Two cylinders in contact come to final angular velocities

AI Thread Summary
Two cylinders of different radii come into contact, with the larger one initially rotating and the smaller one at rest. The friction between them causes both to rotate at constant angular velocities in opposite directions. The equations governing the system include angular impulse and momentum, leading to relationships between their final angular speeds and moments of inertia. The discussion highlights that no dynamical quantities are conserved due to friction, and corrections to the equations are noted regarding the signs in angular momentum changes. Ultimately, the final angular speed of the smaller cylinder is expressed in terms of its moment of inertia.
Taylor Grubbs
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Homework Statement


Two cylinders, made from the same material and having the same length,have radii r1 and r2with r1> r2. Both are free to rotate about their respective axes. The larger cylinder is initially rotating with angular velocity ωo. The smaller cylinder is moved until it comes into contact withthe larger one. Eventually the frictional force causes both cylinders torotate with constant angular velocity but in opposite directions. Find the final angular velocity of the smaller cylinder. Are any dynamical quantities conserved in this case?

ω1 is the final angular speed of the larger cylinder r1 and ω2 is the final angular speed for the smaller cylinder r2.

Homework Equations


The angular impulse k is equal to the change in the angular momentum ΔL for both cylinders. k is defined as the time integral of the torque so k=rFt where F is the friction force. Also, L=Iω and r1ω1=r2ω2 at the end.

The Attempt at a Solution



r1Ft=I11o)
r2Ft=I2ω2
r1ω1=r2ω2
Using these 3 equations I am able to solve for the angular speed of the smaller cylinder (ω2) but my final answer involves the moments of inertia. Am I forgetting something or is this a sufficient answer? Also, no dynamical quantities are conserved due to friction.
 
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The only thing wrong with your answer seems to be (r1)(f)(t)=I1(w1-w0) it should be I1(w0-w1) because if you write it as you have written here you should write it with a negative sign... Otherwise it seems fine... Your final answer will be in terms of the MOI which would be m(r^2)/2 if the cylinder is solid...
 
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