How Is Tension Calculated in a Helicopter Rescue Operation?

[D. Tran]

1. "A 2800 kg helicopter with a cable and harness is rescuing an injured snowboarder. The harness and snowboarder weigh 1730 N."

The question is asking for the "tension in the cable if the snowboarder and helicopter accelerate upward at 1.5 m/s²."

2. ∑F_y=ma_y=T-


Is the equation (above) correct? What am I missing?

3. I already drew a free-body diagram at constant acceleration. With the modified equation (fitted to the problem), I plugged in the following variables:

∑F_y=T-W_S=m_Sa_y
W_S=1730 N
m_S=176.5 kg
a_y=1.5 m/s²
∑F_y=T=(176.5)(1.5)+1730N=1994.8N (final answer)

I do not know if I am doing the problem correctly. I need guidance with the problem.

Thank you for your time and help.

-D. Tran

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[PhanthomJay]

1. "A 2800 kg helicopter with a cable and harness is rescuing an injured snowboarder. The harness and snowboarder weigh 1730 N."

The question is asking for the "tension in the cable if the snowboarder and helicopter accelerate upward at 1.5 m/s²."

2. ∑F_y=ma_y=T-


Is the equation (above) correct? What am I missing?

3. I already drew a free-body diagram at constant acceleration. With the modified equation (fitted to the problem), I plugged in the following variables:

∑F_y=T-W_S=m_Sa_y
W_S=1730 N
m_S=176.5 kg
a_y=1.5 m/s²
∑F_y=T=(176.5)(1.5)+1730N=1994.8N (final answer)

I do not know if I am doing the problem correctly. I need guidance with the problem.

Thank you for your time and help.

-D. Tran

The Attempt at a Solution

Looks real good, nice work, and you avoided the temptation to factor in the helicopter's mass. Welcome to PF!