What is the acceleration and sliding time of a car on a rotating platform?

In summary: Therefore, the time at which the car just starts to slide is t=sqrt(mu^2.g^2-4w^2v0^2)/(v0.w^2).The direction of the friction force is in the direction opposite to the car's motion, which is the tangential direction. This is also the direction of the instantaneous position vector R. So, the friction force is opposite to the instantaneous position vector R just before the car starts to skid.
  • #1
Kolahal Bhattacharya
135
1
A car is driven on a large revolving platform which rotates with constant angular speed w.At t=0, a driver leaves the origin and follows a line painted radially outward on the platformwith a constant speed v0.The total weight of the car is W,and the co-eff. of friction between the car and the stage is mu.
1.Find the acceleration of the car at t>0 using polar co-ordinates.
2.Find the time in whih the car just starts to slide.
Find the direction of friction force w.r.t. the instantaneous position vector R just before the car starts to skid.

It's a big difficult problem.I followede that the path will be a spiral startig from the origin.But, cannot confidently draw the free body diagram including the polar co-ordinates.So, I could not get the equation.
 
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  • #2
Kolahal Bhattacharya said:
A car is driven on a large revolving platform which rotates with constant angular speed w.At t=0, a driver leaves the origin and follows a line painted radially outward on the platformwith a constant speed v0.The total weight of the car is W,and the co-eff. of friction between the car and the stage is mu.
1.Find the acceleration of the car at t>0 using polar co-ordinates.
2.Find the time in whih the car just starts to slide.
Find the direction of friction force w.r.t. the instantaneous position vector R just before the car starts to skid.

It's a big difficult problem.I followede that the path will be a spiral startig from the origin.But, cannot confidently draw the free body diagram including the polar co-ordinates.So, I could not get the equation.
Does the platform rotate at constant angular speed after the car starts moving radially outward? I will assume it does. (It is a more interesting problem if it doesn't).

The (centripetal) acceleration of the car is [itex]F_c(t) = -m\omega^2\vec{r}(t) = -m\omega^2v_0t\hat r[/itex]

This centripetal force has to be supplied by static friction between the wheels and the platform, so [itex]\mu_s mg = F_c = m\omega^2v_0t[/itex]

Can you do the rest?

AM
 
  • #3
Andrew Mason said:
The (centripetal) acceleration of the car is [itex]F_c(t) = -m\omega^2\vec{r}(t) = -m\omega^2v_0t\hat r[/itex]

But the accleration of the car is not centripetal.

What equations give the motion of the car in polar coodinates?
 
  • #4
George Jones said:
But the accleration of the car is not centripetal.

What equations give the motion of the car in polar coodinates?
You are quite right. At any point, its velocity is the vector sum of its radial and tangential velocity. Because the tangential speed increases with increasing radius which increases linearly with time, there is a tangential acceleration as well as centripetal acceleration. The total acceleration is the vector sum of the two, which has to equal the frictional force to avoid slipping.

AM
 
  • #5
The net acceleration is the coriolis acceleration and the centrepetal acceleration.
So
So the radial part is -rw^2
angular part is 2wv0

So the net acceleration is
sqrt(r^2.w^4+4w^2.v0^2)=mu.g
which gives
r=v0.t=sqrt(mu^2g^2-4w^2v0^2)/w^2

So

t=sqrt(mu^2.g^2-4w^2v0^2)/(v0.w^2)It is clear that mu.g>2w.v0
Otherwise the car will start sliding from the start itself
 
Last edited:

1. What is Newtonian mechanics of a car?

Newtonian mechanics, also known as classical mechanics, is the branch of physics that studies the motion of objects and how forces affect their motion. In the context of a car, it involves understanding the various forces acting on the car and how they affect its movement.

2. What are the key principles of Newtonian mechanics?

The key principles of Newtonian mechanics are Newton's three laws of motion. These laws state that an object will remain at rest or in motion with constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force, the force exerted on an object is equal to its mass multiplied by its acceleration, and for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

3. How do Newtonian mechanics apply to a moving car?

In a moving car, Newtonian mechanics explains the forces acting on the car, such as the force of the engine and the force of friction between the tires and the road. These forces determine the acceleration and velocity of the car, as well as its ability to turn and stop.

4. How does Newtonian mechanics explain collisions involving a car?

Newtonian mechanics can be used to analyze collisions involving a car by considering the forces involved, such as the force of impact and the force of the car's brakes. By applying Newton's laws, we can determine the resulting velocity and direction of the car after the collision.

5. How has Newtonian mechanics impacted the design of cars?

Newtonian mechanics has greatly influenced the design of cars, as it helps engineers understand the forces acting on the car and how they can be optimized for performance and safety. For example, the design of a car's suspension system is based on Newton's laws and ensures a smooth ride by reducing the impact of external forces.

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