How Can You Model a Man Sliding on Rough Ice with Intermittent Pushing?

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    Ice Sliding
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around modeling the dynamics of a man sliding on rough ice while intermittently pushing outwards to slow down. The focus is on the complexities introduced by the frictional forces and the mechanics of the pushing motion, with participants exploring various aspects of the scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the scenario of a man sliding on rough ice with kinetic friction and intermittent pushing, expressing difficulty in modeling the situation beyond free sliding.
  • Another participant questions the meaning of "pushing outwards" and its effect on slowing down, indicating a need for clarification on this aspect.
  • A request is made for the equation of the force of friction and guidance on how to sum the forces acting on the man during the sliding and pushing phases.
  • One participant suggests that in a model with constant friction, moving the feet side to side could reduce the frictional force in the forward and backward directions, relating this to a practical example of "doing doughnuts" in a parking lot.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the mechanics of the pushing motion and its impact on friction, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without a clear consensus on the modeling approach.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the forces involved, the definitions of terms like "pushing outwards," and the mathematical steps required to fully model the scenario.

walking
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How would you model the following situation?

A man of mass m slides on rough ice with coefficient of kinetic friction ##\mu_k##, while pushing outwards at intervals to try to come to a stop in a shorter time.

For example, he might slide for 5 seconds then push out with his right foot, then slide for 3 seconds then push out with his left foot, etc.

I am finding difficulty modelling this. I am only able to model the situation where the man slides freely.
 
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walking said:
...while pushing outwards at intervals to try to come to a stop in a shorter time...
What does "pushing outwards" mean? And why should it slow him down?

walking said:
I am only able to model the situation where the man slides freely.
Show your work.
 
What is the equation for the force of friction?

How would you sum the forces?
 
In a model where friction has constant magnitude, moving the feet from side to side will reduce the frictional force available in the fore and aft direction.

This is part of the secret to "doing doughnuts" in a parking lot.
 

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