Derivation of parametric Equations?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving parametric equations for the motion of a point on a wheel rolling down a ramp. The wheel has a radius and starts from rest at a specific coordinate, with a defined angle of the ramp. Participants are tasked with finding the equations that describe the x and y coordinates of a point on the wheel as it rotates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express confusion about the problem setup and the concepts involved, including the relationship between angular velocity and the motion of the wheel. There are attempts to break down the problem into simpler components, such as finding the center of the wheel's motion and the position of the point relative to it. Some participants suggest potential forms for the parametric equations but express uncertainty about their correctness.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations and approaches to the problem. Some have suggested breaking the problem down into simpler parts, while others are questioning their understanding of the concepts involved. There is a lack of consensus on the correct approach or equations to use, and several participants have expressed their confusion and uncertainty.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention that they may not have covered the necessary material in their coursework to fully tackle the problem. There is also a suggestion to consider the motion of the wheel on a flat surface as a preliminary step before addressing the slope.

Mark Rice
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Homework Statement


Hi, so confused abou this question that I probably haven't even posted it in the correct section.Here's the question.

A wheel of radius ,r, is situated at the top of a ramp having an angle θ = π/6 rad. At t= 0 the wheel is at rest with its centre at coordinates (0,r) and then it starts to rotate clockwise, without slipping, in the positive x direction with constant angular velocity ω.

Find the parametric equations of the x and y coordinates of the point p (green dot on graph) with respect to the t >= 0, assuming the initial co-ordinates are at (0, 2r).

Homework Equations


I think possibly ω=ω+at but I don't even know what is going on. If it helps in anyway I know the circle has centre (0, r) radius r so the equation would be x^2 + (y-r)^2 = r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


The reason I'm so confused is that I'm sure they haven't taught us this work yet. I think I do it by working out the parabola motion of p then split that into equations for the horizontal and vertical motion, but literally no idea how I would even go about doing that let alone writting it down mathematically. ANY help would be great. Thanks.
 

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Mark Rice said:

Homework Statement


Hi, so confused abou this question that I probably haven't even posted it in the correct section.Here's the question.

A wheel of radius ,r, is situated at the top of a ramp having an angle θ = π/6 rad. At t= 0 the wheel is at rest with its centre at coordinates (0,r) and then it starts to rotate clockwise, without slipping, in the positive x direction with constant angular velocity ω.

Find the parametric equations of the x and y coordinates of the point p (green dot on graph) with respect to the t >= 0, assuming the initial co-ordinates are at (0, 2r).

Homework Equations


I think possibly ω=ω+at but I don't even know what is going on. If it helps in anyway I know the circle has centre (0, r) radius r so the equation would be x^2 + (y-r)^2 = r^2

The Attempt at a Solution


The reason I'm so confused is that I'm sure they haven't taught us this work yet. I think I do it by working out the parabola motion of p then split that into equations for the horizontal and vertical motion, but literally no idea how I would even go about doing that let alone writting it down mathematically. ANY help would be great. Thanks.

Why not break the problem down: first work out the equation for the centre of the wheel (x(t), y(t)); then work out the position of the point p relative to that.
 
PeroK said:
Why not break the problem down: first work out the equation for the centre of the wheel (x(t), y(t)); then work out the position of the point p relative to that.

I honestly don't even know how to do that. I think the point might posibly y(t)=2π/t but am pretty sure that's not right?
 
Mark Rice said:
I honestly don't even know how to do that. I think the point might posibly y(t)=2π/t but am pretty sure that's not right?
I've just realized that is not even close to being right...
 
PeroK said:
Why not break the problem down: first work out the equation for the centre of the wheel (x(t), y(t)); then work out the position of the point p relative to that.
I understand what you're saying to do, but I'm not sure how I acutally work that out though
 
PeroK said:
Why not break the problem down: first work out the equation for the centre of the wheel (x(t), y(t)); then work out the position of the point p relative to that.
is the parametric equation y(t)=1/2π t sin (π/6)
 
Mark Rice said:
I understand what you're saying to do, but I'm not sure how I acutally work that out though

Well, you have to decide whether to attempt this problem. Could you work out the parametric equations for a point on a wheel moving along horizontally? That would be a simpler problem.
 
Mark Rice said:
is the parametric equation y(t)=1/2π t sin (π/6)

The position of a point on the wheel is going to be a function of ω, θ and ##t##.
 
PeroK said:
The position of a point on the wheel is going to be a function of ω, θ and ##t##.
If this isn't close I have no hope, is the function x=rcos(ωt+θ) and y=rsin(ωt+θ) ? Sorry about being so bad at this
 
  • #10
Mark Rice said:
If this isn't close I have no hope, is the function x=rcos(ωt+θ) and y=rsin(ωt+θ) ? Sorry about being so bad at this
PeroK said:
The position of a point on the wheel is going to be a function of ω, θ and ##t##.
Sorry just realized that they are wrong I think they should be x=vt+rsin(ωt+θ) and y=y0+rcos(ωt+θ) but this is for horizontal movement so how do I work it out for on a slope?
 
  • #11
Mark Rice said:
If this isn't close I have no hope, is the function x=rcos(ωt+θ) and y=rsin(ωt+θ) ? Sorry about being so bad at this

You'll not get anywhere just guessing! Try the problem along the flat. First, you have to work out how fast the wheel is moving. Second, you'll have to work out where point p is relative to the centre of the wheel.

If you can do this, then you can extend the solution to be down the slope.
 
  • #12
PeroK said:
You'll not get anywhere just guessing! Try the problem along the flat. First, you have to work out how fast the wheel is moving. Second, you'll have to work out where point p is relative to the centre of the wheel.

If you can do this, then you can extend the solution to be down the slope.

Really sorry but I literally have no idea what is going on in this question so am going to just leave it. Greatly appreciate all the help you gave but I'm way too confused. Thanks anyway :)
 

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