The Brachistochrone Problem: cycloid curve

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Brachistochrone Problem, specifically the behavior of a bead rolling along a cycloid curve as described in "Boas Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences." The key conclusion is that the bead's motion is determined by the ratio of its coordinates (x/y). If x/y is less than π/2, the bead slides down; if greater, it slides down and back up. The parametric equations of the cycloid, x = a(θ - sinθ) and y = a(1 - cosθ), are also referenced to explore the conditions under which the bead can return to a higher point.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Brachistochrone Problem
  • Familiarity with cycloid curves
  • Knowledge of potential energy concepts in physics
  • Ability to interpret parametric equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of the Calculus of Variations
  • Learn about the dynamics of rolling motion on curves
  • Explore the derivation and applications of cycloid parametric equations
  • Investigate alternative solutions to the Brachistochrone Problem
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics and mathematics, particularly those studying mechanics and optimization problems, as well as educators looking for insights into the Brachistochrone Problem and cycloid curves.

physicsbeginnerss
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Homework Statement
Show, in Figure 4.4, that for a point like P3, x3/y3 > π/2 and for P2, x2/y2 = π/2.
Relevant Equations
$$\frac{y1}{x1}>\frac{P2A}{AO}=\frac{2a}{a\pi}=\frac{2}{\pi}$$
This is 'Boas mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences' homework p484.(Calculus of Variations)

problem2 section4 number 2

calculus1.jpg

The bead is rolling on the cycloid curve.(Figure 4.4)
And the book explain that
'Then if the right-hand endpoint is (x, y) and the origin is
the left-hand endpoint, we can say that the bead just slides down, or slides down and
back up, depending on whether x/y is less than or greater than π/2 (Problem 2).'

My question is how can be it's just slides down or slides down and back up depending on
the magnitude of x/y? I mean it's depending on potential energy that it back up with origin height.(That contains origin potential energy)

The book explains when it comes to P2 the circle has rolled halfway around so OA=$$\frac{1}{2}\cdot 2a\pi=a\pi$$.
For any point P1 on arc
OP2, P1 is below the line OP2, and the coordinates (x1, y1) of P1 have
$$\frac{y_1}{x_1}>\frac{P2A}{AO}=\frac{2a}{a\pi}=\frac{2}{\pi}$$ or $$x_1/y_1 < π/2$$.

And p3 is applied by same solution that x3/y3 would be greater than $$frac{\pi}{2}$$.

Here is my understanding.

KakaoTalk_20200628_210902569.jpg

This is what papers says and I drewed it and understand how it works.

But if $$\frac{x_3}{y_3}$$ is less than $$\frac{\pi}{2}$$
diffcycloid.jpg

In this curve it's hard for the bead back up to p3, But!, Is this can satified with the parametric equation of cycloid?
## $$x=a(\theta-sin\theta)$$
## $$y=a(1-cos\theta)$$

My question is can the last picture be satisfied with the parametric equation of a cycloid or not? And if not, what is the alternative solution that $$\frac{x_3}{y_3}$$ less than $$\frac{\pi}{2}$$ that is still cycloid curve.
 

Attachments

  • KakaoTalk_20200628_210906879.jpg
    KakaoTalk_20200628_210906879.jpg
    28.5 KB · Views: 209
  • 000000.jpg
    000000.jpg
    33.4 KB · Views: 202
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Can you fix your Latex? Use double dollar signs.
 
PeroK said:
Can you fix your Latex? Use double dollar signs.
I just did it.
 
physicsbeginnerss said:
Then if the right-hand endpoint is (x, y) and the origin is
the left-hand endpoint, we can say that the bead just slides down, or slides down and
back up, depending on whether x/y is less than or greater than π/2
Perhaps it is intended as a purely kinematic observation. If the point of contact at some instant is at (x, y) (y measured positive down from the origin) then:
if x/y < π/2 the bead is still on the downward slope
if x/y > π/2 the bead has started back up
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: physicsbeginnerss

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
18
Views
5K