Problems

A disc rotates freely in a horizontal plane about a vertical axis through its centre. The moment of inertia of the disc about this axis is \(mk^2\) (where \(k>0\)). Along one diameter is a smooth narrow groove in which a particle of mass \(m\) slides freely. At time \(t=0\,\), the disc is rotating with angular speed \(\Omega\), and the particle is a distance \(a\) from the axis and is moving with speed~\(V\) along the groove, towards the axis, where \(k^2V^2 = \Omega^2a^2(k^2+a^2)\,\). Show that, at a later time \(t\), while the particle is still moving towards the axis, the angular speed \(\omega\) of the disc and the distance \(r\) of the particle from the axis are related by \[ \omega = \frac{\Omega(k^2+a^2)}{k^2+r^2} \text{ \ \ and \ \ } \left(\frac{\d r}{\d t}\right)^{\!2} = \frac{\Omega^2r^2(k^2+a^2)^2}{k^2(k^2+r^2)}\;. \] Deduce that \[ k\frac{\d r}{\d\theta} = -r(k^2+r^2)^{\frac12}\,, \] where \(\theta \) is the angle through which the disc has turned by time \(t\). By making the substitution \(u=k/r\), or otherwise, show that \(r\sinh (\theta+\alpha) = k\), where \(\sinh \alpha = k/a\,\). Deduce that the particle never reaches the axis.

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A heavy smooth lamina of mass \(M\) is free to slide without rotation along a straight line on a fixed smooth horizontal table. A smooth groove \(ABC\) is inscribed in the lamina, as indicated in the above diagram. The tangents to the groove at \(A\) and at \(B\) are parallel to the line. When the lamina is stationary, a particle of mass \(m\) (where \(m < M\)) enters the groove at \(A\). The particle is travelling, with speed \(V\), parallel to the line and in the plane of the lamina and table. Calculate the speeds of the particle and of the lamina, when the particle leaves the groove at \(C\). Suppose now that the lamina is held fixed by a peg attached to the line. Supposing that the groove \(ABC\) is a semicircle of radius \(r\), obtain the value of the average force per unit time exerted on the peg by the lamina between the instant that the particle enters the groove and the instant that it leaves it.