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Section 8.3: Wedges: Wedge

The document discusses the analysis of wedges, explaining how to draw free body diagrams of wedges and objects on top of wedges to determine the necessary lifting force. It provides an example problem where the free body diagrams of each wedge are drawn and the equations of equilibrium are applied to solve for the lifting force required. The document also discusses conditions for when a wedge will be self-locking or able to come out on its own.

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ben mcburney
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94 views

Section 8.3: Wedges: Wedge

The document discusses the analysis of wedges, explaining how to draw free body diagrams of wedges and objects on top of wedges to determine the necessary lifting force. It provides an example problem where the free body diagrams of each wedge are drawn and the equations of equilibrium are applied to solve for the lifting force required. The document also discusses conditions for when a wedge will be self-locking or able to come out on its own.

Uploaded by

ben mcburney
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SECTION 8.

3 : WEDGES

W
WEDGE

Force P is used to lift an object of weight, W by using


a wedge at angle = θ. The weight of the wedge is
normally negligible, unless it is known or to be
considered.
APPLICATIONS

Wedges are used to adjust the


elevation or provide stability for
heavy objects such as this large
steel vessel.
How can we determine the
force required to pull the
wedge out?

When there are no applied


forces on the wedge, will it
stay in place (i.e., be self-
locking) or will it come out on
its own? Under what physical
conditions will it come out?
ANALYSIS OF A WEDGE
A wedge is a simple machine in which a
W small force P is used to lift a large weight W.
To determine the force required to push the
wedge in or out, it is necessary to draw FBDs
of the wedge and the object on top of it.
It is easier to start with a FBD of the wedge
since you know the direction of its motion.
Note that:
a) the friction forces are always in the
direction opposite to the motion, or impending
motion, of the wedge;
b) the friction forces are along the contacting
surfaces; and,
Wedge FBD c) the normal forces are perpendicular to the
contacting surfaces.
WEDGE ANALYSIS (continued)

Next, a FBD of the object on top of the wedge


is drawn. Please note that:
a) at the contacting surfaces between the
wedge and the object the forces are equal in
magnitude and opposite in direction to those
on the wedge; and, b) all other forces acting on
the object should be shown.

To determine the unknowns, we must apply EofE,  Fx = 0 and


 Fy = 0, to the wedge and the object as well as the impending
motion frictional equation, F = S N.
Now of the two FBDs, which one should we start analyzing first?
We should start analyzing the FBD in which the number of
unknowns are less than or equal to the number of equations.
WEDGE ANALYSIS (continued)

If the object is to be lowered, then the wedge


W needs to be pulled out. If the value of the
force P needed to remove the wedge is
positive, then the wedge is self-locking, i.e.,
it will not come out on its own.

However, if the value of P is negative, or


zero, then the wedge will come out on its
own unless a force is applied to keep the
wedge in place. This can happen if the
coefficient of friction is small or the wedge
angle  is large.
EXAMPLE
Given: The load weighs 100 N and the S
between surfaces AC and BD is
0.3. Smooth rollers are placed
between wedges A and B.
Assume the rollers and the
wedges have negligible weights.
Find: The force P needed to lift the
load.
Plan:
1. Draw a FBD of wedge A. Why do A first?
2. Draw a FBD of wedge B.
3. Apply the EofE to wedge B. Why do B first?
4. Apply the EofE to wedge A.
EXAMPLE (continued)

The FBDs of wedges A and B are shown N2 10º


in the figures. Applying the EofE to
wedge B, we get P A

+  FX = N2 sin 10 – N3 = 0
F1= 0.3N1
+  FY = N2 cos 10 – 100 – 0.3 N3 = 0 N1
100 N
Solving the above two equations, we get F3= 0.3N3
N2 = 107.2 N and N3 = 18.6 N B
N3

N2 10º
Applying the EofE to the wedge A, we get
+  FY = N1 – 107.2 cos 10 = 0; N1 = 105.6 N
+  FX = P – 107.2 sin 10 – 0.3 N1 = 0; P = 50.3 N
ATTENTION QUIZ

1. When determining the force P needed to lift


the block of weight W, it is easier to draw a W
FBD of ______ first.
A) the wedge B) the block
C) the horizontal ground D) the vertical wall
EXAMPLE

Determine the reversed horizontal force -P needed to pull


out wedge A. The coefficient of static friction between A
and C and between B and D is μs= 0.2, and between A and
B μ’s = 0.1. Neglect the weight of each wedge. Neglect the
weight of each wedge.

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