All Problems

Kinematics

Problem 1.41

A point moves in the plane so that its tangential acceleration \(w_{\tau}=a,\) and its normal acceleration \(w_{n}=b t^{4},\) where \(a\) and \(b\) are positive constants, and \(t\) is time. At the moment \(t=0\) the point was at rest. Find how the curvature radius \(R\) of the point's trajectory and the total acceleration \(w\) depend on the distance covered \(s\).

Reveal Answer
R=a3/2bs,w=a1+(4bs2/a3)2R=a^{3} / 2 b s, \quad w=a \sqrt{1+\left(4 b s^{2} / a^{3}\right)^{2}}