Calculating the work done on a motorcycle and rider

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the work done by a motorcycle engine while considering various forces acting on the motorcycle and rider. Key points include the necessity of accounting for both translational and rotational kinetic energy when determining total work, as well as the importance of including gravitational and drag forces in calculations. The correct formula for average power is identified as P = W/t, where W is the total work done and t is the time taken for acceleration. Participants emphasize the need for accurate calculations to avoid inflated results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy, including both translational and rotational components.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of force, work, and power in physics.
  • Knowledge of motorcycle dynamics, including the effects of gravity and drag.
  • Ability to apply formulas such as W = F·s and P = W/t in practical scenarios.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of rotational dynamics and moment of inertia for wheels.
  • Learn how to calculate angular velocity and its implications in vehicle dynamics.
  • Research the effects of gyroscopic torque on motorcycle stability during turns.
  • Explore advanced topics in energy conservation and work-energy principles in mechanical systems.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, motorcycle engineers, and enthusiasts interested in understanding the mechanics of motorcycle performance and energy calculations.

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Homework Statement
A motorcycle and rider have a combined mass of 350kg.

The wheels each have a mass of 20kg, diameter of 500mm and radius of gyration of 200mm.

The rider accelerates from 5m/s to 25m/s over a distance of 100m, whilst climbing a hill of slope 1 in 20.

The average resistance to motion, including drag, is 120N.

a) Determine the total work done as the motorcycle ascends the incline.

b) Calculate the amount of power developed during the climb.

c) Explain the energy transfer that is taking place within this system.
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You should really be able to do a). Where does all the work that the motor does go?
for b) I think you have to assume constant acceleration
 
willem2 said:
You should really be able to do a). Where does all the work that the motor does go?
for b) I think you have to assume constant acceleration

Please have a look if I am right
243369
 
Your calculation of acceleration is correct. The calculation for the force needed to cause this acceleration ignores that you force to get the wheels to rotate as well.
You also add the 120N resistance to the force, and then you subtract it again later.
Your calculation of the force needed to overcome gravity doesn't make it into the final answer.

Finally when you calculate the power, you use P = F.V. You can only use this to calculate the average power if either the force or the speed is constant. If the acceleration is constant, both the force and the speed change.
You also use the energy instead of the force in this calculation, so your answer is much too high.
It's probably easier to use Power = Energy/time for b) since you already calculated the energy in a)
 
PLEASE IF POSSIBLE CAN YOU PROVIDE ME YOUR SOLUTION TO STUDY
THANKS FOR THE TIME
 
crixavey said:
PLEASE IF POSSIBLE CAN YOU PROVIDE ME YOUR SOLUTION TO STUDY
THANKS FOR THE TIME
That's not how things work on the homework forums.

As willem wrote, you found the acceleration ok, but you do not need that for part a.
Try to find the initial KE (don't forget the rotational energy of the wheels) the final KE, and the work done against gravity and friction.
 
haruspex said:
That's not how things work on the homework forums.

As willem wrote, you found the acceleration ok, but you do not need that for part a.
Try to find the initial KE (don't forget the rotational energy of the wheels) the final KE, and the work done against gravity and friction.
Thanks Willem2 and haruspex , please have a look what i have done on the question .
I solved the continuation of the question too =
At another point in its journey, the motorcycle and rider travel at 80 km/h around a left-hand bend of radius 30m. Calculate:

  • The angular velocity of each of the wheels.

  • The moment of inertia of each wheel.

  • The magnitude and effect of the gyroscopic torque produced on the bike.
243448
243449
 
crixavey said:
Thanks Willem2 and haruspex , please have a look what i have done on the question .

First, when you're calculating force, you're ignoring the gravity force. Additionally, you don't really need to calculate forces in this problem.Also, when you use the formula
##W=Fs##​
You're only factoring in translational kinetic energy. In order to final total kinetic energy you need both translational and rotational kinetic energy.
##W_{total}=\Delta T = \Delta T_{rot}+\Delta T_{trans}=\Delta [2*\frac{1}{2}I_{w}(\frac{v}{r})^{2}+\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}]##​

To calculate the work done by the engine, simply add the work needed to overcome gravity and drag.

##W_{engine}=W_{total}+W_{g}+W_{D}##
Where ##W_{g}=mgs(sin(\theta ))## and ##W_{D}=F_{D}s##

When finding power, you shoud use ##P_{av}=\frac{W}{t}## where ##t=\Delta v/a##
 

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