How to Determine Upward Force and Maximum Acceleration of a Helicopter
Determining Upward Force of a Helicopter
To calculate the upward force required to keep a helicopter at a constant height:
Given data: Mass of helicopter (m) = 1500kg, Gravitational force (Fg) = 1500kg x 9.8 m/s²
Using the Fnet equation:
Fnet = Fg + F(up)
0 = Fg + F(up)
0 = mg + F(up)
0 = 1500 kg(9.8 N/kg [down]) + F(up)
-F(up) = 1500 kg(9.8 N/kg [down])
-F(up) = 14700 N [down]
F(up) = 14700 N [up]
Therefore, the amount of upward force required to keep the helicopter at a constant height is 14700 N upward.
Finding Maximum Upwards Acceleration of the Helicopter
To determine the maximum upwards acceleration of the helicopter:
Given data: Maximum upward force (F(up)) = 20000N
Using the Fnet equation:
Fnet = Fg + F(up)
ma = mg + F(up)
1500kg(a) = 1500kg(9.8 N/kg [down]) + 20000N
1500kg(a) = -5300 N [down]
1500kg(a) = 5300 N [up]
a = 0.28301 m/s² [up]
Therefore, the maximum upward acceleration of the helicopter is approximately 0.3 m/s² upward.