Equations for a mass falling to Earth from a distance

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the mathematical modeling of a mass falling towards Earth, considering gravitational forces and air resistance. The key equation presented is a second-order, non-linear differential equation: $$y^2(t)=\frac{k}{y(t)^2}-b(y)y’(t)^2$$, where b is a function of distance from the Earth's core and speed. Participants discuss methods to experimentally determine the drag coefficient using wind tunnels or numerical simulations and suggest improvements to the model by incorporating additional dimensions and refining the relationship between b and speed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational forces and constants, specifically the gravitational constant G and Earth's mass M.
  • Familiarity with differential equations, particularly non-linear second-order equations.
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics, including drag coefficients and air resistance principles.
  • Experience with numerical simulations for solving complex equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for experimentally determining drag coefficients using wind tunnels.
  • Learn numerical techniques for solving non-linear differential equations.
  • Explore the International Standard Atmosphere model for air density variations.
  • Investigate the effects of additional dimensions on physical models in fluid dynamics.
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, engineers, and researchers interested in gravitational modeling, fluid dynamics, and the mathematical analysis of falling objects.

shibe
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I have a question :
If we consider the change in g due to distance from the Earth core; then

y=distance from earth’s core
t=time
G=gravitation constant
M=Earth’s mass
k=GM

$$y^2(t)=\frac{k}{y(t)^2}$$

If we consider air resistive force as proportional to speed squared, then:

m=falling object mass
$$y^2(t)=\frac{k}{y(t)^2}-by’(t)^2$$

And if we go even further beyond:
Then we know that the air density changes depending on the distance of the falling object from the Earth which would affect the drag coefficient, so the constant b is a function of y.

So we have the second order, non linear differential equation :

$$y^2(t)=\frac{k}{y(t)^2}-b(y)y’(t)^2$$

So my question is,

0.) what is the precise relationship between the constant b and distance from the Earth core ?

1.) how to experimentally determine drag coefficient ?

2) how to solve the given differential equation?

3.) *HOW TO IMPROVE THE MODEL EVEN FURTHER* ?
 
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shibe said:
$$y^2(t)=\frac{k}{y(t)^2}-by(t)^2$$

You are using the symbol ##y## for both, distance and speed.

shibe said:
$$y^2(t)=\frac{k}{y(t)^2}-b(y)y(t)^2$$

##b## also depends on speed.

shibe said:
0.) what is the precise relationship between the constant b and distance from the Earth core ?

For the density you may use the International Standard Atmosphere. For the drag coefficient see 1.)

shibe said:
1.) how to experimentally determine drag coefficient ?

With a wind tunnel or with numeric simulations.

shibe said:
2) how to solve the given differential equation?

Numerically

shibe said:
3.) *HOW TO IMPROVE THE MODEL EVEN FURTHER* ?

Maybe with additional dimensions.
 
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[ thanks for the corrections and link to ISA ]

how does b depend on speed
For air resistance proportional to v^2 ,
The Eqn is $$F_R=\frac{dA}{2}v^2$$

F_R=Resistive force
d=Fluid density
A=surface area
So $$b=\frac{dA}{2}$$

Also what do you mean by add extra “dimensions”
 
shibe said:
how does b depend on speed
That's complicate and depends on shape and surface properties. Here is an example for spheres and discs:
drag-disk.jpg

(The Reynolds number is proportional to speed.)

shibe said:
Also what do you mean by add extra “dimensions”

Your equation is one-dimensional but the space we live in has three dimensions.
 
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