Two masses connected by constant distance

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    Constant Two masses
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around modeling the interaction between two masses connected by a rigid connector in a 2D space, inspired by the mechanics of the video game Space Duel. Participants explore the physics of the system, focusing on the acceleration of one mass and its effects on the other, as well as the rotational dynamics involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a scenario where two masses are connected by a rigid connector, with one mass accelerating and affecting the motion of the other, leading to a rotational dynamic.
  • Another participant requests clarification on the specific goals of the modeling effort and suggests providing a diagram to better illustrate the forces involved.
  • A participant explains that the force exerted by the accelerating mass will influence both the center of mass of the system and create a torque that causes rotation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the specific modeling approach or the equations needed, and multiple perspectives on the physics involved are presented.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of detailed diagrams or mathematical formulations in the discussion, which may limit the clarity of the proposed models and interactions.

martyg
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Hello, apologize if this is basic for some of you. Its been a while since I've taken physics and I'm looking to model an interaction similar to the dual ships in the classic video game Space Duel.

basically two masses connected by a rigid connector (constant distance). One mass (m1) does all the accellerating. The other (m2) gets dragged ( also effecting the ability of m1 to accellerate), causing both to rotate about each other at the midpoint of the connector (sort of like a bolas effect) while the entire mechanism (both masses and connector) move about the field. This is a 2D flat space.

I'm thinking a spring connector model (please correct me if I'm wrong) with 0 expansion or retraction, but am not sure how to go about modeling this. Any help would be appreciated.


Marty
 
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What exactly are you trying to find? Force is a vector quantity, could you please attach a diagram?
 
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I don't know too much about computer programming so I'll try to simply explain what is going on from a physics standpoint. Assuming you have two identical boats attached by a perfectly ridgid rod of some type, then the force of boat 1 (the acceloration) will act in two ways. (1) it will act to accelerate the center of mass of the two boat system (which will be located at the center of the rod), (2) the force will provide a torque on the system, rotating it.
 

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