How can I design a roller project to roll down an incline as slow as possible?

[physicsdude17]

Homework Statement

I have to make something that will roll down an incline as slow as possible. It needs to have a uniform radius of 0-.5m and have a mass between .25kg and .5kg. The ramp it needs to go down is a pine board 12' long, with a starting height of 6", and the ramp is 7.5" wide. I am not necessarily looking for how to do it exactly, but just help with what formulas and such to use. This stuff is beyond my limited knowledge of physics.

Homework Equations

Dont know any, that's why I am here.

The Attempt at a Solution

I don't really know where to start for this project. If it makes a difference, it is not a graded one for school, but for an after school science league competition. I am just looking for something to get me going in the right direction. thanks

 

[Delphi51]

As it rolls down the ramp, potential energy will be converted into kinetic energy plus rotational energy. The more that goes into RE rather than KE, the slower it will go down. Find formulas for the rotational energy for rollers of various shapes (sphere, cylinder, ring ...). Choose the one that has the largest rotational energy for a given rolling speed.

 

[nlightner]

I would suggest starting by researching the concept of rolling resistance and how it affects the speed of an object rolling down an incline. This can be calculated using the equation F = μmg, where F is the rolling resistance force, μ is the coefficient of rolling resistance (which depends on the surface materials), m is the mass of the object, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

Next, consider the factors that can affect the rolling resistance force, such as the type of material used for the rolling object and the surface of the incline. For example, using a material with a high coefficient of rolling resistance, such as rubber, can help slow down the object's speed.

You can also experiment with the radius of the rolling object and the angle of the incline to see how they affect the speed. A smaller radius and a steeper incline may result in a slower roll.

Finally, make sure to carefully measure and control the variables, such as the mass and starting height, to ensure accurate and consistent results. Good luck with your project!