Dynamics Term Project:

Pinball Machine!
Elysa F. Campo
ME 212-01 (Red section)
25 May 2016

Table of Contents
Project Summary

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1

Elysa F. Campo
Overall Pinball Machine Layout

ME 212-01 (red)
Prof. Keller
4

Final Problems
Step 1: Putting the Ball into Play

Step 2: Collision!

Step 3: Flippers

Step 4: Ramps

Step 5: Magnetic Force

Step 6: Two balls!!

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Step 1 SOLUTION

11

Step 2 SOLUTION

13

Step 3 SOLUTION

15

Step 4 SOLUTION

18

Step 5 SOLUTION

20

Step 6 SOLUTION

21

Peer Solution

following pages

Project Summary
2

Elysa F. Campo

ME 212-01 (red)
Prof. Keller
Though this project was certainly a lot of work, I think it was very helpful for cementing

dynamics principles before the final exam. I hope my project covers most concepts and now that Ive
gone through these problems multiple times over, I feel pretty confident in my abilities.
The peer review process was great. I had never met Nico before and I found out that he was in
my major, which is exciting. Also, when we met to discuss our solutions he was very nice and provided
encouragement as well as constructive feedback. I almost felt bad because I didnt actually give him a
page of all of my thoughts on his project, because he gave me a page with comments and they were all
very kind.
My primary challenge was my third step, so I will mostly be talking about that. It concerns a
ball rolling past a rotating flipper. When I first thought of the problem, I decided to use x and y
components for the whole thing, but I found myself stuck. After going to Prof. Kellers office hours and
discussing, she convinced me to use r and components. I finally obtained an answer around 5am the
morning that my rough draft was due, so I knew there was definitely a possibility of mistakes. Once
Nico and I had reviewed each others projects, we discussed all of our problems and Nico showed me
that he used a completely different simpler method of obtaining the relative angular velocity. He
employed some velocity triangles, which I hadnt thought to do. However, because we both got
different answers, I decided to entirely rework the problem and see if I could get something more
concrete. I reworked the problem and obtained a solution with an angular velocity of 0. I thought this
was odd and I reached out to a lot of people, including my roommates, classmates, and neighbors
down the hall. My neighbor helped me realize that the triangle I had made up was actually an
impossible triangle by the Triangle Inequality Rule. Thinking that this explained everything, I derived
a realistic triangle by using one side length and assigning the angle measures, and then using the Law
of Sines to get the other side lengths. Again I reworked the problem and still I found that the angular
velocity is 0. To be completely honest, Im not altogether confident in my answer. The fact that I got
the same solution to two different problems with two different sets of data indicates to me that Im
calculating one key thing from the relative velocities equation incorrectly. Im not sure how to solve
that problem but I intend to figure it out before the final.
In conclusion, this project helped me practice and understand more dynamics principles than
simply solving homework problems. By making the problems myself, I came to understand the
difficulty of conceiving problems and how much given information is required to solve for one
particular portion of a problem. I hope you enjoy reading through my project!

Elysa F. Campo

ME 212-01 (red)
Prof. Keller

y= 1 m

Step 4
Step 2

Step 6

Step 5

Step 1

Step 3

Step 1: Putting the Ball Into Play

x= 0.75m

Elysa F. Campo

ME 212-01 (red)
Prof. Keller

(F=ma, Constant Acceleration Particle Kinematics)

A spring mechanism projects the ball into the playing field, which is angled 10 from horizontal. The
ball travels 0.9m up the playing field before stopping. Assuming the ball doesnt hit anything along the
way, and neglecting friction between the ball and the playing field, with what initial velocity (parallel to
the playing field) is the ball propelled into the field?
Figure 1: Problem Illustration

0.9m

10

v0

Elysa F. Campo

ME 212-01 (red)
Prof. Keller

Step 2: Collision!
(Particle Impact-Momentum)

But alas, the ball does hit something 0.6m on the way up! Specifically it hits a bumper, which has a
restitution coefficient of 0.95. Using your knowledge from the previous problem, at what velocity does
the ball depart the bumper? Express your answer in n and t components.
Figure 2: Problem Illustration

v0
60

Elysa F. Campo

ME 212-01 (red)
Prof. Keller

Step 3: Flippers
(Rigid Body Relative Velocity)

Even though the ball is well in play, you hit one of the flippers. When you push the button, you provide
an angular acceleration such that the flipper (L=5cm) rotates from its initial position, 0=45,
counterclockwise from horizontal, to f=60, clockwise from horizontal, at which time its angular
velocity is 1.44 rad/s. Knowing that the ball is traveling at 2m/s exactly towards point O at 30
clockwise from horizontal (in orange), and being given the following information, determine the
angular velocity of B with respect to A. Treat the flipper as a rigid body and the ball as a moving point.
rB/o =0.1851 [m]
rB/A = 0.1440 [m]
Figure 3: Problem Illustration
B
vB
r

f=60

A/O=30

Elysa F. Campo

ME 212-01 (red)
Prof. Keller

Step 4: Ramps
(Rigid Body Work-Energy)

