Statics: find tension/wrap angle for pulley

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a statics problem involving a pulley system, specifically focusing on finding the tension values for T(sub-B) and T(sub-B) prime, as well as the wrap angle. Participants explore the relationship between tension, wrap angle, and torque in the context of a balance of moments.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a calculation for the wrap angle as 188 degrees and derives a tension ratio of 2.84, noting a discrepancy with the book's ratio of 3.
  • Another participant suggests that the problem is a balance of moments rather than a belt friction problem and points out the omission of the coefficient of friction in the tension ratio equation.
  • A different participant proposes that the problem can be approached as a lever-arm problem, calculating the torque exerted by T(sub-D) and suggesting that T(sub-B) must exert an equal torque on the axle.
  • One participant challenges the previous logic by stating that all four tensions (T(sub-B), T(sub-B) prime, T(sub-D), and T(sub-D) prime) need to be included in the moment balance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the approach to the problem, with some focusing on moments and others on tension ratios. There is no consensus on the correct method to solve the problem, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully clarified the assumptions regarding the coefficient of friction and the specific definitions of the tensions involved. The relationship between the tensions and the wrap angle remains a point of contention.

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Homework Statement


Given: T(sub-B) plus T(sub-B) prime = 36. Both T(sub-C) values are 0. T (sub-D) =36 and T (sub-D) prime = 12. Find values of T (sub-B) and T (sub-B) prime[/B]

Homework Equations


OK, so we need to find the wrap angle, which should be 180 + 30 -22, which comes to 188 degrees, which is 1.04 pi radians.
Then: T (tightside)/T (slackside) = e raised to wrap angle (in radians)
This yields a T (tightside)/T (slackside) of 2.84.
The book shows this ratio as 3.

Also, confused: the values of T (sub-D) are in the same ratio (3 to 1) yet their wrap value is clearly 180 degrees or 1 pi[/B]

Can someone point me in the right direction? Thank you.

The Attempt at a Solution

 

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This is a balance of moments problem, not a belt friction problem. But, in any event, in your equation for the ratio of the tensions, you left out the coefficient of friction.

Chet
 
Oh, so this is just a lever-arm problem? If we look at T (sub-D), it exerts a torque of (6 in)(36Lbs)=216 in-LB on the axle. Therefore, the tightside of the belt around pulley B, which is T (sub-B), must also exert 216 in-LB of force on the axle. We know its lever arm is 8 in, so the force must be 27LB. Is this the correct logic to apply here?

Thank you for helping...I am trying to wade through this statics course by myself, so I don't have access to professors or even other students to ask questions or debate logic.
 
No. You need to include in the moment balance all four of these: TB, TB', TD, and TD'.

Chet
 

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