Thread: Tension Statics Problem

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
See figure, "CraneProblem".


2. Relevant equations:

Sum Fx = 0,
Sum Fy = 0.


3. The attempt at a solution

See figure, "CraneAttempt". I said for the maximum weight to be held the ropes must be at maximum tension then used Fy: to compute m1 and m2. My solution causes problems in the equilibrium of the X-Components of the tensions. Any ideas?

Hello jegues

Originally Posted by jegues

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
See figure, "CraneProblem".


2. Relevant equations:

Sum Fx = 0,
Sum Fy = 0.


3. The attempt at a solution

See figure, "CraneAttempt". I said for the maximum weight to be held the ropes must be at maximum tension then used Fy: to compute m1 and m2. My solution causes problems in the equilibrium of the X-Components of the tensions. Any ideas?

Your equations are fine. I think you then need to work out which cable has the greatest tension. So, using:

we get, by eliminating :

and

Similarly

and

So is the greatest tension. The maximum value of the combined masses occurs, then, when N.

Substitute this value into the equations to work out and hence . Then work out ; and hence and .

Grandad