Solving Rotary Friction Problem at Ye Olde Swinging Door

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving rotary friction in a swinging door that remains at rest when opened to 75 degrees but slowly closes when positioned at 60 degrees. Participants explore potential causes for this behavior, including mechanical issues and structural factors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the issue could be related to the hinges, with recommendations to oil them to reduce friction.
  • Others propose that uneven accumulation of rust, dirt, and moisture on the hinges might contribute to the problem.
  • There is a question about whether the door is designed to close from gravity alone, indicating a potential design feature or an issue related to the house's age.
  • Some participants mention the possibility of a non-vertical hinge axis affecting the door's motion.
  • One participant shares an anecdote about how settling in houses can lead to doors jamming, suggesting structural changes might also be a factor.
  • There is a humorous exchange about the age of the house and its implications for the door's functionality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the causes of the door's behavior, with no consensus reached on a single explanation. Various mechanical and structural factors are proposed, but the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the door's design and the condition of the hinges are not fully explored, and the discussion does not clarify the extent to which each proposed factor contributes to the problem.

Ben2
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Homework Statement: A door opened at 75 degrees from the latch remains at rest. When moved to a position 60 degrees from the latch, it slowly closes on its own. Is there another possible cause besides a sloping floor?
Relevant Equations: \tau = r x F; v = \omega x r; a_T = \alpha x r, where all quantities are vectors.

I'm in a house with repurposed parts. I'd like those with physical intuition to look at a problem involving rotary friction. Thanks in advance!
 
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The issue COULD be with the hinges. Have you tried oiling the hinges to see if that makes any difference?
 
Argh! @phinds preempted me. I had this happen to me until I oiled the hinges.
 
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Good suggestion! I've often wondered if different radial sections of a hinge could experience different amounts of friction.
 
There could be any combination of rust, dirt and moisture accumulating unevenly on the hinges.
 
(thread moved from the Homework forums to the General Discussion forum)
 
Is the door hung so it will to close from gravity alone? Is this a design feature or just an old house?
 
kuruman said:
There could be any combination of rust, dirt and moisture accumulating unevenly on the hinges.
..., plus a dollop of shoddy/slipshod construction, and it's anybody's guess....
 
Houses settle. Unevenly. I once designed a beam so that a friend could remove a load bearing interior wall. When we forced the beam into place, it had the effect of straightening the second floor. Every door on the second floor jammed.
 
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  • #10
My house turns 83 this year. Is that an old house? I can't decide ( After all it is only a dozen years older than moi and I never looked better although I do sag a little.......)
 
  • #11
Do you want the door to close or to not close?
 
  • #12
Ben2 said:
Is there another possible cause besides a sloping floor?
You mean a non-vertical hinge axis? Perhaps one inclined in the plane that is 75 degrees from the latch?

One does hope that the hinges are all colinear. Flexing the door as it goes through its motion would allow a place for potential energy to be deposited.
 
  • #13
OP hasn't been seen since several days ago when he posted the question. Seems he doesn't really care.
 
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  • #14
I thought I heard something: Sounded like a door hitting someone in the...

:wink:
 
  • #15
berkeman said:
I thought I heard something: Sounded like a door hitting someone in the...

:wink:
howling wolf small.jpg
 
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