[BigDMcG]

I have a circular roll of paper that is 53" in diameter and weighs 2300 lbs. I am trying to determine the force required to start the roll of paper moving on a dry concrete floor.

Let me know if you need any additional information. Thanks, in advance, for your help.

[ebaines]

You need to define what you mean by "start the roll of paper moving" - is there a particular speed you want it to roll along at, and how quickly do you want it to get up to speed? That will determine the force and ultimately the HP required. Also, keep in mind that any calculation we do here will have to assume that the roll of paper is perfectly smooth and incompressible, whereas in reality I suspect that the roll is slightly compressed under its own weight. So a moe refined calculation would require you to tell us what force is required to just get it moving (i.e. to overcome the "flat spot" where the roll rests on the floor).