Newton's Laws of Motion on a helicopter

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the force exerted by air on helicopter blades when lifting a 4000-kg truck with an upward acceleration of 0.9 m/s². The total mass of the helicopter is 12,000 kg. To determine the force, one must consider both the weight of the helicopter and the truck, factoring in gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²) and the additional upward acceleration. The combined force is calculated using Newton's second law, F = ma, where 'a' includes both gravitational and upward accelerations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law (F = ma)
  • Knowledge of gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²)
  • Basic concepts of mass and weight
  • Familiarity with forces acting on objects in motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the total force required to lift the truck using F = ma
  • Explore the implications of helicopter dynamics during acceleration
  • Study the effects of varying upward accelerations on lifting forces
  • Investigate real-world applications of Newton's laws in aviation
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as engineers and aviation professionals interested in the principles of flight dynamics and force calculations.

brriney
Messages
3
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A 12000- kg helicopter is lifting a 4000- kg truck with an upward acceleration of 0.9 m/s2. Calculate the force the air exerts on the helicopter blades.

Homework Equations



F = ma

The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea! Please help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well the answer depends on whether the helicopter is hovering (stationary) or is also accelerating with the truck.

Let's assume the helicopter is hovering. It has a weight which is the product of its mass and the acceleration of gravity.

Now looking at the truck, it also has a weight which is the product of its mass and the acceleration due to gravity, but the helicopter is pulling it up with an additional acceleration of 0.9 m/s2, so one has to add that acceleration to the acceleration of gravity to get the combined force.


If the helicopter is also accelerating then one has to add that inertial acceleration to the acceleration of gravity.

g = 9.81 m/s2
 

Similar threads

Newton's law problem: Helicopter lifting a box with a rope
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Determining Tension & Lift Force for Helicopter & Truck
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
How Much Air Mass for a Hovering Helicopter?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Newton's law problem: Pushing 2 stacked blocks on a horizontal table
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Pseudo Forces on a Mass in a Groove on a Rotating Disc
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
Helicopter accelerates while liftin what are the forces' magnitudes?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
6K
Newton's 2nd Law: Why is Resistance Considered a Positive Force?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Understanding Newton's Third Law in Action: A Truck Pushing an SUV
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Unbalanced force to find altitude of airplane
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Rocket acceleration problem: confused about Newton's 2nd Law
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
6K