Is the first question worked right and any hints on the second please

  • Thread starter Thread starter electricsound
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the mass of a helicopter based on the downward velocity of air displaced by its rotor blades. The initial calculation yielded a force of 9409N and a mass of 940kg, which was confirmed as correct. In the second part, the upward acceleration of the helicopter was calculated incorrectly; the correct approach requires accounting for the difference in forces due to the change in air velocity from 12 m/s to 13 m/s. The final upward acceleration was determined to be 1.7 m/s².

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F=ma)
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics, specifically air density and velocity
  • Familiarity with basic calculus concepts for force and mass calculations
  • Experience with physics problems involving helicopters and rotor dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of fluid dynamics related to rotorcraft
  • Learn about the effects of changing air velocity on lift and thrust
  • Explore advanced applications of Newton's laws in aviation contexts
  • Investigate the relationship between rotor speed and helicopter performance metrics
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in helicopter dynamics and fluid mechanics will benefit from this discussion.

electricsound
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
1. The rotating blade of a hovering helicopter sweeps out an area of radius 4m imparting a downward velocity of 12ms^-1 to the air displaced. Find the mass of the helicopter.
(g=10ms^-2, density of air= 1.3 kgm^-3)

The Attempt at a Solution


F=d/dt(mv)
F= (density of air*volume)*12
= 1.3*pie*16*12*12
=9409N
mass of helicopter= 940kg (the answers matched, but is it worked correct?)

2. The speed of rotation of the blades of the helicopter in question 1 is increased so that the air now hasa downward velocity of 13ms^-1. Find the upward acceleration of the helicopter.
attempt at the solution
F=mv
11043N=1.3(pie*16*13*13
F=ma
11043N=940*a

11043/940=a

Actual answer= 1.7ms^-2
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The first part looks right, but in the second part remember that the 12 m/s air velocity just held the helicopter stationary. So to calculate the acceleration, you need to calculate the difference between the force that held the helicopter stationary (12 m/s air) and the increased air velocity (13 m/s air.). You calculated the entire force from the 13 m/s air and forgot to subtract off that part of the force which is compensating gravity.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K