Banked Highway Curve: Calculating Maximum Safe Speed

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the maximum safe speed for a car navigating a banked highway curve with a radius of curvature of 35 meters and a banking angle of 19 degrees. The car, weighing 907 kg with a static friction coefficient of 0.72, can maintain its trajectory without skidding due to the combined effects of gravitational force and friction. The relevant equations include the centripetal force equation (mv²/r = Fn Sin(angle)) and the frictional force equation (Ffriction = μFn), which are essential for determining the safe speed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of centripetal force and its application in circular motion
  • Knowledge of static friction and its role in vehicle dynamics
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions related to angles and forces
  • Basic grasp of Newton's laws of motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the centripetal force equation in circular motion
  • Learn about the effects of banking angles on vehicle dynamics
  • Explore the role of friction in preventing skidding on curves
  • Investigate real-world applications of these principles in highway design
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in understanding vehicle dynamics on curved paths.

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Hey, I'm really having problems with this question and I don't really know what to do. I'm hoping someone can help me. Thanks in advance.

Homework Statement


A highway curves to the left with radius of curvature R = 35 m. The highway's surface is banked at 19 degrees so that the cars can take this curve at higher speeds.
Consider a car of mass 907 kg whose tires have static fiction coefficient of .72 against the pavement.
The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s^2.

How fast can the car take this curve without skidding to the outside of the curve? Answer in units of m/s.


Homework Equations


(mv^2)/r = Fn Sin(angle)
mg = Fn Cos (angle)
(v^2)/rg = Tan (angle)
Ac = g tan (angle)
 
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Please show some effort and work.

Consider friction also. Ffriction = \muFn

To keep the car on the road, the weight component pointing down the curve and the friction must be equal to the inertial force of the car mv2/r.

On a bank/ramp, the weight can be resolved into normal and parallel forces with respect to the plane of the road.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/mechanics/carbank.html
 
Alright, thanks. I already knew that stuff.

The question was killed anyway, so I don't have to do it. Thanks for your help.
 

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