Calculating Triangle-Wall Collision Reaction: Speed, Angle & Velocity"

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In summary: So let's say the triangle has the following values after the collision: speed = 1m/s, mass = 2kg, and angular momentum = 0.5m/s^2.
  • #1
pf_001
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Hi, how can I calculate the reaction a triangle with a certain speed and angle has upon hitting a wall?

I wish to be able to know the angular and linear velocity it has after the collision.

Thanks in advanced.
 
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  • #2
More information needed. Like Triangle (what is it made of, elastic inelastic etc) angle of impact (plane vs. wall), type of collision, any friction involved?, this kind of stuff.
 
  • #3
I guess I should've said that this is in a 2D environment. It's just a rigid equilateral triangle, no friction, any angle.
 
  • #4
Maybe this picture can help.

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/1409/collision.png

The speed the triangle has before the collision is 1m/seg and its mass is 2kg.
 
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  • #5
In this case you can simplify everything, drop the mass as it is useless, the triangle can be seen as a point mass object with 3 weightless bars around it. You can start by separating the forces on Ox and Oy (triangle reference frame is best Oy being between center and corner) then Ox will drive the angular component and Oy will be the ellastic collision.

A further complication as in the above picture is if the angular from the first collision drives the tringle with another corner into the wall. That is where the fun stops. :P
 
  • #6
I started to type a "the fun would stop when" bla bla, then I realized... I was saying the same thing as Lok, but with a lesser understanding of the underlying theory!
 
  • #7
pf_001 said:
I guess I should've said that this is in a 2D environment. It's just a rigid equilateral triangle, no friction, any angle.

Btw. are you sure you want no friction or just no air friction, as that would mean the corner hits the wall, slips along it and the side slams finally into the wall transforming any angluar momentum gained into an elastic collision, aka just a simple almost vertical bounce.

As you have seen speed and mass, play little importance to the geometric outcome of the collision. Any classical value will have the same angle and angular momentum (proportional to the speed). But for simplicity's sake get some unitary values.
 

FAQ: Calculating Triangle-Wall Collision Reaction: Speed, Angle & Velocity"

How do you calculate the speed of a triangle-wall collision?

To calculate the speed of a triangle-wall collision, you will need to know the initial velocity of the triangle, the angle at which it hits the wall, and the mass of the triangle. Using the formula for conservation of momentum, you can determine the final velocity of the triangle after the collision. This final velocity will be the speed of the triangle after the collision with the wall.

What is the angle of reflection in a triangle-wall collision?

The angle of reflection in a triangle-wall collision is equal to the angle of incidence, which is the angle at which the triangle hits the wall. This is based on the law of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

3. How does the mass of the triangle affect the velocity after a collision with a wall?

The mass of the triangle will affect the velocity after a collision with a wall because it is a factor in the calculation of momentum. A heavier triangle will have a greater momentum and therefore a higher final velocity after the collision, compared to a lighter triangle with the same initial velocity and angle.

4. Can the velocity of a triangle after a collision with a wall be negative?

Yes, the velocity of a triangle after a collision with a wall can be negative. This would occur if the triangle bounces off the wall and moves in the opposite direction of its initial velocity. The speed of the triangle would still be positive, but the velocity would be negative due to the change in direction.

5. Is the calculation for triangle-wall collision reaction the same for all types of materials?

No, the calculation for triangle-wall collision reaction may differ based on the materials involved. This is because different materials have different properties like elasticity and friction, which can affect the outcome of the collision. The calculation may also be different if the collision is not perfectly elastic, meaning some energy is lost during the collision.

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