Calculating Acceleration in a Combined Mass System

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The discussion revolves around calculating the acceleration experienced by a 50-gram mass after it collides and sticks to a 500-gram mass traveling at 7 m/s. The original poster seeks a dynamic methodology rather than a static assumption of impact time, emphasizing the need for additional data such as impact duration or deformation. Participants note that the problem cannot be solved without further information, and the material properties (soft clay vs. hardened steel) could significantly affect the outcome. The conversation highlights the complexity of the impact scenario and the challenges in deriving a solution without making simplifying assumptions. Ultimately, the thread concludes with frustration over the inability to reach a solution.
Stuman
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Hi, I am working on a problem that involves the following
I have a mass of 500 grams traveling at 7m/s that hits and sticks to another mass of 50 grams that was stationary.

What acceleration does the second ( 50 gram ) mass experience?

I have tried using a Runge-Kutta 4th order algorithm to solve some Differential Equations of motion and assuming a very high K value for the stiffness of the materials, but I think this is too complex.

How can I calculate the acceleration, preferably on a time basis, not just assuming that it took 0.1 seconds to get upto the new combined speed of approx 6.9?? m/s.

Thanks
Stuman
 
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For the information you given... It is imposssible.
Period...
 
OK. I don't want a numerical answer, I would like a methodology. Basically it is an impact related question where the two masses combine. How do you calculate the acceleration of the second 50 gram mass?
 
Problem is not solvable in the absence of other data.
 
What other data would you like?
 
If you made a simple assumtion that the accelaration is constant, what you need is the
time interval of the impact...
 
Stuman said:
What other data would you like?
Or the deformation during impact. Then the whole heap, assuming the impact takes place on a level frictionless surface , would move off at a constant speed of 6.9m/s forever and ever...
 
As I said in my original post

not just assuming that it took 0.1 seconds to get upto the new combined speed of approx 6.9?? m/s.

I cannot use constant acceleration of impact time. I need to claculte it on a dynamic basis.
 
Stuman said:
As I said in my original post



I cannot use constant acceleration of impact time. I need to claculte it on a dynamic basis.
Do you think it makes a difference whether the masses are made of soft clay or hardened steel?
 
  • #10
I do think it makes a difference which is why I stated in my original problem that during my RK4 analysis I assumed a high K value for the stiffness of the materials.
 
  • #11
Stuman said:
I do think it makes a difference which is why I stated in my original problem that during my RK4 analysis I assumed a high K value for the stiffness of the materials.
Why did you assume a high value? why not a low one? If I hadn't posted prior to reading chanvincent's response, i would have let it go at that...It is imposssible.
Period...
 
  • #12
OK, getting nowhere quick, subject is now closed.
 
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