Chapter 12, Problem 34P

Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Three blocks are connected by a weightless cord and rest on an inclined plane (Fig. P12.34a). Employing a procedure similar to the one used in the analysis of the falling parachutists in Example 9.11 yields the following set of simultaneous equations (free-body diagrams are shown in Fig. P12.34b):

${100}_a+T=519.72$

${50}_a-T+R=216.55$

${20}_a-R=108.28$

Solve for acceleration a and the tensions T and R in the two ropes.

FIGURE P12.34