Formulas for constant power acceleration

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The discussion focuses on deriving formulas for constant power acceleration, starting from basic mechanics principles. Key equations include the relationships between force, power, acceleration, velocity, and position, with specific derivations for each variable. The conversation highlights the integration of velocity to find position and the subsequent expressions for force and work done. The author expresses a desire to confirm if these formulas have been previously established in the forum, noting that earlier threads did not complete the derivations. The topic is framed as a straightforward problem in mechanics that can be solved using fundamental concepts.
rcgldr
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This isn't homework. A friend asked about this so I decided to work out the formulas, but wanted to know if this was already done by someone here (otherwise I'll do the math).

p = power (constant)
a = acceleration
v = velocity
x = position
t = time
f = force

Assume an object is initially at rest, at position zero and time zero:

v0 = 0
x0 = 0
t0 = 0

f = m a
p = f v
f = p / v

first step

a = f / m = dv/dt = p / (m v)
v dv = (p/m) dt
1/2 v2 = (p/m) t

v = \frac{dx}{dt} = \sqrt {\frac{2\ p\ t}{m}}

This is continued to find x as a function of t, then t as a function of x

Then determine f(x) = p / v(x)

and finally show that work done is

p\ t_1 = \int_0^{x_1} f(x) dx
 
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You can simply integrate your equation for v(t) and get x(t). That can be used to get v(x) and the other expressions.
 
mfb said:
You can simply integrate your equation for v(t) and get x(t). That can be used to get v(x) and the other expressions.
I know that, was just wondering if someone here had already done this in a previous thread. The previous threads I did find never actually completed the formulas. I'll go ahead and do this later.
 
I am sure this has been done before, it is a nice and easy problem in mechanics and can be solved with very basic concepts.
 
p = f \ v
a = \frac{dv}{dt} = \frac{f}{m} = \frac {p} {m\ v}
v\ dv = \frac{p}{m}\ dt
\frac{1}{2}\ v^2 = \frac{p}{m}\ t
v = \frac{dx}{dt} = \sqrt {\frac{2\ p\ t}{m}}
dx = \sqrt {\frac{2\ p\ t}{m}}\ dt
x = \sqrt {\frac{8\ p\ t^3}{9\ m}}
t = \sqrt[3] {\frac{9\ m\ x^2}{8\ p}}
a as a function of t:
a = \frac {p} {m\ v} = \frac {p} {m\ {\sqrt {\frac{2\ p\ t}{m}}}}<br /> = \sqrt {\frac{p}{2\ m\ t}}
v as function of x:
v = \sqrt {\frac{2\ p\ \sqrt[3] {\frac{9\ m\ x^2}{8\ p}}}{m}}<br /> = \sqrt[3] {\frac{3\ p\ x}{m}}
a as a function of x:
a = \frac{p}{m \ v} = \frac{p}{m \ \sqrt[3] {\frac{3\ p\ x}{m}}}<br /> = \sqrt[3] {\frac{p^2}{3\ m^2\ x}}
f as a function of x:
f = m\ a = \sqrt[3] {\frac{m\ p^2}{3\ x}}
work done versus x:
w = \int_0^x \sqrt[3] {\frac{m\ p^2}{3\ x}} \ dx<br /> = \sqrt[3]{\frac{9\ m\ p^2\ x^2}{8}}
work done versus time:
w = \sqrt[3]{\frac{9\ m\ p^2\ \left( \sqrt {\frac{8\ p\ t^3}{9\ m}} \right )^2}{8}}<br /> = p \ t
 
Last edited:

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