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Problem: The math behind bungee jumping


This demonstration shows how to use MATLAB to model a simple physics problem faced by a college student.

During spring break, John Smith wants to go bungee jumping. John has to determine which elastic cord is best suited for his weight.

 Elastic Cord  Spring Constant
A =5 N/m
B =40 N/m
C =500 N/m
figure 1
figure 2

The air resistance that the bungee jumper faces is

R= a1*v - a2*|v|*v

Where

A1=1
A2=1


The length of the unstretched cord is 30m. The bungee jumpers is 80m above the ground.

figure 3
To solve this physics problem, we need to:

  1. Determine all the forces acting ON the body.
  2. Draw a free body diagram.
  3. Apply Newton's second law.
  4. Solve the equation.
  1. Determine the forces acting ON the body.
    Weight (W):
    W = m*g
    m = 90 kg
    g = 10 m/s^2
    Air Resistance (R):
    R=a1*v+a2*|v|*v
    a1=1
    a2=1
    v=dx/dt
    Force from the elastic cord (Fe):
    Fe= k*x if x>0
    0 if x<0
  2. Draw the free body diagram.
    figure 4
    Please note that we have selected downwards as the positive axis.
  3. Apply Newton's second law.
    Net forces=m*a
    W-R-Fe=m*a
    mg-Fe-a1*v+a2*|v|*v=m*a
    where v=dx/dt and a=dv/dt
    figure 5
  4. Solve the equation.

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