Missle Defense System (Projectile Motion)

In summary, the problem involves designing a missile defense system to shoot down incoming missiles passing over a defense base. The system involves launching a Patriot Rocket at an angle of 64.0 degrees with a magnitude of acceleration given by a = A(e^−bt) where A and b are constants. The incoming missile passes over the base at a height of 4.90 km and a constant speed of 729.0 m/s. To calculate the value of A, intermediate steps such as the time ∆t and horizontal distance ∆x must be determined by solving for the equations of x and y components of displacement.
  • #1
waters
29
0
Problem:

If it helps, the diagram for this problem can be found here:
http://lon-capa.mines.edu/res/csm/csmphyslib/Mechanics/Kinematics/2D_Projectiles/MissileDefenseSystem.jpg
In the diagram, a2 is the acceleration a, as indicated by the equation below.

You are designing a missile defense system that will shoot down incoming missiles that pass over a perimeter defense post. The set-up is shown below. An incoming missile passes directly above the defense base. Radar at the base can measure the height, h, and speed, v1, of the incoming missile. Your Patriot Rocket is set to fire at an angle of θ = 64.0 degrees from vertical. You design the Patriot Rocket so the magnitude of its acceleration is given by:

a = A(e^−bt)

where A can be set on your Patriot Rocket as it is fired, and b = 0.40 s-1. The direction of your Patriot Rocket's vector acceleration stays at the same angle, θ, for the entire trip. If an incoming missile passes over the defense base at a height of 4.90 km and at a constant speed of 729.0 m/s (this means that v1 is constant), solve for the value of A your Patriot Rocket must have in order to hit the incoming missile. You will also need to enter results from intermediate steps of your calculation, including the time ∆t in between launch and impact, and the horizontal distance ∆x from the launch station to the impact position.

Work:
I thought you would have to substitute for t using equations for the xcomp and ycomp of displacement:

ay(t) = Asin(64 degrees)*(e^(-.4t))
vy(t) = integral of ay(t) from 0 s to t s = (Asin(64 degrees)/-.4)*e(-.4t)
vy(t) = (Asin(64 degrees)/-.4)*(e^(-.4t)) + (Asin(64 degrees)/.4) = (Asin(64 degrees)/-.4)((e^(-.4t)) + 1)
y(t) = integral of vy(t) = (Asin(64 degrees)/.4)*(((e^(-.4t))/.4) - 2.5 + t) = 4900m

x(t) = (Acos(64 degrees)/.4)*(((e^(-.4t))/.4) - 2.5 + t) = 729t
I substitute and I get (.4*729t*sin(64 degrees)) / (.4*cos(64 degrees)) = 729t*tan(64 degrees) = 4900

6.72 = t*tan(64 degrees)

I got 3.28 s. It's wrong.

Am I doing this right at all? I'm scared...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
waters said:
Problem:

If it helps, the diagram for this problem can be found here:
http://lon-capa.mines.edu/res/csm/csmphyslib/Mechanics/Kinematics/2D_Projectiles/MissileDefenseSystem.jpg
In the diagram, a2 is the acceleration a, as indicated by the equation below.

You are designing a missile defense system that will shoot down incoming missiles that pass over a perimeter defense post. The set-up is shown below. An incoming missile passes directly above the defense base. Radar at the base can measure the height, h, and speed, v1, of the incoming missile. Your Patriot Rocket is set to fire at an angle of θ = 64.0 degrees from vertical. You design the Patriot Rocket so the magnitude of its acceleration is given by:

a = A(e^−bt)

where A can be set on your Patriot Rocket as it is fired, and b = 0.40 s-1. The direction of your Patriot Rocket's vector acceleration stays at the same angle, θ, for the entire trip. If an incoming missile passes over the defense base at a height of 4.90 km and at a constant speed of 729.0 m/s (this means that v1 is constant), solve for the value of A your Patriot Rocket must have in order to hit the incoming missile. You will also need to enter results from intermediate steps of your calculation, including the time ∆t in between launch and impact, and the horizontal distance ∆x from the launch station to the impact position.

Work:
I thought you would have to substitute for t using equations for the xcomp and ycomp of displacement:

ay(t) = Asin(64 degrees)*(e^(-.4t))
vy(t) = integral of ay(t) from 0 s to t s = (Asin(64 degrees)/-.4)*e(-.4t)
vy(t) = (Asin(64 degrees)/-.4)*(e^(-.4t)) + (Asin(64 degrees)/.4) = (Asin(64 degrees)/-.4)((e^(-.4t)) + 1)
y(t) = integral of vy(t) = (Asin(64 degrees)/.4)*(((e^(-.4t))/.4) - 2.5 + t) = 4900m

x(t) = (Acos(64 degrees)/.4)*(((e^(-.4t))/.4) - 2.5 + t) = 729t



I substitute and I get (.4*729t*sin(64 degrees)) / (.4*cos(64 degrees)) = 729t*tan(64 degrees) = 4900

6.72 = t*tan(64 degrees)

I got 3.28 s. It's wrong.

Am I doing this right at all? I'm scared...

In the part I highlighted, what happened to the term that comes from the evaluating the integral at t = 0?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3
So it should be the integral of (Asin(64 degrees)/-.4)*(e^(-.4t)) + (Asin(64 degrees)/.4) for the acceleration? That's what I have in the line right below the one you highlighted. The line you highlighted was more like an indefinite integral. I know I probably shouldn't have indicated the limits if it was to be an indefinite integral.
 

Related to Missle Defense System (Projectile Motion)

1. What is a Missle Defense System?

A Missle Defense System, also known as a Projectile Motion Defense System, is a type of defense system designed to intercept and destroy incoming missiles or projectiles. It is used to protect a specific area or target from attacks by enemy missiles.

2. How does a Missle Defense System work?

A Missle Defense System uses a combination of radars, sensors, and interceptors to detect and track incoming missiles. Once a missile is detected, the system calculates its trajectory and launches an interceptor to intercept and destroy the missile before it reaches its intended target.

3. What are the components of a Missle Defense System?

The main components of a Missle Defense System include radars, sensors, command and control systems, and interceptors. Radars are used to detect and track incoming missiles, while sensors help to gather additional information about the missile. Command and control systems are responsible for coordinating the different components, and interceptors are used to destroy the incoming missile.

4. What are the advantages of using a Missle Defense System?

One of the main advantages of using a Missle Defense System is the ability to protect a specific area or target from missile attacks. It provides a layer of defense against potential threats and helps to reduce the impact of an attack. Additionally, it can also serve as a deterrent to potential aggressors.

5. What are the limitations of a Missle Defense System?

One of the main limitations of a Missle Defense System is its effectiveness against advanced and evolving missile technologies. It may also have a limited range and may not be able to intercept multiple missiles simultaneously. Additionally, the cost of developing and maintaining a Missle Defense System can be quite high.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
5K
Back
Top