- #1
Why is the reaction force in this direction?
- Thread starter Neon32
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SUMMARY
The discussion focuses on understanding the direction of the reaction force in a mechanical system involving a short cable and a link cable. Participants emphasize the importance of analyzing forces from different perspectives, particularly using the analogy of a tug of war to illustrate how forces are transmitted. The key takeaway is that the direction of the resultant force is determined by the constraints imposed by the pinned ends of the link, which restrict the force transmission to specific axes. Analyzing moments about the pinned ends is crucial for determining the force components and their resultant direction.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of basic mechanics and forces
- Familiarity with the concept of reaction forces
- Knowledge of pinned connections in mechanical systems
- Ability to analyze moments in static equilibrium
- Study the principles of static equilibrium in mechanical systems
- Learn about the analysis of forces in pinned connections
- Explore the concept of moments and their role in determining force direction
- Investigate the mechanics of cables and linkages in engineering applications
Mechanical engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in the analysis of forces in mechanical systems will benefit from this discussion.
- #2
Bystander
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"Why?" Consider the resultant(s) for other directions.
- #3
jack action
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From the point of view of the bar, something (the rope or link) is pulling it in that direction.
If you would analyze it from the rope or link point of view, the bar would be pulling on it and, thus, the direction would be in reverse.
Imagine yourself in tug of war, Who is pulling on the rope? From each team's point of view, it is the other team.
If you would analyze it from the rope or link point of view, the bar would be pulling on it and, thus, the direction would be in reverse.
Imagine yourself in tug of war, Who is pulling on the rope? From each team's point of view, it is the other team.
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- #4
CWatters
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It's easy to understand the case with a rope... It can only provide a force in the same direction as the rope. It's less obvious with the short link but the answer is the pins at the end. Because both ends have pins the link cannot transmit a force in any other direction.
- #5
Randy Beikmann
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Neon32, it should help to take moments about one of the two ends, which are both pinned. The resultant moment must be zero, and that requires a certain ratio of the force components along the coordinate axes (Fx/Fy). That determines the direction of the resultant force.
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