Shaft Friction Control: Simple Solutions

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on controlling shaft friction in a mechanical structure utilizing a rotating shaft. Participants suggest various methods, including using a DC motor for torque generation, implementing eddy current braking with a conductive disk and fixed magnet, and employing a Prony brake for resistance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific torque requirements, shaft rotation speed, and the weight of the rotating mass to determine the most effective solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of DC motors and torque generation
  • Knowledge of eddy current braking principles
  • Familiarity with Prony brake applications
  • Basic mechanical engineering concepts related to rotational dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the design and implementation of DC motors for torque control
  • Explore the principles of eddy current braking and its applications in mechanical systems
  • Study the construction and usage of Prony brakes for resistance measurement
  • Investigate methods for optimizing the placement of weights on rotating shafts to increase inertia
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical engineers, designers of rotating machinery, and anyone involved in optimizing shaft performance and resistance control in mechanical systems.

mechit
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TL;DR
Shaft friction control
Hello Everyone,

I'm working on a future mechanical structure with a rotating shaft. In this project, I should be able to control the resistance on the shaft but instead of adding some extra weights on the shaft to increase inertia, I don't have any ideas. Does anyone have an idea of simple instrumentation (sort of a brake) to add on the shaft so that it helps to increase resistance on it?

Thanks a lot
 
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Welcome to PF.
How much torque do you require?
How fast does the shaft rotate?
You could use a DC motor with a continuous current to generate the torque.
You could use a conductive disk with a fixed magnet to give eddy current braking.
Or go old style ... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prony_brake
 
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Thank you for your reply!
Actually, I don't have a specification for the torque because it is a shaft that rotates thanks to the wind. A blade will be fixed on it.
I will look at your recommendation
Thanks a lot
 
What is the radius = length of one blade ?
What is the wind speed ?
 
Is it vertical or horizontal?
Are you wanting to stop its rotation from a high speed or just slow it? What is the approximate weight of the rotating mass?
 
mechit said:
Does anyone have an idea of simple instrumentation (sort of a brake) to add on the shaft so that it helps to increase resistance on it?
I don't understand, a brake is a "sort of brake". Sure, there are many models, but they pretty much all work the same.
mechit said:
I should be able to control the resistance on the shaft but instead of adding some extra weights on the shaft to increase inertia, I don't have any ideas.
If increasing inertia is what you are looking for, you don't have to add extra weight, you can just move the ones already there away from the center of rotation.

 

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