Static equilibrium minimum cylinder mass problem

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the minimum mass of a cylinder required to cause loss of contact at a specific point in a static equilibrium problem. Participants explore the equilibrium conditions, including forces and torques, and share their attempts at formulating the necessary equations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express uncertainty about the problem, suggesting that a figure may be missing from the statement.
  • Several participants mention the need to compute torques and set them equal to zero as part of the solution process.
  • One participant notes that the weight of the object can be expressed in terms of mass, proposing specific weight distributions for different components of the system.
  • Participants discuss the normal force from the wall and its implications when contact is lost, questioning the correct representation of forces in their diagrams.
  • There is a discussion about the correct formulation of torque equations, with some participants pointing out potential errors in dimensions and variables used in the equations.
  • One participant suggests that the mass of the cylinder will depend on the mass of the L-shaped object, indicating a relationship between the two masses in their equations.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of including gravitational factors in their equations and correcting any missing variables.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to analyze forces and torques, but there is no consensus on the specific formulations or the presence of missing information. Multiple competing views on the correct approach and assumptions remain evident throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight potential limitations in their equations, such as missing assumptions regarding uniform density and the correct application of torque calculations. There are also unresolved questions about the dimensions and variables used in the equations.

J-dizzal
Messages
394
Reaction score
6

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
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
I suspect there is a figure missing from the problem statement.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: J-dizzal
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.)
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: J-dizzal
  • #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
 
Last edited:
  • #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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: J-dizzal

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
7K
Replies
3
Views
2K