• Machinedesign Com Sites Machinedesign com Files Uploads 2013 05 298 Fundy Solution
    1. Learning Resources

    Solution to Fun with Fundamentals Puzzler: A Stupid Dream

    May 5, 2013
    How high must Thrasher start from to be able to make it safely around the loop without falling off due to gravity? Let's find out.
    Machinedesign Com Sites Machinedesign com Files Uploads 2013 05 298 Fundy Solution

    Review the problem: A Stupid Dream.

    How high must Thrasher start from to be able to make it safely around the loop without falling off due to gravity?

    Well, it 's a matter of gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy. Thrasher must start on his skateboard at least 12.5 ft. above the ground in order to complete the loop without falling off due to gravity.

    Give me the next puzzle —
    Gone to the dogs.

    Machinedesign Com Sites Machinedesign com Files Uploads 2013 05 296 Fundy Puzzle
    About the Author

    Elisabeth Eitel

    Elisabeth Eitel was a Senior Editor at Machine Design magazine until 2014. She has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Fenn College at Cleveland State University.

    Continue Reading

    Sponsored Recommendations

    Drive systems for urban air mobility

    March 18, 2025
    The shift of some of our transport traffic from the road to the air through urban air mobility is one of the most exciting future fields in the aerospace industry.

    Blazing the trail for flying robots

    March 18, 2025
    Eight Bachelor students built a flying manipulator that can hover in any orientation and grasp objects. The drone is even more maneuverable than a quadrocopter and was designed...

    Reachy 2: The Open-Source Humanoid Robot Redefining Human-Machine Interaction

    March 18, 2025
    Reachy 2 was designed to adapt to a wide variety of uses thanks to its modular architecture.

    maxon IDX: The plug-and-play solution

    March 18, 2025
    IDX drives combine power with small space requirements - a brushless BLDC motor combined with an EPOS4 positioning controller and a gearhead inside a high-quality industrial housing...

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!