How can I solve this Mechanics problem, about a cylinder in water?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving a mechanics problem involving a cylindrical submarine submerged in water. Key points include calculating the maximum downward velocity of the submarine based on its buoyancy force, which varies with depth, and determining how much deeper it will sink after jettisoning ballast at a depth of 250 m. Participants mention the need to calculate the submarine's volume using the formula for a cylinder and explore the relationship between buoyancy and acceleration. The conversation highlights the complexity of the equations involved and the importance of understanding the forces acting on the submarine. Overall, the thread emphasizes the application of physics principles to solve the problem effectively.
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1. A cylindrical submarine has a radius R of 3.2 m, a length L of 35 m and a total mass of 1.2×10^6
kg, of which 1×10^5 kg is ballast that can be jettisoned. The total upwards buoyancy force, B (N), is regulated as a function of depth and is given by
B =(1020 + 0.25z)Vg ,
where z is the depth from the water surface to the top of the submarine (m), V is the volume of the submarine (m^3) and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2).
(i) Neglecting viscous drag find the maximum downward velocity of the submarine assuming it
descends from a stationary position just below the water surface. The volume remains constant.
(ii) If the captain decides to drop the ballast at a depth z = 250 m, how much deeper (than 250 m) will the submarine sink?


this is all assuming the submarine is shaped like a simple cylinder. Can you help me?



2. Homework Equations the one given and F=ma is all that i can think of
 
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well, we need to know the volume of the submarine. so the equation for the volume of a cylinder is helpful...

probably: pi*r^2*L...

I'm not sure, but does the equation for B give us an acceleration? I don't think anything cancels out the /s^2 part of gravity so i think we get an acceleration for B.

isn't there an equation something like V = 1/2acceleration^2 + V(0)... If we plug our result for B into this... I think there's a (t) in the equation above. don't know exactly where this is going.

well... just some thoughts...
 
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