Calculating Maximum Revs/Sec w/ Speed c & Circumference of Disk

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SUMMARY

The maximum number of revolutions per second (mrps) for a disk is calculated using the formula mrps = c / C, where c represents the speed of light and C is the circumference of the disk. The discussion highlights the implications of relativistic effects, particularly length contraction, which may alter the perceived circumference in different frames of reference. The relationship between velocity in the lab frame and the radius remains consistent, but the actual circumference differs from the lab frame measurement. The Ehrenfest paradox is referenced to illustrate these complexities.

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I'm assuming the maximum number of revolutions per second for a disk is defined as speed c divided by the circumference of the disk, eg a disk with a circumference of half a meter is allowed to rotate twice as fast per second as a disk with a circumference of one meter.

C = circumfrence of the disk
c = speed of light
mrps = maximum revolutions per second (not meters per second)

So is the value of mrps nice and simple : mrps = c / C

Or are there more complicated relativistic affects, for example does the circumference shrink due to length contraction.
 
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The relationship that the velocity in the lab frame is 2*pi*r* revolutions / second, where r is the radius in the lab frame, doesn't change in the lab frame. The circumference of the disk in its own "frame" (which is not really a frame!) is different (larger) than 2*pi*r however. See any of the threads about the Ehrenfest paradox.
 
pervect said:
The relationship that the velocity in the lab frame is 2*pi*r* revolutions / second, where r is the radius in the lab frame, doesn't change in the lab frame. The circumference of the disk in its own "frame" (which is not really a frame!) is different (larger) than 2*pi*r however. See any of the threads about the Ehrenfest paradox.

I thought something strange was going to happen but wasn't sure, thanks for the info.

I found this link, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ehrenfest_paradox

But I can't follow most of the math, why are they complicating things by using radius * pi? If I know the circumference I don't need pi. A circumference of 1m means it can rotate 299792458 times a second.
 
Oh wait I think I see why they don't use its circumference.
 

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