Solving a Steam Engine Flywheel Angular Displacement Problem

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the total angular displacement of a steam engine flywheel that accelerates with a constant angular acceleration of 1.33 rad/s² for 23.5 seconds before maintaining a constant angular velocity. The user successfully calculated the initial angular displacement as 367.24625 degrees and the final angular velocity as 31.255 rad/s. After determining the remaining time of 43.8 seconds, the user applied the equation θf = θi + ω*t2 to find the total angle, but encountered difficulties in achieving the correct answer.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of angular kinematics and equations of motion
  • Familiarity with the concepts of angular displacement and angular velocity
  • Ability to perform calculations involving constant angular acceleration
  • Knowledge of the relationship between radians and degrees
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the kinematic equations for angular motion in detail
  • Practice problems involving constant angular acceleration and displacement
  • Learn about the conversion between radians and degrees for angular measurements
  • Explore the implications of zero acceleration in angular motion scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on rotational dynamics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to angular displacement and kinematics.

jcfor3ver
Messages
27
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



The flywheel of a steam engine begins to rotate from rest with a constant angular acceleration of 1.33 rad/s2. It accelerates for 23.5 s, then maintains a constant angular velocity. Calculate the total angle through which the wheel has turned 67.3 s after it begins rotating.



Homework Equations



Using kinematic equations (I just replace the variables with angular variables, such as velocity will actually be represented with and omega symbol)

Vf = Vi + at
Vf^2 = Vi^2 + 2ax Vi = initial velocity
x = ViT + .5at^2 a = acceleration
x = displacement
vf = final velocity
t = time






The Attempt at a Solution



So first off, I found how far the flywheel thing has traveled. I knew it accelerated for 23.5 seconds, so I used the equation for distance=.5*a*t^2. This number I got was 367.24625, which I used as my theta initial val. Then I proceeded to find the velocity (omega) at 23.5 seconds (since it is constant after that time) and using the equation above for vel. I got 31.255 (I took the accel and multiplied it by the time 23.5 s).
This gave me my Vf, or Omega final which is 31.255 rad/sec.

My total time is 67.3 s, but since I acceled the first 23.5 s and got values for that time interval, I took my delta time as 67.3-23.5 s and got 43.8 s.

So Theta initial= 367.24625 deg
Omega final= 31.255 rad/sec (constant)
Delta Time= 43.8 sec
And my accel=0 during this time interval

I used the equation theta f= theta i + .5(omega)(delta time) and got 1051.73075 deg. I've tried many other ways and still cannot get the right answer. The computer tells me if the answer is right or wrong.

HELP PLZ!
 
Physics news on Phys.org


In the second part acceleration is zero.
So total angle is θf = θi + ω*t2.( t2 = 43.8 s)
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
7K