Capstan Based Mechanical Power Amplifier Act as Mechanical Torque Booster

  C.D.Valunj,  S.P.Mogal

This paper presents the experimental characterization of a mechanical power amplifier based on the theory of capstans. It is hypothesized that a system can be designed which would allow a rotating capstan to act as a mechanical power amplifier when a flexible member such as a cord or rope is wrapped around it. Whereas Capstans are used to lift or pull of heavy objects with mild effort in the form of winches. When a tension is applied to the end of the cord in the direction of the capstan’s rotation, then friction will be transferred to the cord and the tension will effectively be amplified. Experimentation was performed to validate capstan as a mechanical torque booster for precise positioning and movement of heavy loads, by using different materials of rope viz. Woven cotton, Leather and Steel. This project determines the performance characteristics of a developed mechanical power amplifier for respective types of ropes.

Keywords- Capstan, band, amplification, load carrying capacity, torque booster.

Unique Identification Number - IJEDR1501011
Page Number(s) - 51-54
Pubished in - Volume 3 | Issue 1 | Jan 2015
DOI (Digital Object Identifier) -   
Publisher - IJEDR (ISSN - 2321-9939)

  C.D.Valunj,  S.P.Mogal,   "Capstan Based Mechanical Power Amplifier Act as Mechanical Torque Booster", International Journal of Engineering Development and Research (IJEDR), ISSN:2321-9939, Volume.3, Issue 1, pp.51-54, Jan 2015, Available at :http://www.ijedr.org/papers/IJEDR1501011.pdf