speed measuring on a ski jump *done now* | Forums

[rlmergeuser]

i was just wondering if anyone could think of a way of measuring the riders speed as he's launched from my new catapult, because i'm stumped.

the only way i can think of is to use the constant acceleration equations and plug the numbers in for a launch that gets me going horisontal, but theres two problems.

1. getting a horisintal launch is VERY hard. i've done it once and got 450m, but i dont know how far i fell.

2. this wont take into account the HUGE amount of air resistance the rider feels.
(this will decrease my answer compaired to the actual speed)

3. if the guy has any aerodynamic lift, this wont be taken into account either
(this will increase my answer compaired to the actual speed)

anyone got any ideas?

*edit*
i've finally got a horisontal launch and, after doing a bunch of sums, it came out to be 206m/s, which is 460mph.

since the level lags a bit, i cant time it properly and i have to use those equations i mentioned earlier, which have all the problems i mentioned above, so this is a very rough answer, but in the ballpark i was expecting

[Euphoric Fusion]

The last time I did any sort of physics equations was 14 years ago so I have absolutley no idea

[rlmergeuser]

The last time I did any sort of physics equations was 14 years ago so I have absolutley no idea

.

believe me, they're pretty simple - i think you learn them in physics GCSE.

i just cant get a horisontal launch to save my life

[Euphoric Fusion]

Yeah I know I learnt about them but that was a long time ago and seeing as day to day life doesn't require the calculation of acceleration on a given arc of travel it kinda slipped my mind

I think someone said that each block is 8m square so I don't know if that is any use.
Failing that you could always do an average speed over the whole distance.

Average Speed = distance travelled/time taken

[rlmergeuser]

Yeah I know I learnt about them but that was a long time ago and seeing as day to day life doesn't require the calculation of acceleration on a given arc of travel it kinda slipped my mind

I think someone said that each block is 8m square so I don't know if that is any use.
Failing that you could always do an average speed over the whole distance.

Average Speed = distance travelled/time taken

yes, but that would be FAR too simple