Jerk Equation: Calculating Profile from Speed Data

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    Example Jerk
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the jerk profile of a car using speed data collected over time. Participants explore the definitions and calculations related to jerk, acceleration, and their derivatives, with a focus on the mathematical approach to derive jerk from speed data.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks guidance on calculating jerk from speed data, noting that jerk is derived from the second derivative of speed.
  • Another participant humorously suggests an unrelated method for calculating jerk, but acknowledges that the actual calculation involves finding acceleration as the difference in speed over time.
  • Some participants clarify that jerk is indeed the second derivative of velocity and the first derivative of acceleration, questioning the units of jerk.
  • There is a discussion about the terminology, with one participant asserting that "jerk" is not a recognized term in physics, while another counters that it is a valid term and provides a link for reference.
  • A later reply suggests calculating average acceleration over intervals and then finding jerk by taking the change in acceleration over time, providing a methodical approach to the calculation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definition and relevance of "jerk" in physics. While some agree on the mathematical approach to derive jerk, there is no consensus on the terminology and its implications in physics.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions and units involved in the calculations, particularly regarding the term "jerk" and its application in physics. There are also unresolved mathematical steps in the proposed calculations.

bradyj7
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Hi there,

I time (seconds) and speed data for a journey in a car. I looking to get the jerk profile of the car. Jerk can be derived by taking the second derivative of the speed. Can some please show me an example of how to calculate it. Thank you
Some sample data is
Code:
time    speed
1           1
2           3
3           5
4          10
5          15 
6           21 
7           19
8           18 
9           22
 
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In order to get the jerk profile for a car, take the number of chrome rims and multiply it by the decibel level of the exhaust.

Sorry I couldn't help myself.

Your looking for the acceleration of the car. So take the difference in speed and divide by the difference in time. For example at time 4 your acceleration is 5 per 1 unit of time^2.
 
I though jerk is the second derivative of velocity and the first derivative of acceleration? So would I not have to get the derivative of that again. Say the unit for speed is m/s, therefore the acceleration is 5 m/s^2 and is the jerk 5m/s^3?
 
LostConjugate said:
In order to get the jerk profile for a car, take the number of chrome rims and multiply it by the decibel level of the exhaust.

Sorry I couldn't help myself.

You forgot the decibel level of the sound system.

Couldn't help it either.
 
bradyj7 said:
I though jerk is the second derivative of velocity and the first derivative of acceleration? So would I not have to get the derivative of that again. Say the unit for speed is m/s, therefore the acceleration is 5 m/s^2 and is the jerk 5m/s^3?

The problem is jerk is not a word in physics. I understand what your saying now. However, if you are traveling at a constant velocity and you accelerate, you will feel a jerk, so jerk is acceleration. Though if you are traveling at a constant acceleration and your acceleration changes you will also feel a jerk. So it can be taken to mean either situation.
 
LostConjugate said:
The problem is jerk is not a word in physics. I understand what your saying now. However, if you are traveling at a constant velocity and you accelerate, you will feel a jerk, so jerk is acceleration. Though if you are traveling at a constant acceleration and your acceleration changes you will also feel a jerk. So it can be taken to mean either situation.

Actually, jerk IS a word in physics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerk_(physics)

\vec j=\frac {\mathrm{d} \vec a} {\mathrm{d}t}=\frac {\mathrm{d}^2 \vec v} {\mathrm{d}t^2}=\frac {\mathrm{d}^3 \vec x} {\mathrm{d}t^3}Getting back on topic, what I would do is find the average acceleration over the given intervals by taking the change in speed over time, then do the same thing with the acceleration to find the jerk.

ie:

Code:
time    accel
1-2     (3-1)/(2-1)
2-3     (5-3)/(3-2)
3-4     (10-5)/(4-3)
...         ...
...         ...
...         ...
...         ...
 

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