Calculating Maximum Kinetic Energy in a Flywheel

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the maximum kinetic energy that can be stored in a flywheel, which is modeled as a uniform solid disk. The parameters include a radius of 1.30 m, a mass of 66.0 kg, and a maximum allowed radial acceleration of 3600 m/s².

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the moment of inertia of the flywheel, with some suggesting the correct formula for a uniform disk is 1/2 * M * R². Others explore the relationship between radial acceleration and angular velocity, questioning the original poster's calculations and assumptions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the correct moment of inertia and the relationship between angular velocity and radial acceleration. There is recognition of the need to clarify the assumptions regarding the axis of rotation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the moment of inertia can vary depending on the axis chosen, and there are references to the parallel and perpendicular axis theorems for different axes of rotation.

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Homework Statement

Energy is to be stored in a flywheel in the shape of a uniform solid disk with a radius of = 1.30m and a mass of 66.0kg . To prevent structural failure of the flywheel, the maximum allowed radial acceleration of a point on its rim is 3600m/s² .
What is the maximum kinetic energy that can be stored in the flywheel?


The attempt at a solution

I took I = 3/2MR² (at rim)
where R = 2.6m
Then K = 1/2 * I * ω², where ω² = a/R

so K = (1/2)(3/2)(66kg)(2.6m)²(3600/2.6) = 463320J
which is wrong..
The ans is 7.72x10^4 J


can someone pls tell me where i gone wrong?
Thanks!
 
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Moment of inertia of flywheel is 1/2*M*R^2 and radius is 1.3 m.
 
Radial acceleration = [tex]m r^2 \omega[/tex]
Find out [tex]\omega[/tex]
Calc. K.E using the equation [tex]\frac{1}{2} I \omega^2[/tex]..
 
janettaywx said:
Energy is to be stored in a flywheel in the shape of a uniform solid disk with a radius of = 1.30m and a mass of 66.0kg . To prevent structural failure of the flywheel, the maximum allowed radial acceleration of a point on its rim is 3600m/s² .
What is the maximum kinetic energy that can be stored in the flywheel?

I took I = 3/2MR² (at rim)
where R = 2.6m
Then K = 1/2 * I * ω², where ω² = a/R

Not quite. The equation is correct, but ω = v/r = 3600/1.3

As noted by rl.bhat a uniform disk has a moment of inertia of of 1/2mr².
 
The Moment of Inertia isn't always 1/2 mr^2, is it?
It does depend upon the axis chosen, with M.I. of the new axis found out using parallel and perpendicular axis theorems.
 
sArGe99 said:
The Moment of Inertia isn't always 1/2 mr^2, is it?
It does depend upon the axis chosen, with M.I. of the new axis found out using parallel and perpendicular axis theorems.

Rotating about its central axis it is.
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/icyl.html#icyl2

The || and ⊥ axis theorem are useful of course for other axes of rotation.
 
i got it. thanks!
 

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