Given acceleration relation, find variables

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a differential equation related to the acceleration of a particle defined by a specific relation. Participants are attempting to determine the constant k, the position when the velocity reaches 6 m/s, and the maximum velocity of the particle, starting from rest at a given position. The integration process is highlighted, with suggestions for numerical methods and Taylor series expansion to approximate k. The conversation includes attempts to clarify integration steps and resolve confusion regarding calculations, particularly in substituting values and simplifying expressions. Overall, the thread emphasizes collaboration in tackling complex mathematical problems.
talaroue
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Homework Statement


The acceleration of a particle is defined by the relation a=0.4(1-kV), where k is a constant. Knowing t=0 the particle starts from rest at x=4m and that when t=15s, V=4 m/s, determine...
a)the constant k
b)the postion when V=6m/s
c) the maximum velocity of the particle


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



a=0.4(1-kV)
0.4(1-kV)=dV/dt...im lost after this, can someone just simply point me in the right direction.
 
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talaroue said:


a=0.4(1-kV)
0.4(1-kV)=dV/dt...im lost after this, can someone just simply point me in the right direction.


This is a differential equation for v, you can solve it by separation of variables:

\int{\frac{dv}{1-kv}=\int{0.4 dt}

ehild
 
let me see if I can take it from here if I can't ill post what work I have done.
 
I am stuck again, I solved the right side of the equation you created and got .6s. But on the left side i solved by substitution. Where u=1-kV du=k dV so the left side becomes...

(1/k)ln(1-kV) over the intgral of V0=0 V1=4 m/s ...after everything cancels i have (1/k)(ln4k)=.6 is this right? Sorry if it is hard to follow.
 
which is wrong because those sides do not equal each other when I plug in a number for k
 
i tried solving without using u, and i got ln(0) at one point which is impossible to solve so i am once again stuck.
 
You need the function v(t) to get x(t). Integrate with respect to v between 0 and v(t), and between 0 and t on the right side.

<br /> \int_{0}^{v(t)}{\frac{dv}{1-kv}=-\frac{1}{k}(\ln(1-kv(t))-\ln(1-0))=0.4t<br />



<br /> -1/k\ln(1-kv(t))=0.4t\rightarrow 1-kv(t)=\exp(-0.4kt)\rightarrow v(t)=1/k(1-\exp(-0.4kt))<br />

At t=15 s, v=4 m/s, so 4=1/k(1- exp(-6k)), k=0.25(1-exp(-6k)) It is a bit tricky, to get k from here. Apply some numerical method.


ehild
 
There are two things you can do from here:
1) Solve for k numerically via computer box
or
2) You can get an approximation by expanding the exponential with a Taylor Series.
e^{-0.4 k *15} \approx 1 - 0.4 k*15 + \frac{(-0.4 k*15 )^2}{2}
Throw this in your eq. and you should get a decent approximation for k.
 
it is: k=0.1458...

ehild
 
  • #10
I was right, i just couldn't figure out how to solve. That mkes me feel better! Thanks for everything you guys!
 
  • #11
for the second part I am stuck...here is my work... this is problem 11.25
dynamics047.jpg
 
  • #12
I do not understand your last line. It is all right up to then.

After integration, you got:

0.4x-1.6=1/k^2[1-kv-ln(1-kv)]_0^6

Substitute first v=6, then v=0, and subtract. But how did you get that 48.32?

1-6k-ln(1-6k)=0.1258+2.07317=2.1989, and divided by k^2: 103.6

ehild
 
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