Kinetic energy of compound rotational objects

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the kinetic energy of a compound rotational object, specifically a ferris wheel constructed from a tambourine ring, a cover, and a wooden shaft. The kinetic energy is determined using the formula Iω², where I represents the moment of inertia. The moment of inertia for the ring and cover can be calculated using (0.5)mr² and (0.5)m(r1² + r2²), while the shaft's moment of inertia requires additional clarification. The angular velocity is uniform across the entire structure, and the discussion concludes with a query about mechanical energy efficiency and its relation to kinetic energy and time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational dynamics and kinetic energy formulas
  • Knowledge of moment of inertia calculations for various shapes
  • Familiarity with angular velocity concepts in rigid body motion
  • Basic principles of mechanical energy efficiency
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to calculate the moment of inertia for composite objects
  • Learn about angular velocity in rigid body systems
  • Explore the relationship between kinetic energy and mechanical energy efficiency
  • Investigate methods to convert kinetic energy into power (watts) over time
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, mechanical engineers, and hobbyists building rotational devices who seek to understand the principles of kinetic energy and efficiency in compound systems.

Pantherezz
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I have built a ferris wheel out of three parts, a tambourine ring, the cover that came with the tambourine, and a wooden shaft on the other side. I know that to find the kinetic energy would be Iw^2 but I don't really understand how to input the data into the equation.

I know I need to find each individual pieces' moment of inertia, using (0.5)mr^2, (0.5)m(r1^2 +r2^2). I don't know how to find the shaft's moment of inertia though...

And for the angular velocity, do you need to find each pieces separate angular velocity and add them together or do you just need it once because they would all be the same...?

See, I tried finding the answer using just the moment of inertia of the ring and the thin disk (cover) but I got a very very small number...
 
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Find the moment of inertia for each part separately, through the same axis (!) and add them up.
The angular velocity is the same everywhere on the object (as long as everything is fixed and cannot move relative to each other).

Also, the rotational energy is [tex]\frac{1}{2}I \omega^2[/tex].
 
thank you!

Last question... I think.
How do you find the mechanical energy efficiency of the whole thing? I'm a little confused as to how to convert the kinetic energy the wheel has into watts. I don't know what the time would be, because essentially the energy is constant.
..
I know the end result is that there is no mechanical energy efficiency but I don't know how to find the time so as to prove that there is no energy efficiency...
 

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