Simple impulse force question - force upon impact

Fjolvar

Is there a way to calculate the impulse force F if the time of collision is unknown? The only formula I know to calculate this force is F*Δt = m*Δv. Is there a formula that perhaps uses plasticity as a variable instead of time or maybe uses the distance an object moves after a collision? Any help would be greatly appreciated. This is for an engineering project.

Caio Ferrari

I think no. Because the only measurable variables on a colision is the distance, time and mass. The another things are calculated with that.

HallsofIvy

You can certainly say that if an object of mass m, with velocity v, collides with a surface and takes time T to stop, then it had average acceleration a= v/T. The (average) force exerted on it by the surface (and so the force it exerts on the surface) is given by f= ma= mv/T.

Similar discussions for: Simple impulse force question - force upon impact
Thread	Forum	Replies
Impulse-Momentum analysis, calculating the impact force. - Am I doing this right?	Introductory Physics Homework	1
(simple problem) Impulse force caused by cube collision?	Classical Physics	0
Force of Impact Question	General Physics	0
[SOLVED] Calculate Average Force by finding Impulse over Impact Time	Introductory Physics Homework	6
Impact force question	Introductory Physics Homework	1

Caio Ferrari	I think no. Because the only measurable variables on a colision is the distance, time and mass. The another things are calculated with that.

HallsofIvy Recognitions: Gold Member Science Advisor Staff Emeritus	You can certainly say that if an object of mass m, with velocity v, collides with a surface and takes time T to stop, then it had average acceleration a= v/T. The (average) force exerted on it by the surface (and so the force it exerts on the surface) is given by f= ma= mv/T.