How Do You Calculate Pressure of a Falling Object at Impact?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter LasTSurvivoR
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Pressure Solid
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the pressure exerted by a falling object upon impact, specifically considering the effects of downward velocity and stopping time. Participants explore the relationship between force, mass, velocity, and area in the context of mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a formula for pressure as P = F / A and attempts to calculate the pressure from a height of 20 meters, suggesting a value of 50 Pascal.
  • Another participant questions how to account for the downward velocity of the object at impact, indicating that the calculation depends on the time taken to stop.
  • A correction is offered regarding the force equation, F = mg + mv/Δt, with a focus on the implications of stopping time on force and pressure.
  • Further clarification is provided that the velocity at the time of impact can be determined using kinematics, and the assumption is made that there is no bouncing involved in the impact.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the correctness of the equations presented, suggesting that they may be "messed up" and that the force decreases with faster stopping.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the equations used to calculate force and pressure, indicating a lack of consensus on the best approach to the problem. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the accuracy of the proposed formulas.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made regarding stopping time and the effects of bouncing, which are not fully explored in the discussion.

LasTSurvivoR
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Ok guys everyone knows the solid Pressure = P / S but i have a question..
I though about an object that falls from 20 meters.(Its mass is 2 kg, 2x2x2 meters cube)
When it reaches the ground how much pressure does it make , in normal case
20 . 10 / 2² = 50 Pascal it makes.However how can I calculate the pressure made by a falling object that has a downwards velocity ?

THankkss , that can be a foolish question but I couldn't understand this.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
LasTSurvivoR said:
Ok guys everyone knows the solid Pressure = P / S but i have a question..
I though about an object that falls from 20 meters.(Its mass is 2 kg, 2x2x2 meters cube)
When it reaches the ground how much pressure does it make , in normal case
20 . 10 / 2² = 50 Pascal it makes.However how can I calculate the pressure made by a falling object that has a downwards velocity ?

THankkss , that can be a foolish question but I couldn't understand this.
It depends on how long it takes to stop. It is just a mechanics question involving change of momentum.

[Corrected:]

[tex]F = mg + mv/\Delta t[/tex] (assuming constant stopping force)

[tex]P = F/A = \frac{mg + mv/\Delta t}{A}[/tex]

AM
 
Last edited:
Thanks that is a very logical thought , and probably the correct one I had never thought this :) I will Try :=)
 
Those equations are alittle messed up andrew, they say that the force decreses the faster you stop :)

It should be:

[tex]F = mg + \frac{mv}{\Delta t}[/tex]

[tex]P = F/A = \frac{mg + \frac{mv}{\Delta t}}{A}[/tex]

v is the velocity at the time of impact, which you can find from kinematics.

For the record, this equation assumes no bouncing.
 
Crosson said:
Those equations are alittle messed up andrew, they say that the force decreses the faster you stop :)

It should be:

[tex]F = mg + \frac{mv}{\Delta t}[/tex]

[tex]P = F/A = \frac{mg + \frac{mv}{\Delta t}}{A}[/tex]

v is the velocity at the time of impact, which you can find from kinematics.

For the record, this equation assumes no bouncing.
Right you are! [itex]F\Delta t = mv[/itex]

AM
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 138 ·
5
Replies
138
Views
9K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
10K