Rubber Trapezoid and Righting Moment

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the righting moment of an inflatable trapezoid structure with a fixed weight at the top. Participants explore the implications of the trapezoid's deformation during tipping, the potential hazards associated with tipping, and the factors affecting stability, including internal pressure and the rigidity of the structure.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the inflatable trapezoid can be considered rigid or if it will deform during tipping.
  • Another participant expresses concern about the potential hazards of tipping, suggesting it could harm someone.
  • A participant proposes that the trapezoid will deform but not burst, indicating a risk during tipping events.
  • There is a discussion about the angle required for the trapezoid to flip over, with one participant suggesting it needs to exceed 51 degrees.
  • Concerns are raised about how the mass at the top could affect stability, particularly if it tilts and increases force on one edge.
  • A question is posed regarding the assumption of the sidewalls being inextensible, which could impact the analysis of stability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the rigidity of the inflatable trapezoid and the implications of its deformation during tipping. There is no consensus on the exact nature of the risks involved or the conditions under which tipping may occur.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include assumptions about the rigidity of the inflatable structure, the effects of internal pressure on stability, and the specific conditions under which tipping may happen.

CptCavin
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TL;DR
Tipping Moment and Righting Moment of an object on a rubber platform.
I am trying to understand how to find the righting moment of an inflatable trapezoid with 75-pounds at the top. The object at the top is 10" tall and weighs 75-pounds. The 75-pound weight will be fixed to the top of the inflatable trapezoid. The top and bottom of the trapezoid have rigid platforms glued to them post production of the inflatable trapezoid. The primary movement will not be a yaw in any direction but a bounce up and down movement.

I like math and all this but having a hard time to which rules and principles I should get familiar with before chatting with an engineer.
 

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Is the inflatable trapezoid inflated enough that we can consider it rigid, or do we need to assume it will deform during tipping?

Also, is the result of this thing tipping over just going to be some inconvenience picking stuff up off the ground, or is a tipping event a hazard that risks harm to someone?
 
Great questions — It would deform and potentially tip, but it wont burst. The tipping event is a risk that would harm someone. I have a few ideas for a safety mechanism but still working that part...
 
Welcome!

The whole thing needs to be turned over sideways beyond 51 degrees from the represented position in order to make it flip over.

Do you believe that the bouncing could take it to that extreme?

The following is a scaled drawing.

Tipping body.jpg
 
Last edited:
CptCavin said:
It would deform and potentially tip, but it wont burst.
Then one edge of the mass can sink into the inflated rubber trapezoidal envelope.
Any tilt of the mass will increase the force applied to that edge.
The mass can then roll off the rubber stand.
Internal pressure will be critical to stability.
 
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Can you regard the sidewalls of the inflated structure as inextensible?
 

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