|
Re: Rules that are [not] getting called at Regionals, the +s and -s
a 130 lb robot going 10 mph has a LOT of kinetic energy*. That energy has to be absorbed by something, if not the bumpers, then the functional parts of your robot.
*edit: if I did the math correctly, it has the same momentum as a 5 pound sledge hammer travelling at 50mph![/quote]
Sorry but the physics teacher (that evil voice..) is coming out in me now...
Your math was pretty good but the kinetic energy of the robot and the sledge hammer are about the same... not the momentum... (mv<2 vs mv)
and you are indeed right in that the kinetic energy is what is important when considering an exchange in this collision. Sorry to correct you but there are children listening...
The energy is transferred via whatever comes into contact. The bumpers act to increase the contact time between the robots during the energy transfer therefore increasing the impulse with the same energy. This increase in impulse has the direct result of decreasing the acceleration. Which is what does the damage...
Sorry but being just a teacher I rarely get to say anything half as interesting as any of you engineers on here!! I couldn't resist!!
smile
|