Math 326 Project 1b-
Skydiving
This project is an extension of the Mission:Impossible model; specifically,
the model of someone free-falling. This time, they have a parachute.
We model a skydiver. They jump out of a plane at 3000m. Assume that before they
open their parachute, deceleration due to friction
is given by 0.001356|v|^2 in the opposite direction of motion. However,
after they open the chute, friction is given by 0.5|v| in the opposite
direction of motion (note the velocity is not squared in the chute friction
formula). These formulas are assumptions, real air friction might not work
the same, but hopefully our results will be close to real life.
Once you build your model, adapt it to determine the minimum height at which they can open their parachute, so
that they hit the ground at a speed of less than 20 m/s.
Your written report should be no more
than two pages in length, and
should contain the following:
Description of the problem:
Be sure to include any assumptions you've made, and be specific.
Description of the model:
Introduce notation and variables you will be using. Explain how the
model works and how you implemented the model in the spreadsheet.
Data and results: Provide a
summary of your results. Include a graph or table supporting your
findings.
Closing: Here you could
briefly
summarize the problem and your results, or include possible
improvements and other comments about your model.