Torque before slipping in a refrigerator

In summary, "Torque before slipping in a refrigerator" refers to the critical amount of torque that a motor must generate to overcome static friction in the refrigerator's components, such as the compressor and fan. This torque is essential for initiating movement and efficient operation. Understanding this concept is important for optimizing the performance and energy efficiency of refrigeration systems, ensuring that they function effectively without excessive wear or failure due to slipping conditions.
  • #1
mancity
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Homework Statement
A delivery truck is carrying a 120-kg refrigerator. The refrigerator is 2.20 m tall and 85.0 cm wide. The refrigerator is facing sideways and is prevented from sliding. What is the maximum acceleration that the truck can have before the refrigerator begins to tip over? Assume that the center of gravity of the refrigerator is located at its geometrical center.
Relevant Equations
Torque=Fr
The solution lists out mg(b/2)=ma(h/2) and then proceeds to solve for a.
I am a bit stuck on how the initial equation is listed - why is the (b/2) swapped with the (h/2)? (namely, why isn't the equation mg(h/2)=ma(b/2)? My logic for this is y-direction and x-direction )
I feel that I am missing a fundamental concept here
Screen Shot 2023-12-09 at 11.57.59 AM.png
 
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  • #2
Because the moment arm of the gravitational force relative to the tipping point is b/2 and not h/2.

It is a question about the met torque relative to the tipping point. Torque is the force multiplied by the distance between its line of action and the reference point.
 
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  • #3
mancity said:
. . . why isn't the equation mg(h/2)=ma(b/2)? I feel that I am missing a fundamental concept here
You are missing a very fundamental concept. The lever arm h/2 is vertical and the force of gravity mg is also vertical. Since they are parallel, the torque is zero. The same applies to b/2 and ma except that they are parallel in the horizontal direction. The fundamental concept is that the cross product between two parallel vectors is always zero.
 
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  • #4
mancity said:
...
I feel that I am missing a fundamental concept here
Balance of moments 1.png

Balance of moments 2.png
 
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FAQ: Torque before slipping in a refrigerator

What is torque before slipping in a refrigerator?

Torque before slipping in a refrigerator refers to the rotational force applied to the refrigerator's base or casters that would cause it to overcome static friction and begin to move or slip. This is a critical value in determining the stability and ease of moving the appliance.

How do you calculate the torque required to move a refrigerator?

To calculate the torque required to move a refrigerator, you need to know the coefficient of static friction between the refrigerator's base and the floor, the weight of the refrigerator, and the distance from the pivot point (usually one of the casters or the edge of the base) to the point where force is applied. The formula is: Torque = (Coefficient of Static Friction) x (Weight of Refrigerator) x (Distance from Pivot Point).

What factors affect the torque before slipping in a refrigerator?

Several factors affect the torque before slipping in a refrigerator, including the coefficient of static friction between the refrigerator and the floor, the weight distribution of the refrigerator, the surface area of contact, and the distance from the pivot point to where the force is applied.

Why is understanding torque before slipping important for refrigerator design?

Understanding torque before slipping is crucial for refrigerator design because it impacts the appliance's stability and mobility. Proper design ensures that the refrigerator can be moved without excessive effort while preventing accidental slipping that could lead to damage or injury.

Can the torque before slipping be reduced to make moving a refrigerator easier?

Yes, the torque before slipping can be reduced to make moving a refrigerator easier by using materials with a lower coefficient of static friction for the base or casters, redistributing the weight more evenly, or incorporating mechanical aids such as wheels or sliders that reduce friction.

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