Bead on a loop in a non-inertial frame

In summary, the problem involves finding the equilibrium points of a bead on a rotating loop using non-inertial frames of reference. The forces acting on the bead are gravity and the normal force, and the loop is rotating at a constant rate. By dividing the forces by the mass of the bead, the acceleration of the bead can be found. To find the equilibrium positions, the angular velocity and acceleration must be equal to zero, which can be done without solving any differential equations.
  • #1
sharrington3
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Homework Statement


Consider a bead of mass m on a loop of radius R. The loop is rotating at a constant rate ω. Using a non-inertial frames of reference, find all equilibrium points of the bead on the loop.


Homework Equations


[tex]\vec{F_e}=m\vec{a_r}[/tex]
[tex]\vec{F_e}=\vec{F}-m\vec{\ddot{R_f}}-m\vec{\dot{\omega}}×\vec{r}-m\vec{\omega}×(\vec{\omega}×\vec{r})-2m\vec{\omega}×\vec{v_r}[/tex]
Where [tex]\vec{F}[/tex] is the sum of the forces acting on a particle as measured in a fixed inertial system, [tex]-m\vec{\ddot{R_f}}[/tex] and [tex]-m\vec{\dot{\omega}}×\vec{v_r}[/tex] are the translational and angular accelerations, respectively, of the moving coordinate system relative to the fixed system.
[tex]\vec{v_r}[/tex] is the velocity relative to the rotating axes
[tex]-m\vec{\omega}×(\vec{\omega}×\vec{r})[/tex]
is the centrifugal force, and
[tex]-2m\vec{\omega}×\vec{v_r}[/tex]
is the Coriolis force.


The Attempt at a Solution


The loop itself isn't moving from any fixed frame, it is simply rotating, so there is no translational velocity. The loop is rotating at a constant rate, so there is no angular acceleration, meaning the second and third terms disappear. The forces acting on the bead in the fixed frame are gravity and the normal force. After plugging those in for the first term, you can divide everything by m to find the acceleration of the bead. From there, you are supposedly able to solve the resultant differential equations in θ, the angle the bead makes with the vertical. After that point, you can find the stationary points for θ, such that the angular velocity and acceleration are 0, I think, which gives you the stationary points. I can do this with a Lagrangian without much difficulty, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to do this with non-inertial frames. I am awful with them. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
If you just need to find the equilibrium positions, you don't need to solve any differential equations. If the bead remains at an equilibrium position, what are the values of ##\vec{a_r}## and ##\vec{v_r}##?
 

1. What is a bead on a loop in a non-inertial frame?

A bead on a loop in a non-inertial frame is a physical system where a bead is constrained to move along a loop in a frame of reference that is accelerating or rotating. This system is commonly used as a model in physics to study the effects of non-inertial forces on a moving object.

2. How does the Coriolis force affect a bead on a loop in a non-inertial frame?

The Coriolis force is a fictitious force that appears in a non-inertial frame due to the rotation of the frame. In the case of a bead on a loop, the Coriolis force will cause the bead to experience a sideways force, resulting in a change in its trajectory. This effect is known as the Coriolis effect.

3. What is the difference between a non-inertial frame and an inertial frame?

An inertial frame is a frame of reference that is not accelerating or rotating. In contrast, a non-inertial frame is a frame that is accelerating or rotating. In physics, it is often easier to analyze a system in an inertial frame, but non-inertial frames are useful for studying the effects of non-inertial forces.

4. How is the tension in the loop affected by the non-inertial forces?

In a non-inertial frame, the tension in the loop will be greater than in an inertial frame due to the presence of the non-inertial forces. This is because the non-inertial forces add an extra component to the forces acting on the bead, resulting in a larger overall force on the loop.

5. What are some real-life applications of studying a bead on a loop in a non-inertial frame?

One common application is in the study of centrifugal force in amusement park rides. The loop represents the circular motion of the ride, and the bead represents the person on the ride. Additionally, this system is used in the design and analysis of spacecraft and satellites, as they experience non-inertial forces due to their motion in orbit.

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