rotationalkinematicsanddynamicsproblems.docVIP

Rotational Kinematics and Dynamics Problems The problems in this section can be solved by applying rotational kinematics and dynamics principles. The problems are divided into four groups according to the major principles required for solution: (1) center of mass, moment of inertia, and/or rotational kinematics; (2) rotational energy; (3) torques; and (4) angular momentum. The specific principles required are indicated in italics at the beginning of each problem. Center of Mass, Moment of Inertia, and Rotational Kinematics Center of Mass: You have been hired as part of a research team consisting of biologists, computer scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and physicists investigating the virus which causes AIDS. This effort depends on the design of a new centrifuge which separates infected cells from healthy cells by spinning a container of these cells at very high speeds. Your design team has been assigned the task of specifying the mechanical structure of the centrifuge arm which holds the sample container. For aerodynamic stability, the arm must have uniform dimensions. Your team decided the shape will be a long, thin strip of length L, width w, and thickness t. The mass of the strip is M. The actual values of these quantities will be optimized by a computer program. For mechanical reasons, the arm must be stronger at one end than at the other. Your team decided to use new composite materials to accomplish this. Using these materials changes the strength by changing the density of the arm along its length while keeping its dimensions constant. To calculate the strength of the brackets necessary to support the arm, you must determine the position of the center of mass of the arm. You decide to do this in two different ways.(a) First you make a crude approximation of your design by assuming that the arm is a rigid, massless rod of length L. On this rod are mounted four small objects of equal mass. One of these objects is positioned at eac