OCR MEI M4 2006 June — Question 3 24 marks

Exam BoardOCR MEI
ModuleM4 (Mechanics 4)
Year2006
SessionJune
Marks24
PaperDownload PDF ↗
TopicVariable Force
TypePower-velocity relationship
DifficultyChallenging +1.8 This M4 question requires multiple differential equation formulations (using P=Fv), separation of variables, integration involving inverse trigonometric functions, and critical evaluation of model validity. While the techniques are A-level standard, the multi-stage problem-solving, physical interpretation, and piecewise model analysis in part (iii) elevate it significantly above routine mechanics questions.
Spec4.10a General/particular solutions: of differential equations4.10b Model with differential equations: kinematics and other contexts6.02l Power and velocity: P = Fv6.06a Variable force: dv/dt or v*dv/dx methods

3 An aeroplane is taking off from a runway. It starts from rest. The resultant force in the direction of motion has power, \(P\) watts, modelled by $$P = 0.0004 m \left( 10000 v + v ^ { 3 } \right) ,$$ where \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) is the mass of the aeroplane and \(v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) is the velocity at time \(t\) seconds. The displacement of the aeroplane from its starting point is \(x \mathrm {~m}\). To take off successfully the aeroplane must reach a speed of \(80 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) before it has travelled 900 m .
  1. Formulate and solve a differential equation for \(v\) in terms of \(x\). Hence show that the aeroplane takes off successfully.
  2. Formulate a differential equation for \(v\) in terms of \(t\). Solve the differential equation to show that \(v = 100 \tan ( 0.04 t )\). What feature of this result casts doubt on the validity of the model?
  3. In fact the model is only valid for \(0 \leqslant t \leqslant 11\), after which the power remains constant at the value attained at \(t = 11\). Will the aeroplane take off successfully?

3 An aeroplane is taking off from a runway. It starts from rest. The resultant force in the direction of motion has power, $P$ watts, modelled by

$$P = 0.0004 m \left( 10000 v + v ^ { 3 } \right) ,$$

where $m \mathrm {~kg}$ is the mass of the aeroplane and $v \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }$ is the velocity at time $t$ seconds. The displacement of the aeroplane from its starting point is $x \mathrm {~m}$.

To take off successfully the aeroplane must reach a speed of $80 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }$ before it has travelled 900 m .\\
(i) Formulate and solve a differential equation for $v$ in terms of $x$. Hence show that the aeroplane takes off successfully.\\
(ii) Formulate a differential equation for $v$ in terms of $t$. Solve the differential equation to show that $v = 100 \tan ( 0.04 t )$. What feature of this result casts doubt on the validity of the model?\\
(iii) In fact the model is only valid for $0 \leqslant t \leqslant 11$, after which the power remains constant at the value attained at $t = 11$. Will the aeroplane take off successfully?

\hfill \mbox{\textit{OCR MEI M4 2006 Q3 [24]}}