Investigation regarding the rotor ride

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on investigating the physics of the Rotor ride at Luna Park, specifically examining how angular velocity influences centripetal force and the coefficient of friction necessary to keep riders pinned against the wall. Participants express confusion regarding the term "Module 5," which appears to relate to a project framework that prohibits changing variables on the ride. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding static friction dynamics, particularly the differences between clothing and skin contact with the ride's surface.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular velocity and its effects on centripetal force
  • Knowledge of static friction and its coefficients
  • Familiarity with experimental design constraints in physics projects
  • Basic concepts of ride mechanics and rider experience
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical relationship between angular velocity and centripetal force
  • Investigate the coefficients of static and kinetic friction in different materials
  • Explore experimental methods for analyzing forces in a fixed-variable environment
  • Study the physics of amusement park rides and their safety mechanisms
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, amusement park engineers, and anyone interested in the mechanics of thrill rides and rider safety.

Inaaya
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Homework Statement
I would like some possible module 5 topics that I can investigate for the rotor at Luna Park that don't require an independent variable.
Relevant Equations
Fc=mv^2/r
So far some of the topics I can think of are Investigating how angular velocity affects the centripetal force experienced by riders on the rotor or the coefficient of friction required to pin the rider to the wall.
 
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I have so many fond memories of Luna Park. Moonlight, cotton candy, and you know... :wink:

What in thee hell are you asking about?
 
berkeman said:
I have so many fond memories of Luna Park. Moonlight, cotton candy, and you know... :wink:

What in thee hell are you asking about?
I would like some module 5 topics that I can investigate for the rotor at Luna Park that don't require an independent variable.
 
I only have Module 6 topics from Wally World. Would that help?
 
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I am deducing that there is a park somewhere (within 250,000 miles) named Luna Park and that it has a Rotor ride - the one that pins people to the wall.

What is a "Module 5"? Your usage of the term makes me guess maybe some sort of school grade level or study level?

Explain what you want to do with this information that members will surely scramble to get for you.

And finally, but most importantly, what have you come up with yourself?
 
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The last time I rode one of these I came away with not so fond memories. The coefficient of static friction between my shirt and the cylindrical surface was adequate but not the coefficient of static friction between my bare back and my shirt. So I slid down whist my shirt went over and around my head. It was quite an experience.

What is this "no independent variable" constraint? I don't understand what you are trying to do.

 
DaveC426913 said:
I am deducing that there is a park somewhere (within 250,000 miles) named Luna Park and that it has a Rotor ride - the one that pins people to the wall.

What is a "Module 5"? Your usage of the term makes me guess maybe some sort of school grade level or study level?

Explain what you want to do with this information that members will surely scramble to get for you.

And finally, but most importantly, what have you come up with yourself?
Module 5 physics topics that can be investigated for the rotor ride at Luna Park for a project and so far I have come up with analysing the angular velocity of the rotor but I need more ideas on how to elaborate.
 
kuruman said:
The last time I rode one of these I came away with not so fond memories. The coefficient of static friction between my shirt and the cylindrical surface was adequate but not the coefficient of static friction between my bare back and my shirt. So I slid down whist my shirt went over and around my head. It was quite an experience.

What is this "no independent variable" constraint? I don't understand what you are trying to do.


We can't have an independent variable for our project because we can't change anything on the rotor.
 
Sometimes the experimental subjects are stuck to the wall.
Sometimes they are sliding down the wall.

Can you figure out what in their environment is changing to cause this?
 

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