Re: Block sliding on curvilinear surface

[John Mallinckrodt <ajm@CSUPOMONA.EDU>]

Brian wrote:

> Perhaps the puzzle would be more interesting for John, if it
> were couched like this:
> "What is the minimal length of frictionless block which allows
>   the block to stay in contact with the parabolic surface when it
> contacts the base plane?"

Indeed.  Count on BW to help us all keep an eye on the REAL world.

I must, however, confess that couched in those terms there are just
too many parameters (release position, release orientation, length of
block, center of mass position, radius of gyration) for the problem
to maintain my interest!

--
John Mallinckrodt        mailto:ajm@csupomona.edu
Cal Poly Pomona          http://www.csupomona.edu/~ajm