Rotation period of a space station

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the rotation period of a centrifuge designed to simulate extreme accelerations experienced during astronaut training. The specific parameters include a centrifuge diameter of 13.5 meters and the requirement to achieve centripetal accelerations corresponding to 2g and 5g.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between centripetal acceleration and rotation period, with attempts to derive equations involving velocity and radius. There are questions about the correct interpretation of the acceleration values and the implications for calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on eliminating variables to simplify the problem, while others have shared their calculations and identified potential errors in their approaches. The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to clarify the steps needed to solve the problem without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential confusion regarding the distinction between centripetal acceleration and net g-force, as well as the need for careful attention to the specific values required for the calculations.

ross moldvoer
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Homework Statement


To simulate the extreme accelerations during launch, astronauts train in a large centrifuge. If the centrifuge diameter is 13.5m , what should be its rotation period to produce a centripetal acceleration of
If the centrifuge diameter is 13.5m , what should be its rotation period to produce a centripetal acceleration of 2 g? of 5g?

Homework Equations


T=2*pi*r/v

The Attempt at a Solution


i tried solving for v using a=v^2/r and then plugging it in but i got the wrong answer
 
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ross moldvoer said:

Homework Statement


To simulate the extreme accelerations during launch, astronauts train in a large centrifuge. If the centrifuge diameter is 13.5m , what should be its rotation period to produce a centripetal acceleration of
If the centrifuge diameter is 13.5m , what should be its rotation period to produce a centripetal acceleration of 2 g? of 5g?

Homework Equations


T=2*pi*r/v

The Attempt at a Solution


i tried solving for v using a=v^2/r and then plugging it in but i got the wrong answer
Please post your working, or we can't tell if or where you went wrong.
(Are you sure it asks for a centripetal acceleration of that magnitude, not a net g-force corresponding to it?)
 
i did 9.8=v^2/6.75, v^2=(9.8)(6.75)=66.15 v=8.13
then i plugged v into the equation i gave above
 
ross moldvoer said:
i did 9.8=v^2/6.75, v^2=(9.8)(6.75)=66.15 v=8.13
then i plugged v into the equation i gave above
It says 2g and 5g, not 1g.
 
You need to introduce T into the root equation.
You have a = v ² / r
But v = ( 2 * π * r ) / T
 
then what equation should i use to solve for v since i don't know T?
 
ross moldvoer said:
then what equation should i use to solve for v since i don't know T?
I think dean barry is suggesting you eliminate v between the two equations so that you can go straight to finding T without having to calculate v. That's good advice generally, since it serves to reduce accumulation of rounding errors, but I don't think it matters here.
Do you have a response to my post #4?
 
i did accidently forget to do 2g instead of just 9.8.
 
ross moldvoer said:
i did accidently forget to do 2g instead of just 9.8.
So does that resolve your issue, or do you still have the wrong answer?
 
  • #10
that fixed it. thanks a ton
 
  • #11
so after solving for omega i plug it into T=2*pi*r/v? i get 407 when i do this and this seeems a little high
 
  • #12
ross moldvoer said:
so after solving for omega i plug it into T=2*pi*r/v? i get 407 when i do this and this seeems a little high
Yes, that's way too high. Please post all your steps.
 
  • #13
Take: a = v ² / r
You know:
v = ( 2 * π * r ) / T
( which introduces T into the game )
You get: a = ( ( 2 * π * r ) / T ) ² ) / r
Transpose for T
 

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