Shaft Friction Control: Simple Solutions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding simple solutions for controlling resistance on a rotating shaft in a mechanical structure, particularly in the context of wind-driven applications. Participants explore various instrumentation options to achieve this without adding extra weights to increase inertia.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the required torque and rotation speed, suggesting the use of a DC motor or eddy current braking as potential solutions.
  • Another participant notes the lack of specific torque requirements since the shaft is wind-driven, indicating a blade will be fixed to it.
  • Further questions are raised regarding the dimensions of the blade, wind speed, and the orientation of the shaft (vertical or horizontal).
  • A participant challenges the notion of needing a "sort of brake," suggesting that while many models exist, they fundamentally operate similarly.
  • Another participant proposes that instead of adding weight to increase inertia, moving existing weights away from the center of rotation could be a viable alternative.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying degrees of uncertainty regarding the specifics of the project, such as torque requirements and design parameters. There is no consensus on the best approach to control resistance on the shaft, with multiple suggestions and questions remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the absence of specific torque specifications, wind speed details, and the weight of the rotating mass, which may affect the proposed solutions.

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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