DrD

Sounds like you are narrowing your question to friction losses in the rack and pinion only, exclusive of the guide mechanism. This depends upon the details of the tooth design (arc of approach/arc of recess) and upon the lubrication. If done well, these will probably be small relative to the friction in the guides. DrD

Friction will be a major problem, and it all depends upon how you guide the moving member. What do you plan to use as a guide? There is simple sliding contact, various ball or roller guides, etc. A lot depends upon your budget, but the better the guide quality, the easier your system will work. DrD

It appears that only a very few folks are even attempting these problems, but it also appears that no one has sent me a solution. For that reason, a small hint seems to be in order. Hint: Turn the picture upside down. For most of us, it is conceptually easier to think about the problem if the X-axis goes to the right and the Y-axis is upward. Of course, if you do this, you must recall that gravity then acts up, not down. Don't be shy; give it a try!!

Was there supposed to be a question or a comment hidden in there? DrD

You question is not very specific, and after three tries, no one has answered you. Please be more specific. DrD

Do some internet searches on impact absorption, collision absorption, energy dissipation in metal foams. DrD

And just how would I do that, Timothy? 1)Do you want a video of the system (which only exists on paper at this time) and is therefore impossible to do? or 2) Do you want a video of me talking about the problem? What would be the point of that? the written words "hold still" and can be read and re-read as many times as necessary. What do you have in mind, Timothy? DrD

Well, here we are on 31 August with 151 views (presumable this first page only), and only 4 downloads (necessary to really see what the problem is). That is just slightly more than 2.5% of people bothering to actually look at the problem. How could this group be more lacking in curiosity? DrD

Mechanics Corner A Journal of Applied Mechanics and Mathematics by DrD, # 54 © 25 August, 2020 Mine Hoist Problem Introduction As we saw in the previous problem (A Hoisting Problem for Engineers, #53), hoisting problems can be fun. This has gotten me to thinking about some other hoist related problems, and here I present three variations on a new problem. The problem is much the same in all three cases, with only small changes in the geometry. These changes do appear to significantly modify the system resp

James , You have identified in your own statement why no one is interested. You said, "one way is to do my project to make speed and torque increase that will violate a law of engineering and open many new doors for millions for all of history." No doubt many folks would like to open new doors and make history, but when you talk about violating the laws of engineering (physics), you are asking for the impossible. The laws of physics are not man-made laws that can easily be replaced with other man-made laws. Rather the laws of physics are the distillation of observed truth in the natu

Dear Bruce, As you well know, that's how things go at times. Better luck next time! DrD

Perhaps you might start on a research problem, and when you think you have something publishable, look for a "sponsor" to co-author with you? This "sponsor" might be a faculty member or a working engineer, but someone who already has some publications and knows the process. As I read your original request, you are asking another person to identify a promising research problem and then let you do a part of the work to get your name on the paper. The big problem with that, as I see it, is the very limited value of your contribution. Suppose for example that I propose a problem that I'm

You say that you are a ME student working on a bachelor's degree. If you are already in college, why are you seeking a scholarship? Are you trying to change universities? DrD

Everything JAG said is correct. Further, you have not allowed for wheel slippage, varying load weight, wet or slippery rails, etc. Not a great idea. DrD