# Angular Acceleration of a Flywheel Lab

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1. Nov 7, 2016

### Shelby8

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Assume no friction for 1 - 6
1. Draw a free body diagram of the fly wheel (from above), and a free body diagram of the weight (from side).

2. What force appears in both diagrams?

3. What is the relationship between the torque on the flywheel and the tension in the string?

4. What is the relationship between the angular acceleration of the flywheel and the linear acceleration of the weight?

5. What is the formula for the moment of inertia of a solid disk?

6. Based on 1 - 5, write an equation that predicts angular acceleration of the flywheel, given mass and radius and g.

7. Suppose there is friction between fly wheel and stand that holds the fly wheel, so eventually it stops. As the weight drops, will the angular acceleration of the fly wheel be larger than, smaller than, that predicted by the equation in 6?

2. Relevant equations
angular acceleration = change in angular velocity / change in time
angular momentum = moment of inertia X angular velocity
lever arm = r X sin(theta) (perpendicular distance between axis of rotation and line of action of force) See image
moment of inertia = m X r^2
torque = r X F X sin(theta)

3. The attempt at a solution
1. See image

2. Tension

3. Torque = radius X Tension (because tension is the force)

4. distance from rest (d) = 1/2 a t^2 --> a = 2 x d / t^2
Not sure how to relate this to angular acceleration?

5. I = M x R^2 / 2

7. Same as 6

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Last edited: Nov 7, 2016
2. Nov 7, 2016

### CWatters

Check your FBD of the flywheel from above. Which way does gravity act?

I don't see your FBD for the weight.

3. Nov 7, 2016

### haruspex

For 4, we can take it in stages. First, if the wheel turns through an angke $\theta$, how far does the weight move?
Next, if the wheel rotates at a rate $\dot \theta$, how fast does the weight move? Finally, Q4.

4. Nov 7, 2016

### Shelby8

The mg should act down while the T acts toward the side, I see how I drew that wrong. Am I missing other forces for the flywheel though?

If the wheel turns with theta, like if it turns one rotation (2 pi) then the weight moves the same distance as the circumference of the flywheel? (2 pi r)?
Would the speed be the relation between angular acceleration and linear acceleration? Because F net of the weight = T - mg = m (linear a), and a = α * r.
Is that how to relate them?

so a = (T - mg) / m = α * r ?

5. Nov 7, 2016

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6. Nov 7, 2016

### haruspex

Yes, except which way are you taking as positive for the acceleration? Will T be more or less than mg?

7. Nov 8, 2016

### Shelby8

Oh the weight is moving down so the down is positive. So rewrite it like: a = (mg - T) / m = αr

8. Nov 8, 2016

### haruspex

Ok. Can you attempt 6 now?