Tension in Rope Wrapped Around a Rod

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    Rod Rope Tension
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the acceleration of two masses connected by a rope wrapped around a rod, particularly after the rope begins to slip. The relationship between the tensions T_A and T_B is established using the Capstan equation, incorporating kinetic friction. Participants clarify that the accelerations of the two masses are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction, leading to the conclusion that a_1 = -a_2. The final formula for acceleration is derived, showing a complex relationship involving gravitational forces and friction. The conversation emphasizes understanding the dynamics of the system and the implications of the rope's inelastic nature.
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Homework Statement



I solved the first part of the problem correctly. Here there is the second part:
assume that m1 is large enough so that the rope starts to slip and the masses start to move. What is a, the magnitude of the acceleration of the masses after sliding has begun?

Hint: Just when the masses start moving, the relationship between T_A

and T_B becomes T_B=T_A*e^(-mu_k*pi), where mu static is replaced by mu kinetic.

m_1>m_2
theta = pi

Homework Equations



I guess I have include the friction force and use the Capstan equation to do so but I am lost.

The Attempt at a Solution



T_1>T_2
T_1 = T_A (from the first part)
T_1 = T_2 + F_f (friction on the contact surface)

m_1*g-T_A=m_1*a_1
T_B-m_2*g = m_2*a_2

I tried to experiment with the moment of inertia but it wasn't covered in the course. Any hint what to do next? I am still left with T_A, when I try to calculate acceleration.
 

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Poetria said:
I am still left with T_A, when I try to calculate acceleration.
I don't see how. You know the relationship between TA and TB, and the relationship between a1 and a2. Four equations, four unknowns.
 
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I see.
Is this correct:

for T_A:

m_1*g-T_A=T_A*e^(-mu_k*pi)-m_2*g

since m_1*a_1=m_2*a_2

finally I got:
T_A=(g*m_1+m_2)/(1+e^(-mu_k*pi))a*(m_1+m_2)= m_1*a_1-m_2*a_2

The right side:
T_A-m_1*g-T_B+m_2*g = T_A*(1-e^(-mu_k*pi))+g*(m_2-m_1)

So
a = ((g*(m_1+m_2)/(1+e^(-mu_k*pi)))*(1-e^(-mu_k*pi))+g*(m_2-m_1))/(m_1+m_2)

It looks complicated.
 
Poetria said:
since m_1*a_1=m_2*a_2
Um, why?
 
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haruspex said:
Um, why?

I thought this is because mass 1 and mass 2 are connected.
 
Poetria said:
I thought this is because mass 1 and mass 2 are connected.
Yes, but by what, exactly?
 
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haruspex said:
Yes, but by what, exactly?

By a rope of course. I thought net force for 1 should be equal in magnitude to net force for 2. I guess I don't understand it. :(
 
Poetria said:
By a rope of course.
Right, not a length of elastic.
 
haruspex said:
Right, not a length of elastic.

Yes, It won't stretch. It is just like taking derivatives of the length of a rope. Acceleration is its second derivative.
So is just a_1=a_2?
 
  • #10
Poetria said:
Yes, It won't stretch. It is just like taking derivatives of the length of a rope. Acceleration is its second derivative.
So is just a_1=a_2?
Right.
 
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  • #11
haruspex said:
Right.

Thanks. I got the right answer. Phew.
 
  • #12
haruspex said:
Right.
It should be (a_1 = - a_2). Correct me if i am wrong.
 
  • #13
swaqqiali said:
It should be (a_1 = - a_2). Correct me if i am wrong.
If you look at the equations in post #1 you will see that a1 is being defined as positive down while a2 is defined as positive up. a1=a2.
 
  • #14
haruspex said:
If you look at the equations in post #1 you will see that a1 is being defined as positive down while a2 is defined as positive up. a1=a2.
yes, i missed that, thank you.
 
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