The discussion revolves around the physics of flywheel launchers, specifically focusing on the mechanics of how rotational kinetic energy and angular momentum interact with projectiles like tennis balls. Participants explore various factors affecting projectile velocity, including inertia, friction, compression, and torque, while questioning the relationships between these variables.
Participants express differing views on the significance of torque versus RPM in determining final velocity, with no consensus reached on the primary factors influencing projectile acceleration. The role of friction and compression also remains a topic of contention, with various interpretations of their effects on energy transfer and momentum.
Participants highlight the complexity of the interactions between torque, inertia, friction, and compression, indicating that assumptions about these relationships may vary. The discussion reflects a range of interpretations regarding the mechanics involved in flywheel launchers.
cardboard_box said:I already know some of these variables, but I am not fully sure I get every effect of them and I still don't understand the importance of RPM.
You solve the problem as described in Post #38. Is the real here here that you don't know how to solve that problem?cardboard_box said:so for example, if you are given a projectile which you know everything you want about, and are told to fire it at this and this velocity and fire this and this of them at this and this rate, how do you decide what wheel do you use?
...how exactly do I go about building such a function? specifically how does the velocity of the wheel change the velocity of the ball?