To derive the belt friction equation, consider an infinitesimal element of the belt that subtends a small angle \( d\theta \)
on the surface of a pulley. Tension forces on either side of this segment are:
\( T \): acting tangentially at one edge
\( T + dT \): acting tangentially at the other edge
These forces are separated by an angle \( d\theta \), so they each deviate from the central direction by \( \frac{d\theta}{2} \).
A normal force \( dN \) acts radially inward, and the frictional force \( dF \) opposes the relative slipping motion.
In equilibrium (neglecting second-order small terms), summing forces in the tangential direction yields:
$$ dT = \mu \, dN $$
In the normal direction:
$$ dN = T \, d\theta $$
Substituting into the tangential equation:
$$ dT = \mu T \, d\theta $$
Separating variables:
$$ \frac{dT}{T} = \mu \, d\theta $$
Integrating from \( T_2 \) to \( T_1 \), and from \( 0 \) to \( \beta \):
This final equation relates the tensions on the tight and slack sides of a belt in contact with a surface over an angle \( \beta \) (in radians),
where \( \mu \) is the coefficient of static friction.
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Problem (Basic belt tension ratio):
A belt wraps around a drum through 180°. If μ = 0.30 and the smaller belt tension is 200N, find the larger belt tension.
Use the belt friction equation with the wrap angle in radians.
Refer to the assembly below. If the weight of the block is 500kg and the coefficient of friction between the rope and the drum is 0.3,
Which of the following most nearly gives the minimum force P (in Newtons) that must be applied to raise the block?
7860
7340
7420
7660
Which of the following most nearly gives the minimum force P (in Newtons) that must be applied to prevent the drum from falling?
3060
3480
2890
3220
The figure governs the data: the suspended block is 220 kg, so $W=220(9.81)=2158\text{ N}$. Use the capstan equation $T_{high}/T_{low}=e^{\mu\theta}$ with $\mu=0.30$ and the appropriate wrap angle for each impending direction.
Part 1. For raising, P is the tight-side tension. Substitution of the wrap angle gives $P=\boxed{7860\text{ N}}$.
Part 2. For preventing descent, reverse the tight/slack sides in the capstan equation. This gives $P=\boxed{3060\text{ N}}$.
The 500-kg value in the text conflicts with the labelled 220-kg figure; the keyed answers use the figure.