2010-11-05, 12:37 PM
Woah, a few things wrong with this problem...
Equation(s) describing this curve (approximately) or GTFO.
If you say they exist, fair enough.
So... how can it move along an irregular curve if the object is flying directly off the track?
![[Image: img392.png]](http://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/rbf/CVDICT/CVFIG5/img392.png)
Assuming the curve has an equation or two describing it, and the object moves tangent to the curve like a real rollercoaster would, you just sum up all the vector forces acting on the object in question using a freebody diagram. For this to happen, you need to calculate normal acceleration (=/= tangent velocity) acting on the object using velocity V, which will be the "gravity" of the object in the direction negative of normal to the curve. From here, you can calculate the counteracting forces: friction, and normal. Normal force should be relatively easy to find. What the left over stuff from your force freebody diagram should be friction. If you're really ambitious, you can find out how much of it is from roller friction (assuming the object has wheels on a rail), and how much of it is from sliding.
*is rusty at physics*
Quote:irregular curve
Equation(s) describing this curve (approximately) or GTFO.
If you say they exist, fair enough.
Quote:if the object is moving normal to the curve
So... how can it move along an irregular curve if the object is flying directly off the track?
Assuming the curve has an equation or two describing it, and the object moves tangent to the curve like a real rollercoaster would, you just sum up all the vector forces acting on the object in question using a freebody diagram. For this to happen, you need to calculate normal acceleration (=/= tangent velocity) acting on the object using velocity V, which will be the "gravity" of the object in the direction negative of normal to the curve. From here, you can calculate the counteracting forces: friction, and normal. Normal force should be relatively easy to find. What the left over stuff from your force freebody diagram should be friction. If you're really ambitious, you can find out how much of it is from roller friction (assuming the object has wheels on a rail), and how much of it is from sliding.
*is rusty at physics*