physics problem

[rwarre]

I have a hangar door with canisters suspended on vertical poles on each side of the door. I want to calculate the weight and distance of each canister on the vertical poles so I can open the door. I know there must be a formula.

[humptybump]

First step is to measure the volume of each cylinder (PI*SQR(r))*L. Next you need to know the material in the cylinder (probably concrete) and find it's weight per volume (standard concrete is about 150lbs per cubic ft). The last bit is to measure the length of the arm. This is the distance from the pivot point to the center of the cylinder. This will give you torque.

Some, please check my math

[ProfessorSpeed]

Is this the configuration?


If so, I hope this helps...
Free Body Diagram



Equation

[rwarre]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks