Terminal Velocity Equation with a Vi greater than 0

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating terminal velocity in a skydiving scenario where two individuals collide with an initial velocity of 75.73 m/s. The standard terminal velocity equation used is V = sqrt((2*m*g)/(DpA), resulting in a terminal velocity of 63.82 m/s with given parameters: D = 1, p = 0.9798, and A = 0.835. It is confirmed that the initial velocity does not alter the terminal velocity, as the forces will balance out, leading to a deceleration until terminal velocity is reached due to increased aerodynamic drag.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of terminal velocity equations
  • Knowledge of aerodynamic drag principles
  • Familiarity with basic physics concepts such as force and motion
  • Ability to perform calculations involving mass, gravity, and area
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of initial velocity on terminal velocity in fluid dynamics
  • Learn about the principles of aerodynamic drag and its calculations
  • Explore advanced skydiving physics, including collision dynamics
  • Investigate the impact of varying parameters (D, p, A) on terminal velocity
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, physics students, skydiving enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the dynamics of falling objects and collision physics.

speedx77
Doing a skydiving project where the two people collide and move at an intital velocity of 75.73 m/s. When i use the normal terminal velocity equation i get:

V = sqrt((2*m*g)/(DpA)) = 63.82 m/s

When D is 1
p = .9798
A = .835

Is the a formula that factors in Vi? Or does it slow down to its terminal velocity because of the balancing of forces.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
As you suggest, it will slow down to the terminal velocity because of the balancing of forces. Any higher velocity causes a higher aerodynamic drag that will slow it.
 
Gracias
 

Similar threads

High School Terminal Velocity Equation in vertical cylinder with some fluid
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Graduate Velocity change under drag and other forces: small mass, large delta-t
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Graduate Terminal Velocity of a Cylinder Freefalling Through a Fluid
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
10K
High School Misleading Textbook Equation for vf^2=vi^2 + 2ad
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Undergrad Effects of velocity on weight (mass?)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Need to find the spring constant to achieve Max Velocity
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Graduate Can Sci-Fi Spacecraft Achieve Stable Orbit with Plasma Technology?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
How come "terminal velocity" and "final velocity" are different?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Undergrad Understanding Terminal Velocity
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Undergrad Relating terminal velocity, force of friction.
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K