Projectile Motion from a height with Air Resistance

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a projectile motion problem involving air resistance from a height, specifically from a cliff. The equations of motion are defined as ma=-mg-kvy for vertical motion and ma=-kvx for horizontal motion. The user attempts to derive the time of flight using integration of the vertical motion equation, resulting in t=-vt/g * ln((vt+vy)/(vt+voy). The conversation emphasizes the importance of initial conditions and suggests using Laplace transforms for solving the differential equations involved.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with differential equations
  • Knowledge of Laplace transforms
  • Basic concepts of projectile motion and air resistance
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  • Study the application of Laplace transforms in solving differential equations
  • Explore numerical methods for simulating projectile motion with air resistance
  • Learn about terminal velocity and its implications in projectile motion
  • Investigate the effects of varying drag coefficients on projectile trajectories
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Students in physics or engineering, particularly those studying mechanics and dynamics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of projectile motion with air resistance.

RawrSpoon
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Hey all, me again. This time my question has to do with projectile motion with air resistance from a given height.

Homework Statement


A cannon is located on a cliff of height h. If the muzzle velocity of a projectile is v0, find the range of the projectile when the drag is proportional to the velocity.

Homework Equations


ma=-mg-kvy. Vertical motion
ma=-kvx. Horizontal motion
mg=kvt. Terminal velocity

The Attempt at a Solution


I first attempted to find t via the horizontal motion formula, but my answer doesn't take into account the height difference. Then I tried integrating the vertical motion equation and got an answer of
t=-vt/g * ln((vt+vy)/(vt+voy)) where voy is the initial vertical velocity. I then made vy=dy/dt and tried to find t from there but I have no idea how to do the integration.

Am I even on the right path? I'm hoping if I can find the time t given y I can plug that into xcosθ*t to give me the range.
 
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ƩFx = md2x/dt2 → first 2nd-order linear diff. eq. in x
ƩFy = md2y/dt2 → second linear diff. eq. in y

You know the initial conditions (4 of them for the two equations) & they're linear constant-coefficient, so solution is straight-forward.

(I would use Laplace transform but that's 'cause I'm an EE. EE's can't so much as tie their shoelaces
without transforming to Laplace! :smile:)
 

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