Rotating disc of radius R spinning at constant angular velocity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the dynamics of a rotating disc with a point moving outward, specifically focusing on the linear velocity required for the point to spend equal time on each finite area of the disc during a surface finishing process. The conversation includes theoretical considerations and practical implications of controlling both the radial and angular motions of the disc.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks an equation for linear velocity as a function of radius R to ensure equal time spent on each area of the disc.
  • Another participant clarifies that the goal is to have the linear velocity decrease as the radius increases, suggesting an inverse relationship to the circumference.
  • A participant proposes a mathematical relationship for the velocity of the point based on the ratio of circumferences at different radii.
  • There is a mention of the radial motion being much slower than the angular motion, leading to a derived equation for position and velocity in terms of desired area per time.
  • Some participants discuss alternative approaches, such as maintaining a constant radial feed rate with variable spinning speed to achieve consistent surface finish.
  • One participant emphasizes the uniqueness of their process, noting the necessity to vary radial motion due to constraints on part rotation speed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best approach to achieve the desired surface finish, with some advocating for a constant radial feed rate while others support varying the radial motion. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal method to balance these factors.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the relationship between radial and angular velocities, as well as the specific constraints of the machining process that may affect the proposed solutions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to mechanical engineers, machining professionals, and those involved in surface finishing processes who are exploring the dynamics of rotating systems and the implications of velocity control in practical applications.

Wingman5150
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Ok, so here's the deal. I'm working on something that I SHOULD know the equations for after 5 years of school and a degree in mechanical engineering, but then again I can't remember why I walked into a room most times. So if ya'll could give me some guidance and at least a starting point I would be most appreciative.

So here goes:

I have a rotating disc of radius R spinning at constant angular velocity W. I have a point moving outward on the disc in a straight line with linear velocity V. What I need is an equation for linear velocity as a function of R such that the point will spend the same amount of time on each finite area of the disc as it travels outward.
 
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Wingman5150 said:
Ok, so here's the deal. I'm working on something that I SHOULD know the equations for after 5 years of school and a degree in mechanical engineering, but then again I can't remember why I walked into a room most times. So if ya'll could give me some guidance and at least a starting point I would be most appreciative.

So here goes:

I have a rotating disc of radius R spinning at constant angular velocity W. I have a point moving outward on the disc in a straight line with linear velocity V. What I need is an equation for linear velocity as a function of R such that the point will spend the same amount of time on each finite area of the disc as it travels outward.
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

What do you mean by "spend the same amount of time on each finite area of the disc"?
 
Yeah, i didn't word that very well. So its a surface finishing process. I want the head to spend an even amount of time on the surface as it moves out. The end result should have V decreasing as R increases.
 
Wingman5150 said:
Yeah, i didn't word that very well. So its a surface finishing process. I want the head to spend an even amount of time on the surface as it moves out. The end result should have V decreasing as R increases.
Ah, so you want the linear velocity to be inversely proportional to the circumference of the circle at that radius. Does that help?
 
Helps explain what I'm trying to say, yes. Helps me get the function... no. Granted, my brain is fried, but deadlines don't wait for rested minds do they?
 
How wide (in the radial direction) is the polishing head? How many passes in the radial direction does the polishing head move?

Circumference is 2πR(t), R(t)=R(0)+Vr(t)*t, Vr(t)=Vr(0)*1/(R(t)-R(0)) or something like that. I'll have to play with it some to try to get you the equation for Vr(t) in terms of R(0)...

EDIT -- that equation isn't quite right yet...
 
You want Vr(t) to ratio with the ratio of the two circumferences, so when you are at R(0), you are at Vr(0). When you are at 2R(0), you want to be at Vr=(1/2)Vr(0). When you are at 3R(0), you want Vr=(1/3)Vr(0), and so on.

That looks more like Vr(R)=Vr(0)*(R(0)/R(t))

How are you controlling the radial motion of the polishing head? You have a linear actuator that you can control the linear speed and can read back the position?
 
Assuming that the radial motion is much slower than the angular motion and the point sweeps close enough to each point many times, W doesn't matter.
r is the position of the point
dA/dt is the desired cure area per time.
##r = \sqrt{\frac{t}{2\pi}} \sqrt{dA/dt}##
Or if you want the velocity of the point
##dr/dt = \frac{1}{2\sqrt{2\pi t}} \sqrt{dA/dt}##
 
In most machining processes this requirement is met the other way around - constant radial feed rate and variable spinning speed . If set up properly this means that the cutting speed is constant and surface finish is same at different radii .
 
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  • #10
I agree with Nidium that the better way of doing it would be to slow down the part for a constant finish, since as you go outward you're going to have to remove more material, and you may need to slow down the feed speed more than the surface finish requirements to prevent it from heating or loading up.

Regardless of which you're slowing down, it would be proportional to 1/R, meaning you can't (theoretically) do the center point.
 
  • #11
Unfortunately, this is a very unique process. I do have complete control of both the part rotation and the radial sweep, however i am limited by how fast the part can spin because of other processes. In this case i HAVE to vary the radial motion to make this work.

I think you guys have given me enough that I can start building the basic structure. Thank you. Now the fun part... theory VS application :)
 
  • #12
Good luck with it
 

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