Uniform chain rising with constant velocity

AI Thread Summary
A uniform chain on a table is raised vertically at a constant velocity v, and the upward force required is shown to equal the weight of a length z + (v^2/g) of the chain. The discussion utilizes Newton's second law to derive the relationship between tension (T), mass (M), and the chain's linear density (λ). The participant initially struggles with integrating the equation but eventually clarifies that T is not constant and must be expressed in terms of z. The final expression confirms that T can be calculated as T = λz g + λv^2, leading to the conclusion that T/λg = z + (v^2/g). The problem is resolved successfully.
Dustgil
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Homework Statement


A uniform chain lies in a heap on a table. If one end is raised vertically with uniform velocity v, show that the upward force that mus be exerted on the end of the chain is equal to the weight of a length z + (v^2/g) of the chain, where z is the length that has been uncoiled at any instant.

Homework Equations


Newton's second comes in handy here.

The Attempt at a Solution



\frac {dp} {dt} = T - Mg

dp = p(t+dt) - p(t)
= (M+dM)v + dm(v-u) - MV ,where v - u gives the absolute speed of the grounded part of the chain (= 0)
= dMV

so

\frac {dM} {dt} v = T - Mg

\frac {dM} {dz} \frac {dz} {dt}v = T - Mg
\frac {dM} {dz} v^{2}=T-Mg

separating variables and integrates gives me

-\frac {1} {g} ln(1 - \frac {Mg} {T}) = \frac {z} {v^2}

and here's where i get stuck. I tried doing a log expansion, but that didn't pull out the correct expression. Any help?
 
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Dustgil said:

Homework Statement


A uniform chain lies in a heap on a table. If one end is raised vertically with uniform velocity v, show that the upward force that mus be exerted on the end of the chain is equal to the weight of a length z + (v^2/g) of the chain, where z is the length that has been uncoiled at any instant.

Homework Equations


Newton's second comes in handy here.

The Attempt at a Solution



\frac {dp} {dt} = T - Mg

dp = p(t+dt) - p(t)
= (M+dM)v + dm(v-u) - MV ,where v - u gives the absolute speed of the grounded part of the chain (= 0)
= dMV

so

\frac {dM} {dt} v = T - Mg

\frac {dM} {dz} \frac {dz} {dt}v = T - Mg
\frac {dM} {dz} v^{2}=T-Mg
It is correct so far.
Dustgil said:
separating variables and integrates gives me

-\frac {1} {g} ln(1 - \frac {Mg} {T}) = \frac {z} {v^2}

and here's where i get stuck. I tried doing a log expansion, but that didn't pull out the correct expression. Any help?
Note that T is not constant, so you integral is wrong. You have to determine T, and you can get it from the equation in red. If the linear density of the uniform chain is λ, M=λz. What is T in terms of z?
Finding the equivalent length which has the same weight that T, you have to divide T with gλ.
 
okay, thanks I've got it now.

T = Mg + \frac {dM} {dz} v^{2}

Since

M = \lambda z
\frac {dM} {dz} = \lambda

So

T = \lambda z g + \lambda v^{2}
\frac {T} {\lambda g} = z + \frac {v^{2}} {g}
 
Good work!
 
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