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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a mechanics problem involving a cylindrical submarine with a radius of 3.2 m, a length of 35 m, and a total mass of 1.2×10^6 kg. The buoyancy force, B, is defined as B =(1020 + 0.25z)Vg, where z is the depth, V is the volume, and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2). Participants explore the maximum downward velocity of the submarine and the additional depth it will sink after jettisoning ballast at 250 m. Key equations include the volume of a cylinder (V = πr²L) and the relationship between buoyancy and acceleration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of buoyancy principles and forces
  • Familiarity with basic mechanics equations, specifically F=ma
  • Knowledge of volume calculations for geometric shapes, particularly cylinders
  • Basic grasp of kinematic equations for motion analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the volume of the submarine using the formula V = πr²L
  • Explore the relationship between buoyancy and acceleration in fluid dynamics
  • Investigate the effects of jettisoning ballast on submarine dynamics
  • Learn about kinematic equations and their application in vertical motion problems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying mechanics, engineers working on underwater vehicles, and anyone interested in fluid dynamics and buoyancy calculations.

aero&astro
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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...
 
Last edited:

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