Total energy supplied to a flyball governor

Emily discuss the concept of a flyball governor and how to calculate the total energy supplied to it in order for it to reach a given angular speed. James has already calculated the rotational energy but is unsure about the translational energy. He questions whether the centre of mass refers to the centre of the device or the individual masses at the ends of the arms. Emily suggests including gravitational potential energy in the equation. In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of total energy for a flyball governor and the inclusion of gravitational potential energy.
  • #1
Bugsy23
25
0

Homework Statement



A flyball governor has an angular speed of 8.10 rad s^-1. Find the total energy supplied to the flyball governor in order for it to reach this angular speed

Homework Equations



Kinetic energy=rotational energy+translational energy

translational energy=(1/2)m*v^2, where v is the speed of the body's centre of mass

The Attempt at a Solution



I've already calculated the rotational energy, but I don't know if the centre of mass of the body refers to the centre of mass of the device itself, which would be the spindle, in which case the translational energy should be zero, as the device is not moving through space; or whether it refers to the centres of mass of the individual masses at the ends of the arms, which are moving through space. Can someone help clarify this? Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I would say that there is no linear motion only rotational, I think gravitational potential energy should be included

[tex]E=\frac{1}{2}I\omega^2+mgh[/tex]

James
 

1. What is a flyball governor?

A flyball governor is a mechanical device used to regulate the speed of an engine or other rotating machine. It consists of two or more rotating balls attached to a vertical spindle, and as the speed of the machine increases, the balls move outward due to centrifugal force, causing the spindle to move and control the flow of fuel or steam to the engine.

2. How does a flyball governor work?

The flyball governor works on the principle of centrifugal force. As the speed of the machine increases, the balls attached to the spindle move outward, causing the spindle to move and control the flow of fuel or steam. This maintains a constant speed of the machine by adjusting the amount of energy supplied to it.

3. What is the total energy supplied to a flyball governor?

The total energy supplied to a flyball governor refers to the amount of energy required to maintain a constant speed of the machine. This includes the energy supplied through fuel or steam to the engine, as well as the energy required to operate the flyball governor itself.

4. How is the total energy supplied to a flyball governor calculated?

The total energy supplied to a flyball governor can be calculated by adding the energy supplied to the engine and the energy required to operate the flyball governor. The energy supplied to the engine can be calculated using the formula E = P * t, where E is energy, P is power, and t is time. The energy required to operate the flyball governor can be calculated using the formula E = F * d, where E is energy, F is force, and d is distance.

5. What factors can affect the total energy supplied to a flyball governor?

The total energy supplied to a flyball governor can be affected by various factors such as the speed and load of the machine, the efficiency of the engine, and the design and condition of the flyball governor. External factors like temperature and altitude can also have an impact on the energy supplied to the flyball governor and the overall performance of the machine.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
825
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
676
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
30
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
996
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
349
Replies
10
Views
423
Back
Top