Integrating non-constant acceleration to give time

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on integrating non-constant acceleration in a physics context, specifically when an object is subjected to both an accelerating force and friction that depend on velocity. The user is attempting to derive the velocity equation by integrating acceleration, which is defined as the total force divided by mass. The key equations include the accelerating force as k/v and the friction force as a + bv + cv². The user’s integration attempts yield a third-degree polynomial that does not appropriately account for time, leading to incorrect results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with calculus, specifically integration techniques
  • Knowledge of forces and motion, particularly in relation to friction
  • Experience with polynomial equations and their behavior
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of terminal velocity and its derivation
  • Learn advanced integration techniques for non-linear equations
  • Explore numerical methods for solving differential equations
  • Research the impact of varying friction coefficients on motion
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone involved in modeling motion under variable forces, particularly those interested in advanced integration techniques and the dynamics of frictional forces.

Danny252
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Homework Statement


Not specifically a homework assignment, but for a personal project - but it's almost entirely parallel with my Physics course at the moment, and is mostly a homework-style question!

I have an object acclerating due to a force, experiencing friction. Both the accelerating and friction forces depend on velocity.

I would expect the result for v to tend to a certain value as time increases, similar to terminal velocity.

I know this should involve integrating acceleration with respect to time - but the combination of questionable integration confidence and a cold mean I just can't fathom the next step.

Homework Equations


Accelerating force = [tex]k/v[/tex] (decreases as v increases)
Friction force = [tex]a + bv + cv^{2}[/tex] (increases as v increases)
Total force = [tex]k/v - (a + bv + cv^{2})[/tex]
Acceleration = [tex]\sum F/m[/tex]
Velocity = [tex]\int a = \int (k/v - (a + bv + cv^2))/m[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


My attempts at integration end with a 3rd degree polynomial:
[tex](k\;ln(v) - (av + bv^2/2 + cv^3/3))/m[/tex]
Whereas I expect t in the equation, and this does not lead to a limit (for sufficiently large values it gives negative speed).
 
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I'm sure that I'm missing something, but I just can't see what it is. I've tried various substitutions and re-arranging the equation, but to no avail.
 

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