Angle change rate is a function of the instantaneous angle

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation related to the rate of change of an angle $\theta(t)$ as an object moves vertically along the $y$ axis with a constant speed $v$. Participants explore different methods to derive the angle as a function of time, addressing both integration techniques and alternative approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Zohair presents the differential equation $\frac{d\theta(t)}{dt}=\frac{v}{a} \cos^2(\theta(t))$ and seeks assistance in solving it.
  • Some participants suggest separating variables to solve the ODE, leading to the expression $\theta = \tan^{-1}(\frac{v\ t}{a} + c)$ as a potential solution.
  • Another participant proposes an alternative approach using the relationships $vt = r\sin\theta$ and $a = r\cos\theta$, arriving at a similar expression for $\theta$ but questions the necessity of treating the problem as a differential equation.
  • Zohair clarifies that the intention was to address a more complex motion involving an angle with the $x$-axis, indicating that the simplified case was a stepping stone for understanding more general scenarios.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the approach to solving the problem, with some advocating for the differential equation method while others question its relevance. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method to apply.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about the motion and the relationships between variables, which may affect the applicability of the proposed solutions. The discussion does not resolve these assumptions.

zshaban
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Dear All,

I have an integration probelm and I hope to find a solution for.

I assume that an objects moves vertically in the +ive direction of the $y$ axis, from $x=a$, with constant speed $v$. I monitor the rate of change of the angle $\theta\left({t}\right)$. I have derived this rate to be:

$\frac{d\theta\left({t}\right)}{dt}=\frac{v}{a} \cos^2\left({\theta\left({t}\right)}\right)$.

I would like to solve this equation to get $\theta\left({t}\right)$. Does this make sense? Do you have any idea of how to do it?

Many thanks
Zohair
 
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zshaban said:
Dear All,

I have an integration probelm and I hope to find a solution for.

I assume that an objects moves vertically in the +ive direction of the $y$ axis, from $x=a$, with constant speed $v$. I monitor the rate of change of the angle $\theta\left({t}\right)$. I have derived this rate to be:

$\frac{d\theta\left({t}\right)}{dt}=\frac{v}{a} \cos^2\left({\theta\left({t}\right)}\right)$.

I would like to solve this equation to get $\theta\left({t}\right)$. Does this make sense? Do you have any idea of how to do it?

Many thanks
Zohair

Wellcome on MHB zshaban!...

You can solve the ODE...

$\displaystyle \frac{d \theta}{d t} = \frac{v}{a}\ \cos^{2} \theta\ (1)$

... separating the variables as follows...

$\displaystyle \frac{d \theta}{\cos^{2} \theta} = \frac{v}{a}\ d t \implies \tan \theta = \frac{v}{a} (t + c) \implies \theta = \tan^{-1} (\frac{v\ t}{a} + c)\ (2)$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 
chisigma said:
Wellcome on MHB zshaban!...

You can solve the ODE...

$\displaystyle \frac{d \theta}{d t} = \frac{v}{a}\ \cos^{2} \theta\ (1)$

... separating the variables as follows...

$\displaystyle \frac{d \theta}{\cos^{2} \theta} = \frac{v}{a}\ d t \implies \tan \theta = \frac{v}{a} (t + c) \implies \theta = \tan^{-1} (\frac{v\ t}{a} + c)\ (2)$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
Thank you, chisigma! That was really helpful.
 
I solve it this way:
\[vt = r\sin\theta,\,\,\,\,a=r\cos\theta\]
\[\tan\theta=\frac{vt}{a}\]
\[\theta=\tan^{-1}\frac{vt}{a}=\theta(t)\]
The domain of $\theta(t)=\pm\infty,$ the range is $\pm\frac{\pi}{2}$.

I don't understand the reason for treating this as an integration/differential equation problem.
 
Last edited:
DavidCampen said:
I solve it this way:
\[vt = r\sin\theta,\,\,\,\,a=r\cos\theta\]
\[\tan\theta=\frac{vt}{a}\]
\[\theta=\tan^{-1}\frac{vt}{a}=\theta(t)\]
The domain of $\theta(t)=\pm\infty,$ the range is $\pm\frac{\pi}{2}$.

I don't understand the reason for treating this as an integration/differential equation problem.

Thanks David. The intention was to consider a motion that makes an angle $\alpha$ with the $x-axis$, which is more complicated than the case shown above. I just wanted to find the tool to solve similar but more general cases, so I posted a simplified case.

Thanks again for your post.

Cheers,
Zohair
 

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