Amtrak\'s high speed train, the Acela, utilizes tilt of the cars when negotiatin

Question

Amtrak's high speed train, the Acela, utilizes tilt of the cars when negotiating curves. The angle of tilt is adjusted so that the main force exerted on the passengers, to provide the centripetal acceleration, is the normal force. The passengers experience less friction force against the seat, thus feeling more comfortable. Consider an Acela train that rounds a curve with a radius of 610 at a speed of 160 (approximately 100 ). Part A Calculate the friction force needed on a train passenger of mass 65 if the track is not banked and the train does not tilt. Express your answer using two significant figures. Part B Calculate the friction force on the passenger if the train tilts to its maximum tilt of 8.0 toward the center of the curve. Express your answer using two significant figures.

Explanation / Answer

(a) 160km/h = 44.44 m/s friction force = mv2 / r = 65 * 44.442 / 620 = = 207.066 Newtons (b) If track is banked then friction force + mgtan? = m v2 / r friction force = 207.066 - mg tan? = 207.066 - 65*9.8*tan8 = = 117.54 Newtons

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