Class 5 Statics, Levers, and Balance

Statics
The study of rigid bodies that are in equilibrium Equilibrium = a state of rest or balance due to the equal action of opposing forces
dictionary.com

Why study things that dont move in a class about how things move?
A static problem is a snapshot of a dynamic one Most of the time we can isolate a statics problem that represents the worst case scenario in a dynamic system
2/15/2007 Class 5 2

Force as a vector
Whats a vector?
Scalar: speed, mass, length, time Vector: velocity, weight

When describing a force, think of

Point of application (simplify) Magnitude Direction

Gravity is a force F=ma Difference between mass and weight Quick Trigonometry lesson
SOHCAHTOA

2/15/2007

Class 5

Free Body Diagram

A FBD is a simplified graphical depiction of all the forces and moments happening on a body
Applied, normal, friction, weight, gravity, spring, etc.

Examples:
Book on a table (Newtons 3rd law) Hanging from two ropes Weight on a high crane

3 steps
1. 2. 3. Isolate the body from all supports Identify all external forces acting on the body Sketch the body, showing all forces

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Class 5

Torque, Moment
We already learned that Torque (moment)=Force*distance Distance (d) stands for the PERPENDICULAR distance between the force line of action and the point of rotation, sometimes called the lever arm or moment arm For something to be in Static Equilibrium, the sum of forces in any direction and the sum of moments about any point must = 0
2/15/2007 Class 5 5

Solving a statics problem

Draw a FBD Choose a reference frame (x horizontal, y vertical) Choose a convenient point to calculate moments around Sum forces and moments in all directions until unknowns are found
2/15/2007 Class 5 6

Levers
Last week we learned about how gear ratios give you a mechanical advantage Mechanical advantage, or the difference between the work you get out and the work you put in, can also be achieved with levers A lever is a rigid object used with a pivot point or fulcrum to multiply the mechanical force on an object Three classes of levers
2/15/2007 Class 5 7

1st Class Levers

Pivot is between input and output forces Ex: seesaw, crowbar, shoehorn, oars, can opener Double lever: pliers, scissors
2/15/2007 Class 5 8

2nd Class Levers

The output is located between the input and the fulcrum Ex: wheelbarrow, stapler

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Class 5

3rd Class Lever

The input force is higher than the output force Input force moves over shorter distance than output load Ex: human mandible, bicep, tweezers
2/15/2007 Class 5 10

Ex: Biomechanics
Sum the moments about the elbow joint

link
2/15/2007 Class 5 11

Anecdotal evidence is the enemy of good design - modified JP quote

Assignment: Find something in real life that experiences forces when used in context (i.e. wine bottle opener, your toothbrush, a hanging street light, etc.) and draw its FBD. Try to guess/measure numbers that make sense to solve for an unknown force or moment in your system (using your thumb as the lever point, how hard does the brush press against your teeth? What is the moment at the base of the street light post?). Post your sketch on your student page for discussion in class. Note: I realize this is a first and dont expect perfect answers. The object is to get you thinking about the things around you in terms of forces, moments, angles, etc. and be able to simplify them so you can learn how to apply this practical skill to your art.