to produce the linear acceleration. The concept of total inertia is also mentioned, with the formula for a solid uniform cylinder provided as an example. It is concluded that the angular acceleration in this scenario is 1/3 of that of a non-rolling cylinder with no friction.
  • #1
koolraj09
167
5
Hi guys.
I had a l'll confusion regarding rolling. Suppose you have a wheel and we set it into motion. If we give it more torque than required to just start rolling it'll accelerate..right? But will it slip greatly if we supply more torque?
Thanks in Advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
hi koolraj09! :smile:

use torque to find the angular acceleration, from that find the linear acceleration if there's no slipping, then use F = ma to find the applied force needed to produce that linear acceleration …

the only (horizontal) applied force is the available friction force, so if that's less than F, the wheel will slip :wink:
 
  • #3
Torque is opposed by both angular and linear inertia, assuming no slippage, the rate of acceleration is affected by the total inertia, both angular and linear.

If all the mass is at the center than you only have linear factors:

F = m a = T / r
a = T / (m r)
α = a / r = T / (m r2) = T / Il
Il = m r2

If the mass is not at the center, then total inertial equals the sum of angular and linear related components:

I = Ia + Il
c = constant for angular component
Ia = c m r2
I = (c + 1)m r2

For a solid uniform cylinder, c = 1/2
I = Ia + Il = 1/2 m r2 + m r2
Total inertial is triple that of a non-rolling cylinder (zero friction)

α = T / (3/2 m r2) = 2/3 T / (m r2) = 1/3 T / (1/2 m r2)
Angular acceleration is 1/3 of a non-rolling cylinder (zero friction)
 
Last edited:

FAQ: Does Applying Excess Torque to a Wheel Cause It to Slip?

1. What is rolling friction?

Rolling friction is the force that resists the motion of a rolling object, such as a ball or wheel, on a surface. It is caused by the deformation of the object and the surface it is rolling on.

2. How is rolling friction different from sliding friction?

Rolling friction is different from sliding friction because it only occurs when an object is rolling, while sliding friction occurs when an object is sliding or dragging along a surface. Additionally, rolling friction is typically lower than sliding friction, making it easier for objects to roll rather than slide.

3. How does rolling friction affect the movement of objects?

Rolling friction can affect the movement of objects by slowing them down or making it more difficult for them to start rolling. It also plays a role in determining how far an object will roll and how long it will continue to roll before coming to a stop.

4. What is torque and how is it related to rolling friction?

Torque is a measure of the force that causes an object to rotate or spin around an axis. In the context of rolling friction, torque is important because it is the force that is required to overcome rolling friction and keep an object rolling. Without enough torque, an object will not be able to overcome rolling friction and will come to a stop.

5. How can rolling friction be reduced or minimized?

There are several ways to reduce or minimize rolling friction. One way is to use smoother and harder surfaces for both the rolling object and the surface it is rolling on. Additionally, adding lubricants or oils to the surface can help reduce friction. Lastly, reducing the weight of the rolling object can also decrease rolling friction.

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
554
Replies
41
Views
4K
Replies
10
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
4K
Back
Top