Why Does an Airplane Pilot Experience Limits on Radial Acceleration?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving an airplane pilot experiencing limits on radial acceleration while flying in a horizontal circle. The specific context includes calculations related to centripetal acceleration, radius of the circular path, and net centripetal force acting on the pilot.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore calculations for the minimum radius of the circular path and the net centripetal force. Questions arise regarding the application of formulas and the correct values for mass and velocity.

Discussion Status

Some participants confirm the correctness of calculations related to the radius and centripetal force, while others seek clarification on specific values and formulas used. There is an ongoing exchange of ideas without a clear consensus on the final answers.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available for discussion. There are also indications of potential confusion regarding the values used in calculations.

kimikims
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I tried workin this problem out.. and it's not working! :frown:

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An airplane is flying in a horizontal circle at a
speed of 48.1 m/s. The 94.1 kg pilot does not
want his radial acceleration to exceed 7:.39 g.
The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2

1) What is the minimum radius of the circular
path? Answer in units of m.

7.39g (9.8m/s^2) = 72.422 m/s^2
do I need to square root 72.422??


2) At this radius, what is the net centripetal force
exerted on the pilot by the seat belts,
the friction between him and the seat, and so
forth? Answer in units of N.

N = mg + m (V^2/m)

is this the right formula?? what would m and v be??
 
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Is this right??

Speed = 48.1 m/s
g = 9.8 m/s^2

Problem #1

7.39 g (9.8 m/s^2) = A
A = 72.422

R = V^2 / A
R = (48.1 m/s)^2 / 72.422
R = 31.94

Problem #2

F = mV^2 / R
What's m??
F = (?)m x (4.8)^2 / 31.94
 
Remember that A(centripetal) = v^2 / R...

...so your answer to problem 1 looks correct.

On problem 2, how did you go from a velocity of 48.1 m/s to that of 4.8 m/s? The mass would just be the pilots mass...because its asking for the centripetal force acting on the pilot.
 
thermodynamicaldude said:
Remember that A(centripetal) = v^2 / R...

...so your answer to problem 1 looks correct.

On problem 2, how did you go from a velocity of 48.1 m/s to that of 4.8 m/s? The mass would just be the pilots mass...because its asking for the centripetal force acting on the pilot.


Sorry I meant 48.1 m/s not 4.8 m/s...

So it would be:

Fc = m (V^2/R)
Fc = 94.1 [(48.1)^2 m/s / 31.9)

Fc = 6824.78 N?
 
Looks good. :-D
 
thermodynamicaldude said:
Looks good. :-D


Thank you! :biggrin:
 

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