Rekayasa Menakjubkan Jembatan Menara London

Summary

This video delves into the fascinating engineering behind the Tower Bridge in London, focusing on the mechanisms that allow its bascule (movable part) to open and close. The bridge, which has been operating for over a century, utilizes a combination of hydraulic systems, motors, and a balanced design to move the bascule smoothly. Key elements include hydraulic motors, specialized bearings, and an innovative suspension design for pedestrian walkways. The video highlights the complex yet elegant engineering solutions that make this iconic bridge function seamlessly, maintaining both its structural integrity and operational efficiency.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Tower Bridge in London operates through a sophisticated hydraulic system to raise and lower its movable bascule sections.
• 😀 The hydraulic motors are powered by high-pressure fluid pumped through an axial piston pump, which increases the force needed to lift the bridge's heavy bascule sections.
• 😀 Each bascule section weighs more than 12 tons, and the use of hydraulic systems allows these massive parts to be raised with minimal effort.
• 😀 The original **trunion bearings** used to support the pivot points of the bascule have lasted over 130 years, demonstrating exceptional engineering durability.
• 😀 The design of the Tower Bridge includes a clever use of **counterweights** to balance the bascule sections during operation, making the lifting process smoother.
• 😀 The **footpath** at the top of the bridge serves not only as a pedestrian crossing but also as an essential structural element that balances forces acting on the bridge during movement.
• 😀 The hydraulic motor used in the bridge has a slow rotation speed (100-200 RPM) but increases the torque by 20 times compared to traditional electric motors.
• 😀 The motion of the bascule is controlled by a **gear system**, including a **pinion gear** that helps reduce the speed and amplify the torque for lifting the bascule.
• 😀 The hydraulic system allows for a smooth and efficient operation, ensuring that the bascule can be raised and lowered in less than 5 minutes, minimizing disruption.
• 😀 The Tower Bridge design integrates both a **suspension bridge** and a **bascule** mechanism, making it an exceptional example of engineering innovation.
• 😀 The bridge's operation includes a sequence where the operator uses hydraulic control systems and traffic lights to safely open and close the bascule, ensuring the flow of traffic and ships.

Q & A

What is the main function of the Tower Bridge's bascules?

The bascules are movable parts of the Tower Bridge that are raised and lowered to allow ships to pass through. They are powered by hydraulic systems.

Why is the motor used in the Tower Bridge hydraulic system different from standard electric motors?

The motor used in the hydraulic system has a much slower rotational speed (100-200 RPM) compared to electric motors (2000 RPM), but it generates significantly higher torque, allowing it to lift the heavy bascules.

What role do the balancing weights play in the operation of Tower Bridge?

The balancing weights are used to counteract the heavy load of the bascules, making it easier for the hydraulic system to raise and lower them efficiently.

What is the purpose of the trunnion bearings in the Tower Bridge's design?

The trunnion bearings support the main shaft of the bascules, allowing them to rotate smoothly while bearing the immense weight of the movable parts.

How does the hydraulic motor increase torque to lift the bascules?

The hydraulic motor uses fluid under high pressure to drive pistons. The fluid pressure is converted into mechanical force, which is used to lift and move the bascules, greatly increasing the available torque compared to electric motors.

What is the significance of the pedestrian walkway on Tower Bridge?

The pedestrian walkway allows people to cross the bridge even while the bascules are raised. It also plays an important structural role by balancing forces acting on the bridge towers, preventing bending or distortion.

How does the operation of the Tower Bridge differ from conventional bridges?

Unlike conventional bridges, which are static, Tower Bridge can be raised and lowered in less than five minutes using a hydraulic system. This allows ships to pass beneath while maintaining access for vehicles and pedestrians above.

Why have the original bearings lasted more than 130 years?

The original bearings, known as trunnion bearings, were designed with such durability in mind that they have managed to withstand the test of time. They are a critical component in supporting the heavy rotating bascules, and their longevity is a testament to the engineering quality.

What would happen if the pinion gear continued rotating after the bascule reached its final position?

If the pinion gear continued to rotate after the bascule reached its final position, the bascule would not lower further. Instead, it would slightly lift, using the supporting structure as a pivot point.

What happens in the Tower Bridge's control room during the opening of the bridge?

In the control room, the operator activates the hydraulic pumps to build up pressure and then uses a joystick to open the bascules. The process is synchronized with traffic signals to ensure smooth operation.