Velocity & Accel of a mass inside a slot on a rolling disk

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a disk of radius R rolling without slipping with a constant angular velocity Ω, which contains a slot where a mass moves. The task is to calculate the velocity and acceleration of the mass as a function of the angle θ.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to relate the velocity of the mass to the angular velocity of the disk and considers using geometric relationships involving θ and the position s of the mass. Some participants suggest considering the instantaneous center of rotation to aid in understanding the motion of the mass.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different aspects of the problem, particularly the relationship between the motion of the mass and the rolling disk. There is an emphasis on understanding the instantaneous center of rotation and how it affects the velocity of the mass.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of relating angular motion to linear motion within the constraints of the problem setup, including the changing position of the mass as the disk rolls.

zealeth
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Homework Statement


The disk in Figure 3.30 of radius R rolls without slipping with constant angular velocity Ω. Carved inside the disk is a slot and a mass moves inside the slot. Denoting the position of the mass inside the slot by s, calculate the velocity and acceleration of the mass as a function of θ.

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Homework Equations


[/B]
v_A = RΩ
v_B = v_A + v_B/A
a = dv/dt

The Attempt at a Solution



v_A = R*Ω, which is fairly obvious since the disk does not slip. v_B is then = R*Ω + v_B/A
Finding v_B/A is where I'm having issues. My first thought is that it would be Ω*√((5R/8)^2+s^2), but this isn't in terms of θ and is only angular velocity. I've thought about trying to relate θ using the relation tan(θ) = 8s/(5R), but I don't know how to fit this into the equation.

I haven't taken a look at finding the acceleration yet, but I imagine I could just take the time derivative of the velocity equation to get the acceleration.
 
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It might help to think in terms of instantaneous centre of rotation. Where is that for a rolling disc?
 
haruspex said:
It might help to think in terms of instantaneous centre of rotation. Where is that for a rolling disc?

The instantaneous center is at the point where it contacts the ground, or in this case, point C. I don't know how I would relate this to the velocity of the mass since the mass's instant center is changing as the disk rolls.
 
zealeth said:
The instantaneous center is at the point where it contacts the ground, or in this case, point C. I don't know how I would relate this to the velocity of the mass since the mass's instant center is changing as the disk rolls.
Sure, there is a velocity relative to the disk as well, but the direction of that is constrained. So it remains to find the total speed. How might you do that?
 

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