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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons™
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Articles 1 - 4 of 4
Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
High Jump Analysis, Paige Cooke
High Jump Analysis, Paige Cooke
Undergraduate Journal of Mathematical Modeling: One + Two
This project presents a mathematical analysis of the high jump, a popular track and field event. The first and second stages of the high jump correspond to the athlete’s run along two distinct trajectories. The third stage is the actual jump. We propose an individual model for each of these stages and show how to combine these models to study the dynamics of the entire high jump.
Roller Coasters Need Calculus Too!, Christina Marshall
Roller Coasters Need Calculus Too!, Christina Marshall
Undergraduate Journal of Mathematical Modeling: One + Two
Using the specifications of the given launch roller coaster, we were able to determine the position vector of the roller coaster as a function of time. After determining the position function, we took the derivative of this function to calculate the velocity of the coaster as a function of time. From this calculated velocity vector, we were able to determine the time required for the coaster to reach its maximum height. We substitute this time value back into the position function to determine the maximum height the launch roller coaster can obtain.
Going Ballistic: Bullet Trajectories, Amanda Wade
Going Ballistic: Bullet Trajectories, Amanda Wade
Undergraduate Journal of Mathematical Modeling: One + Two
This project seeks to answer at what angle does a gun marksman have to aim in order to hit the center of a target one meter off the ground and 1000 meters away? We begin by modeling the bullet's trajectory using Euler's method with the help of a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet solver, and then systematically search for the angle corresponding to the center of the target. It was found that a marksman shooting a target 1000 meters away and 1 meter off the ground has to aim the rifle 0.436° above horizontal to hit the center.
Embedded Systems - Missile Detection/Interception, Luis Cintron
Embedded Systems - Missile Detection/Interception, Luis Cintron
Undergraduate Journal of Mathematical Modeling: One + Two
Missile defense systems are often related to major military resources aimed at shielding a specific region from incoming attacks. They are intended to detect, track, intercept, and destruct incoming enemy missiles. These systems vary in cost, efficiency, dependability, and technology. In present times, the possession of these types of systems is associated with large capacity military countries. Demonstrated here are the mathematical techniques behind missile systems which calculate trajectories of incoming missiles and potential intercept positions after initial missile detection. This procedure involved the use of vector-valued functions, systems of equations, and knowledge of projectile motion concepts.