Why Is My Calculation of Maximum Car Velocity on a Banked Curve Incorrect?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the maximum velocity of a car on a banked curve, specifically addressing a scenario with a radius of 56.4 meters, a car mass of 2.3 kg, a banking angle of 34 degrees, and a coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.41. The initial calculation yielded a maximum speed of 82.08 km/hr, which was deemed unrealistic. The correct formula for maximum velocity, derived from balancing forces, is v = √(gR(μ + tan(α)) / (1 - μ tan(α))), indicating that mass does not influence the maximum speed in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal force and its application in circular motion
  • Knowledge of frictional forces, specifically kinetic friction
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, particularly sine and cosine
  • Basic principles of physics related to motion on inclined planes
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the formula v = √(gR(μ + tan(α)) / (1 - μ tan(α))) for banked curves
  • Explore the effects of varying the coefficient of friction on vehicle dynamics
  • Investigate real-world applications of banked curves in road design and racing
  • Learn about the impact of mass on motion in different contexts, such as frictionless surfaces
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in understanding vehicle dynamics on banked curves will benefit from this discussion.

stupidpig
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Hi, I've been working on this problem for a while and I keep on getting same answer! Can someone please tell me what I'm doing wrong.

Problem:
A circular curve is banked so that a car traveling with uniform speed rounding the curve usually relies on friction to keep it from slipping to this left or right.
What is the maximum velocity the car can maintain in order that the car does not move up the plane.(Answer in km/hr).

Radius = 56.4m
Mass of car = 2.3kg
Angle = 34 degree
Coefficient of kinetic friction = 0.41

My work:
N = mgcos(34) = 18.68
Fp = mgsin(34) = 12.6
Fr = (0.41)N = 7.66
Fc = centripetal force = mv^2/r

so here's my final equation to get v:
mv^2/r-Fr = Fp
(2.3)(v^2)/(56.4)-(7.66) = 12.6
v = 22.28m/s = 82.08km/hr

82.08km/hr is so unrealistic for 2.8kg car to bank such a turn.
Heck, even my puny vw golf can't even do it at 82.08km/hr

I must be doing something wrong!

Help me please.
Thanks
 
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stupidpig said:
Problem:

Radius = 56.4m= R
Mass of car = 2.3kg= M
Angle = 34 degree= [tex]\alpha[/tex]
Coefficient of kinetic friction = 0.41=[tex]\mu[/tex]

Given the notation above, the force of friction must balance the centripetal force and weight:

[tex]\mu Mgcos \alpha=\frac{Mv^2}{R}cos\alpha+Mgsen\alpha[/tex]

SURPRISE! the problem has no dependence on the mass M!. :eek: Is it true in real world? :bugeye:

[tex]v=\sqrt{gR\frac{\mu+tan\alpha}{1-\mu tan \alpha}}[/tex]

For velocities greater than this, the equilibrium is broken and car would be rejected on the tangent way.

I wish there were some road with [tex]\mu=1/tan\alpha[/tex] !
 

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