Static equilibrium minimum cylinder mass problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on determining the minimum mass of a cylinder required to lose contact at point A in a static equilibrium problem. Participants emphasize the importance of applying the equilibrium equations for forces and torques, suggesting a focus on calculating torques about a specific point. There is a consensus that a figure is necessary for clarity, and various participants share their equations and assumptions regarding the weights and dimensions of the components involved. The conversation highlights the need to ensure all variables are accounted for and correctly represented in the equations. Overall, the problem-solving process involves refining equations and addressing potential typos or miscalculations.
J-dizzal
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Homework Statement


Determine the minimum cylinder mass m1 required to cause loss of contact at A.

20150705_173930_zpstbaku2nz.jpg

Homework Equations


ΣF=0, ΣM=0

The Attempt at a Solution


Im not sure where to go with this one. the solution would be in terms of mass(m)
20150705_170558_zpslutfdwqc.jpg
 
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I suspect there is a figure missing from the problem statement.
 
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Dr. Courtney said:
I suspect there is a figure missing from the problem statement.
oops, uploading now
 
I have the same question if anyone made progress on it.
 
Dr. Courtney said:
I suspect there is a figure missing from the problem statement.
HelaCopter said:
I have the same question if anyone made progress on it.
what do you have for your equilibrium equations?
 
Classic equilibrium problem. The sum of the forces is set equal to zero. The sum of the torques is set equal to zero.

I would focus first on the torques on the angled piece. Compute them all. Add and set them equal to zero.
 
Dr. Courtney said:
Classic equilibrium problem. The sum of the forces is set equal to zero. The sum of the torques is set equal to zero.

I would focus first on the torques on the angled piece. Compute them all. Add and set them equal to zero.
Thats what i tried in my solution, I am not sure what is wrong with it
 
J-dizzal said:
Thats what i tried in my solution, I am not sure what is wrong with it
I have the same moment equation.
 
HelaCopter said:
I have the same moment equation.
i think the weight of the object is equal to m. therefore it follows that the weight of the longer bean is 2/3w and the shorter beam has weight w/3.

this might be used to get the ∑F=0 eqation. if that is even needed.
 
  • #10
Hi J-dizzal.

The problem should've put a 90-degree angle between the L shaped part :\

Is what you call Ax the normal force from the wall? What will this be when contact is lost?
(P.S. it would be perpendicular to the wall, I think I can faintly see you drew it perpendicular and then erased it.)

Is what you call M0 is supposed to be the torque about O due to the weight of L-shaped part? You should be able to find an expression for this (assume the density is uniform).

You also need to find an expression for what you call Tm.

Then you should be good.edit:
J-dizzal said:
i think the weight of the object is equal to m. therefore it follows that the weight of the longer bean is 2/3w and the shorter beam has weight w/3.
Yes this will come into play in the expression for M0
(Also, this assumes the density is uniform, which you have to assume, but it's good to recognize your assumptions.)
 
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  • #11
Nathanael said:
Hi J-dizzal

Is what you call Ax the normal force from the wall? What will this be when contact is lost?
(P.S. it would be perpendicular to the wall, I think I can faintly see you drew it perpendicular and then erased it.)

Is what you call M0 is supposed to be the torque about O due to the weight of L-shaped part? You should be able to find an expression for this (assume the density is uniform).

You also need to find an expression for what you call Tm.

Then you should be good.edit:

Yes this will come into play in the expression for M0
(Also, this assume the density is uniform, which you have to assume, but it's good to recognize your assumptions.)
yes, Ax=0,
edit
Hi Nathanael,
M0 is the reactant force about point 0. was i supposed to draw that reactant force, i think reactant forces are only drawn for the axis they are restricted?
An expression for Tm; maybe in terms of just mg
 
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  • #12
J-dizzal said:
yes, Ax=0,
M0 is the reactant force about point 0. was i supposed to draw that reactant force, i think reactant forces are only drawn for the axis they are restricted?
This is the advantage of choosing to take the torques about point O, the force of the hinge produces no torque.
(If you calculated it you would multiply a force by zero distance which=0)
In that case you need to include the torques due to the weight of the L shaped object in your equation

J-dizzal said:
An expression for Tm; maybe in terms of just m1
Yes it will be in terms of m1
 
  • #13
Is Ay correctly shown here? ΣM0= Ax2/3 l + m1/2 cos(34) l/3 + m/3 cos(34) 1/9 l - 2/3 m cos(56) = 0
this seems like it has too many variables
 
  • #14
J-dizzal said:
Is Ay correctly shown here?
I'm not sure what you mean, what is Ay?

J-dizzal said:
m1/2 cos(34) l/3 + m/3 cos(34) 1/9 l - 2/3 m cos(56)
The dimensions are wrong on all these terms. (May be a typo.)

J-dizzal said:
Ax2/3 l
Like you said Ax is zero so just drop this term.

J-dizzal said:
m/3 cos(34) 1/9 l
Can you explain why you used L/9?

J-dizzal said:
- 2/3 m cos(56)
You haven't multiplied this term by any distance.

J-dizzal said:
this seems like it has too many variables
The mass of the cylinder will depend on the the mass of the L-shaped thing, but that should be the only variable left in the end.
 
  • #15
∑M= m1/2 cos(34) l/3 + 3.3cos(34) l/6 - 6.5cos(56) l/3 =0

3.3N= 1/3m(9.8m/s/s)
6.5N= 2/3m(9.8m/s/s)
 
  • #16
J-dizzal said:
∑M= m1/2 cos(34) l/3 + 3.3cos(34) l/6 - 6.5cos(56) l/3 =0

3.3N= 1/3m(9.8m/s/s)
6.5N= 2/3m(9.8m/s/s)
mg/3=3.3m not 3.3 but don't plug in g=9.8 anyway, just put g (you will be able to divide the g out of the equation).

It's looking better. The m1 term should also have a factor of g, and for some reason you left "m" out of the equation. Other than that it is good.
 
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