Calculate force from wind on kite

In summary, the problem involves finding the x-component of the force from the wind on a flying kite, given its mass, tension from the string, and current acceleration. Using the equations ƩF=ma for x and y directions, the solution involves calculating the components of a in the x and y directions and using them to find the x-component of the force from the wind. However, the original attempt at a solution may have been incorrect due to not taking into account the negative direction and possibly interpreting the angles incorrectly.
  • #1
getty102
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Homework Statement



A large kite of mass 3.8kg is flying through the air on a windy day. Currently, the tension from the string on the kite has a magnitude of 8.7N at an angle θ=33.7 degrees. The current acceleration of the kite has a magnitude of a=6.28m/s/s at an angle [itex]\Phi[/itex]=38.7 degrees. The only forces felt by the kite are its own weight, the tension from the string, and a foce from the wind. Find x-component of the force from the wind on the kite. The components of a are acos[itex]\Phi[/itex] in the negative x-direction, and asin[itex]\Phi[/itex] in the positive y-direction.

Homework Equations


ƩF=ma for the x and y directions


The Attempt at a Solution


ƩFx=m(acos[itex]\Phi[/itex])
FTsinθ-Fx,WKcos[itex]\Phi[/itex]=m(acos[itex]\Phi)[/itex])
Fx,WK=[-m(a)+FTsinθ]/cos[itex]\Phi[/itex]

This doesn't seem to be working
 
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  • #2
FTsinθ-Fx,WKcosΦ=m(acosΦ))

Here, you don't need to multiply Fx,WK by cosΦ because the fact that it is the x component 'takes into account' the angle of the wind force, if you see what I mean. Also, the angle wouldn't be the same as the angle of the acceleration of the kite anyway.

Also, you wrote: ƩFx=m(acosΦ) But it says in the question that the component of a in the negative x direction is acosΦ, so shouldn't there be a negative sign here?

Another possible reason that you might have the wrong answer is that you might have interpreted the angles wrong. I can't tell, because I don't know where the angles are being measured from / what direction, since I don't have the diagram.
 

Related to Calculate force from wind on kite

1. How do you calculate the force from wind on a kite?

The force from wind on a kite can be calculated using the formula F = 0.5 * ρ * v² * A * Cd, where ρ is the density of air, v is the wind speed, A is the area of the kite, and Cd is the drag coefficient.

2. What is the significance of each variable in the formula for calculating force on a kite?

The density of air, ρ, determines how much air molecules are present in a given volume and affects the force of wind on a kite. The wind speed, v, is the speed at which the air is moving and has a direct influence on the force. The area of the kite, A, is the surface area of the kite that is exposed to the wind. The drag coefficient, Cd, is a measure of how much resistance the kite experiences from the air.

3. How does the wind speed affect the force on a kite?

The wind speed has a significant effect on the force on a kite. As the wind speed increases, the force on the kite also increases. This is because the kinetic energy of the wind is transferred to the kite, resulting in a greater force.

4. Is there a maximum force that the wind can exert on a kite?

Yes, there is a maximum force that the wind can exert on a kite. This is known as the maximum lift force, and it occurs when the kite is at an angle of attack that produces the most lift. Any further increase in wind speed will not result in an increase in force on the kite.

5. How does the shape of the kite affect the force from wind?

The shape of the kite can significantly affect the force from wind. A more streamlined and aerodynamic shape will experience less resistance from the wind and therefore, will have a lower force. On the other hand, a larger and less aerodynamic kite will experience more resistance and have a higher force from the wind.

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