- #1
elegysix
- 406
- 15
this is a system of three masses attached to a string, hanging on two fixed pulleys.
I want to find the equation of motion of the middle mass, given the initial condition P(0)=X
Assuming all friction, stretching of the strings, and momentum of the pulleys are negligible.
The string has a fixed length overall, the length of string between masses is equal, and the masses are also equal.
I get confused because I'm trying to keep track of too many variables, there are 4 angles, 3 tensions, 3 positions... I know there's a better way to do this, any help would be appreciated.
here's a diagram I made... thanks for any help!
[PLAIN]http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/1610/3mass2pulleysystem.jpg
I want to find the equation of motion of the middle mass, given the initial condition P(0)=X
Assuming all friction, stretching of the strings, and momentum of the pulleys are negligible.
The string has a fixed length overall, the length of string between masses is equal, and the masses are also equal.
I get confused because I'm trying to keep track of too many variables, there are 4 angles, 3 tensions, 3 positions... I know there's a better way to do this, any help would be appreciated.
here's a diagram I made... thanks for any help!
[PLAIN]http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/1610/3mass2pulleysystem.jpg
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