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Rotational dynamics (A-level only)

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Question 5

A flywheel-powered timber transporter is used in a forestry harvesting operation to haul heavy logs up an inclined track. At the lower base station, the transporter's flywheel is spun up to a high angular speed using a ground-based electrical grid connection.

  • The total mass of the loaded transporter is 8.50×103 kg8.50 \times 10^3 \text{ kg}8.50×103 kg.
  • The track climbs from the base station up a mountain slope inclined at a constant 12.0∘12.0^\circ12.0∘ to the horizontal. The distance along this incline is 320 m320 \text{ m}320 m.
  • A constant resistive force of 2.10 kN2.10 \text{ kN}2.10 kN opposes the motion of the transporter as it moves up the slope.
  • The transporter's flywheel has a moment of inertia of 38.0 kg m238.0 \text{ kg m}^238.0 kg m2.
1.

Calculate the minimum angular speed of the flywheel when the transporter leaves the base station so that it can complete the climb using only the kinetic energy stored in its flywheel. (Use g=9.81 m s−2g = 9.81 \text{ m s}^{-2}g=9.81 m s−2)

[5]
2.

During descent back down the slope to the base station, the transporter travels downhill. Suggest two mechanical or energy advantages of keeping the flywheel coupled to the drive system during downhill travel.

[2]
3.

To operate the transporter on a steeper and longer track without increasing its overall mass, the flywheel must be redesigned to maximize its energy-storage capacity. Discuss the design features and material properties that would allow the flywheel to store significantly more rotational kinetic energy.

[3]

Rotational dynamics (A-level only) Questions

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