Re: physics of anti topple devices
- From: "Androcles" <Headmaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2008 19:08:36 -0000
<sam.n.seaborn@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:fca7e840-4d59-485a-adb2-49ef65126971@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi all,
I've got a basic question about physics in this (offbeat perhaps)
situation.
I am building a "rack" for some computer servers. The basic structure
for the rack is the IKEA GORM shelving unit (see note [1]). I have the
following equipment to place on the rack.
two servers, each is a rectangular box about 6"x16"x18" (width, depth,
height), weighing about 20 lbs each.
LCD monitor about 17"x17"x6" (WxDxH) weighing about 10 lbs.
one printer, a rectangular box about 14"x12"x10" (WxDxH) weighing 20
lbs.
4-5 stacks of standard letter paper (each is about 2 lbs) and
miscellaneous office supplies
[1] Link to IKEA GORM unit:
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S59850857
My main requirement is that this shelf should not topple. So, my
questions are:
Q1 Unit stability. The bottom shelf of GORM bolts into the legs about
2 inches above the floor, so the unit rests on the legs. (The pic at
[1] shows this.) I am thinking I should saw off the legs so the bottom
shelf sits flush on the floor. I am also thinking of placing 10lb
workout discs on the top shelf, at the rear corners; this seems
intuitive, but is it a sensible topple preventor?
Q2 Equipment placement. The shelves will be at the following
locations: bottom, top, table level (29" above the floor) and mid
(about 55" above the floor). I'm obviously going to put the servers on
the bottom shelf, towards the rear. The LCD monitor and printer will
be at table level shelf and the letter paper will be on the mid level
shelf. I suppose this makes for a visually sensible arrangement, but
is it better, for example, to put the servers at the mid level or top
shelf?
Q3 I've got a few more 10lb workout discs. I'm thinking of putting
them at the rear corners of the mid level shelf as well. Does this
make sense?
Q4 (Inevitable) What would it take, after all these steps, to topple
it? I'm thinking of the most common occurrences: people leaning on it,
a sudden jerk of a wire or cord or a hasty action on my part.
I realize there must be a physically/mathematically optimal solution
(involving free body diagrams and moments of forces if I recall...)
but I am really after a simplistic macro level solution. I would
gratefully appreciate any suggestions (thanks in advance), and perhaps
if the responder/s have questions about computer/hardware/software/
programming, then I can help there too :-)
TIA,
-Sam
You realize there is a physically/mathematically optimal solution
(involving free body diagrams and moments of forces if you recall...)
but you are really after a simplistic macro level solution, so I'll give
you a simplistic macro level solution.
It will topple if you push it over. Adding weight higher up will aid
it by raising the centre of gravity, so put the heaviest, most expensive
and fragile items at the top and give it a really good push, that should
do the trick. Or you could pull the bottom out from under it, that
should work too. You could stand a vase of flowers at the top
(filled with water of course). I know someone that did that with her
television set and only the vase toppled, producing a delightful
sizzling sound from the TV which unfortunately died. With any luck
some 10lb workout discs should fall off and smash your toes if
they fall from a great enough height.
.
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