Rotational Kinetic Energy -> Lightning Speed Running?

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating the speed a person could achieve by converting the rotational kinetic energy of a solid cylindrical flywheel into linear kinetic energy. The flywheel has a mass of 200 kg and a radius of 0.8 m, rotating at 15,000 revolutions per minute, resulting in a calculated rotational kinetic energy of approximately 7.9 x 107 J. Using the kinetic energy formula, the resulting speed is calculated to be 1600 m/s, which raises questions about the feasibility of such a speed for a human runner. Participants clarify that while the calculations are mathematically correct, the practical implications of using a 200 kg flywheel are unrealistic.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rotational dynamics, specifically the moment of inertia.
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy equations for both rotational and linear motion.
  • Knowledge of unit conversions, particularly between revolutions per minute and radians per second.
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations involving kinetic energy.
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  • Study the principles of rotational kinetic energy and its applications in mechanical systems.
  • Learn about the moment of inertia for various shapes and how it affects rotational motion.
  • Explore the limitations of energy conversion in real-world scenarios, particularly in biomechanics.
  • Investigate the practical applications and safety considerations of using large flywheels in energy storage systems.
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Physics students, mechanical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of energy conversion and rotational dynamics.

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Homework Statement



Suppose a solid cylindrical flywheel has a mass of 200 kg and a radius of 0.8 m and rotates at a rate of 15,000 revolutions per minute. If you were able to convert all of its rotational kinetic energy into making you run, how fast would you be going? (Assume your mass is about 65 kg).

Homework Equations



Conversion from revolutions to rad:
1 rev/s = 2*pi*rad/s

Moment of inertia of solid cylinder:
I = (1/2)MR^2

Rotational kinetic energy of a rotating object:
Krot = (1/2)Iw^2

Kinetic energy:
K = (1/2)mv^2

The Attempt at a Solution



M = 200 kg is mass of solid cylindrical flywheel
m = 65 kg is my mass
R = 0.8m
w = 15000 rev/min = 250 rev/s = 500*pi*rad/s

Find moment of inertia of solid cylindrical flywheel:
I = (1/2)MR^2
I = (1/2)(200 kg)(0.8)^2
I = 64 kg*m

Find rotational kinetic energy of solid cylindrical flywheel:
Krot = (1/2)Iw^2
Krot = (1/2)(64 kg*m)(500*pi*rad/s)^2
Krot = 7.9 * 10^7 J

If Krot = K, then solve for v:
Krot = K = 7.9 * 10^7 J
K = (1/2)mv^2
v = sqrroot[ (2K) / m]
v = sqrroot[ (2*7.9*10^7 J) / 65 kg ]
v = 1559 = 1600 m/s

Can I set Krot = K like that? Is my approach to this problem correct? Thanks a lot for the help!
EDIT: The velocity figure looks weird...Nobody can run that fast... Where did I make a mistake?
 
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Or do I find v with v = rw? (but that wouldn't relate to energy? I'm terribly confused)
 
That is the correct way to do it ( haven't checked arithmateic)
Nobody can run that fast, but they also can't carry a 200kg flywheel running spinning at 250Hz! Large flywheels store a lot of energy - and can dump it very quickly.
 
Thanks for your help!
 

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