Hyperloop: Suspension forces

Classical Mechanics Level 1

The Hyperloop is a hypothetical new fast transport system between cities, which works by launching pods that carry people through a very low air pressure tunnel. The Hyperloop reduces friction between the pods and the tunnel by supporting the pod on a cushion of air. If the mass of the Hyperloop pod is $3100~\mbox{kg}$ , what force in N must be exerted on the pod by the air cushion to keep it suspended?

The acceleration of gravity is $-9.8~\mbox{m/s}^2$ .

The answer is 30380.

1 solution

Jake Lai
Apr 22, 2015

The relevant forces acting on the system are a gravitational force $W = mg$ and some suspension force $F_{\text{sus}}$ . The system is in equilibrium so the net force $\vec{F}_{\text{net}} = \sum \vec{F} = 0$ by Newton's second law. Thus, we know that

$F_{\text{sus}} = mg = 3100 \ \text{kg} \cdot 9.8 \ \text{ms}^{-2} = \boxed{30380 \ \text{N}}$

Hyperloop: Suspension forces

The answer is 30380.

1 solution

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