What is the maximum linear velocity of a rolling flywheel on an incline?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a uniform circular steel disc that is released from a height on an incline and rolls down without slipping. The discussion centers around calculating the maximum linear velocity of the disc as it reaches the bottom of the incline, utilizing principles of energy conservation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conservation of energy, questioning whether all forms of kinetic energy (both translational and rotational) have been accounted for in the calculations. There is an emphasis on the relationship between potential energy and the different forms of kinetic energy at the bottom of the incline.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on considering both translational and rotational kinetic energy in the energy conservation equation. There is an ongoing exploration of the calculations and assumptions made by the original poster, with no explicit consensus reached on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster has successfully calculated the potential energy but is struggling with the conversion to kinetic energy forms. There is a mention of a specific answer being sought, which may influence the direction of the discussion.

LBenson
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Homework Statement



A uniform circular steel disc of mass 20kg and diameter 0.4m has a radius of gyration equal to 0.14m. It is lifted vertically 2.0m, and placed on an incline. The flywheel is then released and rolls down the incline without slipping. Find :

a) the potential energy of the disc at the top of the incline (Ans= 392.4J)
b) the maximum linear velocity of the disc as it reaches the bottom of the incline

Homework Equations



E=1/2*I*w^2 (I being Inertia and w being Angular Velocity)
I=m*k^2 (K being the radius of gyration)
V=w*r (V = Linear Velocity)

The Attempt at a Solution



Ok so i worked out a) with no problems. this next part if giving me a bit of trouble though.

Here are the values i have:

Mass = 20kg
Diameter=0.4m
Radius of Gyration (k)=0.14m
P.E=392.4

Heres what i did:

First i worked out the inertia so so i can use the calculated value in the next bit

I=mk^2
I=20x0.14^2
I=0.392

Now because the disc doesn't slip i assumed the Potential Energy will = The energy at the bottom of the slope so i used

E=1/2*I*w^2

Re arrange for W

so
W^2=E/(1/2*I)
=392.4/0.196=2002.05
=(sqrt)2002.04
=44.74rads/s

Now since i needed the Linear velocity i used the relationship equation of:

V=w*r
V=44.74x0.2
V=8.946m/s

So where am i going wrong?

Cheers for any help
 
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Conservation of energy says PE at top goes into PE at bottom plus KE of rotation at bottom plus KE of translation at the bottom (that's translational velocity of the center of mass).

Did you includethe last term?
 
I should probably include that the answer is 4.43 m/s i just don't know how to get it
 
AEM said:
Conservation of energy says PE at top goes into PE at bottom plus KE of rotation at bottom plus KE of translation at the bottom (that's translational velocity of the center of mass).

Did you includethe last term?

Well i worked out the Angular Velocity at the bottom, is that what you're asking?
 
LBenson said:
Well i worked out the Angular Velocity at the bottom, is that what you're asking?

If I am reading this correctly...

The PE at the top of the incline would be converted into only translational (linear) KE if the object was just sliding, ie no friction. But the object is rolling. So the KE at the bottom of the incline is in two forms 1. Rotational KE 2. Translational KE

If you found omega you can find rotational KE. Subtract that from the PE at the top and you are only left with linear KE. So now just use 1/2mv^2 = linear KE (Joules) solve for v.
 

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