All Problems

The Fundamental Equation of Dynamics

Problem 1.89

A cyclist rides along the circumference of a circular horizontal plane of radius \(R,\) the friction coefficient being dependent only on distance \(r\) from the centre \(O\) of the plane as \(k=k_{0}(1-r / R),\) where \(k_{0}\) is a constant. Find the radius of the circle with the centre at the point along which the cyclist can ride with the maximum velocity. What is this velocity?

Reveal Answer
r=R/2,vmax=1/2kgRr=R / 2, \quad v_{\max }=1 / 2 \sqrt{\overline{k g R}}