Torque Required to turn a wheel

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the weight capacity of a motor and wheel setup, specifically focusing on the torque output of an electric motor and its implications for handling weight. The scope includes theoretical considerations of torque, rolling resistance, and the dynamics of acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the weight capacity that can be handled by a motor producing 6000 ft-lb of torque while driving 44" wheels at a maximum of 2 RPM.
  • Another participant points out that limitations may arise from the inertia of the wheel and the load ratings of the supporting bearings, questioning the accuracy of the torque figure provided.
  • A mathematical model is presented that relates rolling resistance, mass, and torque to determine the maximum weight capacity, incorporating factors such as rolling resistance coefficient and tire-road friction coefficient.
  • The original poster confirms the torque figure and expresses a target weight capacity of approximately 100,000 lbs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the torque figure and its implications for weight capacity. There is no consensus on the maximum weight that can be handled, as various factors and assumptions are introduced.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential inaccuracies in the torque figure, dependence on specific values for rolling resistance and friction coefficients, and the unresolved nature of the acceleration factor in the calculations.

lysolmax
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Hello,

I am trying to figure out how much weight a particular motor/wheel setup can handle.

I have an electric motor that puts out 6000ft*lb of torque, and is driving 44" wheels and needs to reach a maximum of 2RPM. Acceleration doesn't really matter so long as the wheels are able to get up to speed in a reasonable amount of time.

How much weight am I capable of handling on this setup?
 
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You limitations will be in the inertial of whatever wheel you are accelerating, and the load ratings for the bearings supporting the wheel. 6000 ft-lb of torque sounds like a lot, are you sure you're right on your number there?
 
Rolling Resistance + ma = Driving Force​
R_r W + \lambda W \frac{a}{g} \le \frac{T}{r}
W \le \frac{T}{\left(R_r +\lambda\ ^a/_g \right) r}
Where:
In any cases, the Driving Force will not exceed the available friction force (##\mu W##), thus:
W \le \frac{\mu W}{R_r +\lambda \ ^a/_g}
Or:
R_r +\lambda \ ^a/_g \le \mu

Where ##\mu## is the tire-road friction coefficient.

EDIT: Added mass factor.
 
Mech_Engineer said:
You limitations will be in the inertial of whatever wheel you are accelerating, and the load ratings for the bearings supporting the wheel. 6000 ft-lb of torque sounds like a lot, are you sure you're right on your number there?

Yeah it should be. The mass value I'm hoping to get is somewhere around 100,000 lbs
 

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