Report Introduction

1.1

W T W

Drum Man
The motion of the man is linear motion. The man is moving downward with a velocity of
3.5ms⁻¹ from rest. The drum is moving in a rotational motion. The motion of the rotating
large circular platform is rotational motion. According to I = mR², mass of an object is
proportional to the moment of inertia. So, when the man lands on the rotating platform, the
moment of inertia will increase. Based on the principle of angular momentum, which is L=
Iꞷ equals to constant, when the moment of inertia increases, the angular velocity of the
platform will decrease after the man lands on it.

Expression
According to the linear motion equation, the man’s acceleration is given by
ⱱ² = u² + 2as
ⱱ ² = 0² + 2a(-s) Before the man start to land,
the initial velocity of the
ⱱ ² = 2a(-s) man is 0ms⁻¹

ⱱ²
a ¿
2(−s )
ⱱ² The negative sign
a ¿− represents the direction of
2(s) the acceleration

ⱱ²
a¿ 1.2
2s

where a is the acceleration of the man

s is the vertical displacement of the man
In order for the man to safely land on the platform based on the equation above, a should
maintain it’s value so that the man’s velocity which is 3.5ms⁻¹ can be maintain.

Relationship of a and I
Linear acceleration is given by Newton’s second law,
∑F = ma
Angular acceleration is given by Newton’s second law for rotation,
∑τ = Ipα
By referring the free body diagram in 1.1,
Applying Newton’s second law for rotation to the drum,
The negative sign is for angular
acceleration. The angular
acceleration is moving in clockwise
direction. The drum’s shape is hollow
cylindrical.

Applying Newton’s second law to the man,

Substitute 2 into 1,

m is the mass of the man

g is the gravitational acceleration
T is the tension force
α is the angular acceleration of the drum
a is the acceleration of the man’s motion
Ip is the moment of inertia of the drum
R is the radius of the drum

1.3

Equation above shows that the acceleration of the man is inversely proportional to drum’s
moment of inertia.
Effect of different size of radius of the drum
I = MR²
Based on the expression in 1.3,
 a is inversely proportional to Ip
 When a large radius drum was used, the acceleration of the man will decrease.
 When a small radius drum was used, the acceleration of the man will increase.
Substitute the expression in 1.2 and 1.3,

 ⱱ is inversely proportional to Ip
 When a large radius drum was used, the velocity of the man will decrease.
 When a small radius drum was used, the velocity of the man will increase.
The radius of the drum should not be change in order to maintain the acceleration of
the man’s motion. This will lead in maintaining the velocity of the man, which is the safe
vertical speed for landing.
Suggestion
The man can land more safely by using a stronger cable so that the cable will not
break in the middle of the man’s landing. Other than that, the man should wear safety
equipment such as protective helmet and adventure harness. This can ensure a more safe
landing for the man. The drum should be hold by a stronger unit so that it can hold the man’s
weight. The drum will not break and fall from the edge of the roof.