What is Capstan (nautical)?
A '''capstan''' is a [[machine]] that is used on sailing [[ship]]s to pull [[rope]]s and [[cable]]s (also called hawsers). It has a vertical [[axle]], and is very much like the [[windlass]], which has a horizontal axle. Grip on power pull capstan and it's opposite brakeforce on bollard posts; both work thru [[:en:Capstan_equation|Capstan Equation]] Man powered capstan is a [[:en:Lever|2nd Class Lever]] concentrating man force inwards to smaller radius for more power from levers. Motor powered capstan spins motor shaft from inside post/not outside levers so is a [[:en:Lever|3rd Class Lever]] delivering force wider radius than motor shaft force input.[[File:CapstanCrewModel.jpg|thumb|A model showing what a capstan looks like. The man to left is 'tailing' rope with enough friction to grip turning capstan. Each man's lever is concentrating his larger force radius into the smaller capstan post radius for more power. Levers were removable. Output force used for anchor and sail etc. ]]<gallery> File:Capstan-nautical.jpg|Ship side old school man powered capstan power pull (missing levers). Bollard posts for brakeforce hold. File:Whitby - West Pier Capstan - geograph.org.uk - 679513.jpg|Harbor side man powered capstan with levers removed. Given plenty of turning room to crank levers. Also space in wall to serve pulling rope out to ship drawing towards pier. File:US Navy 051102-N-2984R-007 Sailors assigned to Deck Department pull a mooring line while the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) gets underway from Naval Station Norfolk.jpg|Navy sailors tailing motor driven capstan still used on US Nimitz 2005. Once again capstan for power pull, and contrasting bollard post for anti-pull of brakeforce. </gallery> <br /> {{Commons category|Capstans (nautical)}} {{transport-stub}} [[Category:Ships]]