Solving this exercise in mechanics -- Tipping over this rectangular object

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the mechanics of a rectangular object placed on a frictional surface and the conditions for it to tip over when a force is applied at its upper end. Key points include the relationship between the applied force, frictional force, and the object's center of gravity, emphasizing that if the frictional force is insufficient, the object will slide instead of tipping. The position of the applied force is critical, as it affects the torque and stability of the object. Participants suggest calculating torques and considering the coefficient of friction to determine tipping conditions. The conversation highlights the need for clear constraints and equations to analyze the problem effectively.
yam1244
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Moved from a technical forum, so homework template missing
A body is placed on a surface with friction
Force is applied to the right at the upper end of the body
What is the condition that will cause the body to roll over?

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Welcome to PF.

The block will simply slide if the frictional force is less than the applied force.
What is the frictional force?
Does it matter that the corners are rounded?
Is this homework ?
 
It is not homework.
Frictional force is parameters.
Corner not matter.

As for your answer, I thought so too, but note that the position of the force is at the top of the section (rather than passing through the center of gravity), which means that you imagine that the body was a very narrow, high rectangle.
 
yam1244 said:
Corner not matter.
Unless W = H and corner radius = h/2.
There must be additional constraints on the problem, or required in the answer.
 
What constraint is missing?
The problem I presented is not a test exercise, it is a conceptual problem to understand if and how the friction affects the body's overturning.
You wrote earlier that when the frictional force is greater the body will turn over, but I do not see the effect of the position of force on the body.
Try to write an equation.
 
yam1244 said:
Try to write an equation.
Sum the torques about the tipping point. You will also need the coefficient of friction between the pushing object and the monolith, since the pushing force could slip before the object tips.
 
yam1244 said:
Try to write an equation.
You asked the question, so you should show your attempt to write an equation.
yam1244 said:
Corner not matter.
@yam1244
What happens when; W = H; and r = H/2 ?
Do you need to include your unspecified corner radius in the equation ?
 
yam1244 said:
You wrote earlier that when the frictional force is greater the body will turn over, ...
Who wrote that earlier, and where was it written.
 
Calculate two rotational forces:
1) The torque due to the mass at a distance from the lower right corner.
2) The torque due to the friction on the lower right corner and the opposing force applied to the upper left corner.
The total rotational force should tell you if it will rotate.
 

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