Introduction to Physics in

Engineering
Justin Bui
The Problem
Graph m(t), x(t), and v(t)
How do you even?!?!?!
Find the governing differential equations!
Easy method known as the Production Bookkeeping Method
on a Rate Basis with Mass and Momentum
Input + Production = Output + Accumulation
Momentum and Mass CANNOT be produced under normal
conditions (under the speed of light)
Mass Balance
This one is the easiest:

Gives us the equation dM/dt = Mdot

The dot is an engineering notation that notates an improper
differential
Small amount v. small change (dont worry about it)
X Momentum Balance
Give it a try:
Forces are seen as INPUTS in Mass Balances

So then its just F- Fs-Ff = (ms + mc)a, right?

SURPRISE
F does not equal ma!!!!
What?!
When m is not constant, you need to remember the product
rule!
Therefore d(Ms+Mc)V/dt = [VdMs/dt] + [(Ms + Mc)dV/dt]
Now what?
We put it into MATLAB
You use the initial conditions that m(0) = Mc, x(0) = 1.25 m
and v(0) = 0 m/s
m(t)
v(t)
x(t)
Applications?
This method of problem solving has methods in everything,
from Paint Mixer Problems, to Rockets, to Thermodynamics.
Of course, this is a very simple method, and real life
problems are going to be much, much more complicated.