Angular momentum; flying motorcycle

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the horizontal acceleration required for a motorcycle's front wheel to lift off the ground, given specific parameters such as a wheelbase of 155 cm and a center of mass located 88.0 cm above the ground. The relevant equations include torque equations, specifically Στ = Iα and τ = r x F. Participants emphasized the importance of selecting the correct axis of rotation, particularly at the rear wheel's contact point with the ground, to analyze the forces acting on the center of gravity effectively. The final solution was reached by considering both the applied force from the engine and the weight of the motorcycle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of torque and rotational dynamics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of center of mass and equilibrium
  • Basic knowledge of forces acting on a rigid body
  • Ability to apply Newton's laws of motion in rotational contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of torque and angular acceleration in detail
  • Learn about the dynamics of motorcycles and their stability during acceleration
  • Explore the concept of center of mass in various mechanical systems
  • Investigate real-world applications of rotational dynamics in vehicle design
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and motorcycle enthusiasts interested in understanding the dynamics of motorcycle acceleration and stability.

MrRice5555
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


The distance between the centers of the wheels of a motorcycle is 155 cm. The center of mass of the motorcycle, including the biker, is 88.0 cm above the ground and halfway between the wheels. Assume the mass of each wheel is small compared with the body of the motorcycle. The engine drives the rear wheel only. What horizontal acceleration of the motorcycle will make the front wheel rise off the ground?

Homework Equations


[tex]\Sigma[/tex] [tex]\tau[/tex]= I [tex]\alpha[/tex]
[tex]\tau[/tex] = r x F

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know how to even start this. I drew a diagram, and tried to sum the torques by placing the axis of rotation at the center of the rear wheel. Have no idea what to do from there.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try putting your center of rotation at the point where the rear wheel touches the ground. What are the forces acting on the center of gravity?
 
OH I see there's a force applied from the engine as well as the weight of the engine. I believe I got the answer. Thanks!
 

Similar threads

Motorcycle horizontal acceleration-front wheel rise
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Motorcycle Wheels: Calculating Horizontal Acceleration for Front Wheel Lift Off
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Motorcycle Wheelie (Angular Momentum)
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
13K
Perfectly inelastic collision of two moving and rotating disks
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
How Do Friction and Force Affect the Angular Velocity of Connected Wheels?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
Brake mechanism in a car and pressurised oil
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
How to find the normal force of a car jack lifting a car
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Final velocity of the barbell dropped after a dead lift
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Solving acceleration of a car with torques
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Front flip of a bike. Conserving Angular Momentum.
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K