How Do San Francisco's Cable Cars Work Mechanically?

AI Thread Summary
San Francisco's cable cars operate using an underground steel cable that moves at 9.5 mph, driven by large motors from a central power station. This cable system extends several miles beneath the city and can stretch up to 100 ft over time. To maintain constant tension, the cable runs around a 1.5-meter diameter tensioning pulley that rolls on rails. A 2000 kg block is connected to the tensioning pulley to help manage the cable's tension. The mechanical design ensures the efficient operation of the iconic cable car system.
splac6996
Messages
37
Reaction score
0
The cable cars in San Francisco are pulled along their tracks by an underground steel cable that moves along at 9.5 mph. The cable is driven by large motors at a central power station and extends, via an intricate pulley arrangement, for several miles beneath the city streets. The length of a cable stretches by up to 100 ft during its lifetime. To keep the tension constant, the cable passes around a 1.5-m-diameter "tensioning pulley" that rolls back and forth on rails, as shown in the figure. A 2000 kg block is attached to the tensioning pulley's cart, via a rope and pulley, and is suspended in a deep hole.
 

Attachments

Physics news on Phys.org
Is there a question?
 
Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'

Thread 'Voltmeter readings for this circuit with switches'

TL;DR Summary: I would like to know the voltmeter readings on the two resistors separately in the picture in the following cases , When one of the keys is closed When both of them are opened (Knowing that the battery has negligible internal resistance) My thoughts for the first case , one of them must be 12 volt while the other is 0 The second case we'll I think both voltmeter readings should be 12 volt since they are both parallel to the battery and they involve the key within what the...
View full post »
Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'

Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'

The answer to this question is statements (ii) and (iv) are correct. (i) This is FALSE because the speed of water in the tap is greater than speed at the water surface (ii) I don't even understand this statement. What does the "seal" part have to do with water flowing out? Won't the water still flow out through the tap until the tank is empty whether the reservoir is sealed or not? (iii) In my opinion, this statement would be correct. Increasing the gravitational potential energy of the...
View full post »

Similar threads

Tension of Cable Cars in San Francisco's Cable System
Replies
1
Views
3K
What Is the Tension in San Francisco's Cable Car System?
Replies
2
Views
15K
Calculating Tension Force: Cable Cars in San Francisco
Replies
1
Views
7K
What is the tension in the cable car's cable?
Replies
3
Views
25K
Do Movies Teach Us Realistic Life Skills?
Replies
1
Views
10K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top