Problem

As seen in Fig. P3.93(a), a window washing platform is controlled via the two pulley syste...

As seen in Fig. P3.93(a), a window washing platform is controlled via the two pulley systems at AB and CD. The workers E and F can raise and lower the platform P by pulling on the cables H and I, respectively. The weight of each of the workers is 185 lb, and the platform P weighs 200 lb. A schematic representation of the pulley system is shown in Fig. P3.93(b). If the workers start from rest and, in 1.5 s, uniformly start pulling the cable in at 2.5 ft/s, determine the force each worker must exert on the cables H and I during that 1.5 s. Neglect the mass of the pulleys, friction in the pulleys, and the mass of the cable.