Resultant Force

Notes & Use

Calculates the maximum force on a pulley or pin where:

  • A rope or flexible member with forces acting on both ends,
  • turns around said pulley or pin.

Figure

Terms

$L$ = Load, pounds force (Newtons)

$R$ = Resultant force, pounds force (Newtons)

$phi$ = included angle of wrap, degrees.

Where:

  • φ ≥ 0°
  • φ < 180°

Equations

$$ R = 2 L \, cos \, \left( \frac {\phi}{2} \right) $$