Help with Banked turns - Physics

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the physics of banked turns, specifically how to derive the friction force into x and y components. The key takeaway is that for a vehicle to navigate a banked curve at constant speed, the net force must point towards the center of the circle. In the absence of friction, the only forces acting on the vehicle are the normal force and gravitational force, which must be resolved into components. The banking angle "A" plays a crucial role in providing the necessary centripetal acceleration, with the sine component of the normal force counteracting the outward tendency to slip.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with vector resolution and component analysis
  • Knowledge of centripetal force concepts
  • Basic principles of friction in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of centripetal acceleration in banked turns
  • Explore the role of the banking angle "A" in vehicle dynamics
  • Learn about vector addition in physics, particularly in force analysis
  • Investigate the effects of friction on vehicle stability in banked curves
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, automotive engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of vehicles on banked roads.

fvalentin
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So I'm having a hard time understanding baked turns involving roads. Mainly I'm confused on how to derive the friction force into the x and y components and why it turns be like so. I also am confused about when i encounter a problem that involves friction in banked turns like in the picture below. Ignore the coefficient of friction; I'm just trying to understand the physics of it.
phy 3.png
 
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Welcome to PF;
The key to these problems is to realize that, in order to go around the circle at a constant speed, the net force must point directly towards the center of the circle.
If there is no friction, then there are only twp forces on the car.
Therefore these must sum to a single force pointing horizontally to the right (in the pic).
You can add vectors head-to-tail.
 
when car goes on a banked road, the normal reaction is perpendicular to the road. On breaking up the components, u get the sine component of the normal reaction in the horizontal direction.this is what balances the tendency of the body to slip outwards. Banking makes the bend more safe to traverse at high speed, as NsinA and the friction supply the essential centripetal acceleration for balancing the tendency of slipping which is radially outwards.

"A" is the banked angle.
 

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