Trying to calculate force of a tackle

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the force exerted by NFL players during tackles using their 40-yard dash times, weight, and height. Key insights include the importance of determining the collision time, which is influenced by factors such as body compression, surface area of contact, and the player's motion during the tackle. The traditional formula F=ma is deemed less relevant; instead, the change in momentum, which relies on mass and velocity, is emphasized as the critical factor in this calculation.

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  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly momentum and force.
  • Familiarity with the equation for momentum (p = mass * velocity).
  • Knowledge of biomechanics related to human body dynamics during collisions.
  • Ability to analyze physical characteristics such as surface area and angles in collisions.
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  • Research the principles of momentum transfer in collisions.
  • Explore biomechanics of human movement during tackles.
  • Learn about the impact of surface area and angle on force calculations.
  • Investigate advanced physics simulations for collision analysis.
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Sports scientists, physics students, coaches, and anyone interested in the mechanics of athletic performance and injury prevention in contact sports.

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Homework Statement


I'm trying to calculate the force that certain NFL players exert on stationary objects. I have their 40 yard dash times, weight, and height. Are there any other characteristics of the players I need to know? And how would I calculate force in this problem?


Homework Equations


Of course f=mass*acceleration


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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You need to determine the time over which a collision occurs (the time during which momentum transfer is happening). This will depend upon things like padding, and how "squishy" a human body is under compression. What's the surface area of contact? The angle (both horizontally and vertically)? Is the player still driving forward with his legs during the collision, or is it a 'flying tackle'?
 
F=ma really won't contribute to this problem. As said by gneill, you want to look at the change in momentum, which will depend on mass and velocity, not acceleration since when people are running at full speed they aren't accelerating anymore.
 

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