The ball now travels up and down a ramp (as shown.) Given the following information, and neglecting
friction, determine the angular velocity of the ball at the second position.
(Note: the center of gravity, also the center of the ball, is denoted by the letter G. A point on the outside
of the ball, tangent to the ramp, is denoted by the letter P.)
mb
= 26.4g
h1 (G) = 0.0135 m
h2
= 0.0435 m
rb
= 1.35cm
v1 (G)
= 1 m/s
v2 (G) = 0.5 m/s
v1 (P/G) = -0.2545 m/s

Figure 4: Problem Illustration

Step 5: The Magnetic Force

(F=ma)

The ball is approaching a target, YAY! Unfortunately, the pinball machine is sneaky and the
target pushes the ball away with a magnetic force at an angle of 45 from horizontal. The ball is
now approaching the target at a horizontal 1.5m/s, even though five seconds ago its velocity was
3m/s. Given this information, and recalling that the balls mass is 26.4g, and knowing that the
ball never parts company with the playfield (acceleration in the y-direction equals 0), determine
the normal force of the playfield on the ball. Ignore the incline of the plane and friction, and
treat the ball as a particle.
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Figure 5: Problem Illustration

y
x

v
45

Fmag

Step 6: Two balls!!

(Particle Impact-Momentum)

Ball B is zooming along at 2m/s, at 80 clockwise from the horizontal, when surprise, another
ball is introduced into the playfield! Ball C, weighing in at 0.3 N, has a velocity of 6m/s at 35
counterclockwise from the horizontal when the two balls collide. Assuming a perfectly elastic
collision, and knowing that ball B departs the collision with a velocity of 4m/s at an angle of 40
counterclockwise from the horizontal, determine the magnitude and direction of ball Cs velocity
vector post-collision (in and components.)
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Figure 6: Problem Illustration

C
B
vc (1)

vB (1)

Step 1 SOLUTION:
Figure 1.1: General Schematic
y

Final position

Initial position

11

10

Governing Equations:
F = ma
vf 2 = v0 2 + 2a s
First, we have to calculate the acceleration due to gravity in the direction of the
incline by summing forces. Once we know the acceleration, we can use it, the final
velocity (given), and the displacement to yield the initial velocity.
Figure 1.2: Free Body Diagram and Kinetic Diagram
(Respectively labeled, left to right.)
y

10

10
ma

mg

Fx = max
N sin10 = ma cos10
N = ma cot10
Fy = may
-mg + N cos10 = ma sin10
-mg + (ma cot10) cos10 = ma sin10
mg = ma (cot10 sin10)
a = ____g______
cot10 sin10
a = 1.7844 [m/s2], 10 counterclockwise from x axis
Figure 1.3: Velocity
v0

+ sense
- sense
10

vf 2 = v0 2 + 2a s
(o [m/s]) = v0 2 + 2(-1.7844 [m/s2])(0.9 [m])
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v0 = 1.7922 [m/s]
v0 = 1.7922 [m/s] (10 clockwise from x axis)

Step 2 SOLUTION:
Figure 2.1: General Schematic
y

v2

13

v1
x

60

Governing Equations:
vf 2 = vi 2 + 2a s
= _vf (n)_
-vi (n)
Knowing the initial velocity with which the ball is propelled into the playfield
(v0), as well as the displacement over which it travels, we can calculate the
velocity with which the ball strikes the bumper (v1). Next we can split up v1 into
tangential and normal components with respect to the face of the bumper. Then,
knowing that the coefficient of restitution only alters the normal component of
the velocity, as described in the equation given, and knowing that the tangential
component remains unchanged, we can complete an expression for the new
velocity (v2) in tangential and normal components.
Figure 2.2: Displacement and Initial Velocity (Side View of Pinball Playfield)
v0
0.6
m
10

From Step 1,
v0 = 1.7922 [m/s]
vf 2 = vi 2 + 2a s
v1 2 = (1.7922 [m/s]) 2 + 2(-1.7844 [m/s2])(0.6m)
= 1.0706 [m2/s2]
v1 = 1.0347 [m/s]

Figure 2.3: Kinetic Diagram

(Note: New x- and y-axes defined here.)
y

v2

14

v1
x

60

Figure 2.4: Velocity 1 Components

v1 (n)
v1

60

t
v1 (t)

v1 (t) = v1 sin60 [m/s]

= (1.0347) sin60 [m/s]
= 0.89608 [m/s]
v1 (n) = -v1 cos 60 [m/s]
= -(1.0347) cos60 [m/s]
= -0.51735 [m/s]
v2 (t) = v1 (t)
= 0.89608 [m/s]
= _vf (n)_
-v0 (n)
v2 (n) = -v1 (n) ()
= -(-0.51735 [m/s])(0.95)
= 0.49148 [m/s]
v2 = 0.89608 t + 0.49148 n [m/s]
Step 3 SOLUTION:
Figure 3.1: General Schematic
B
vB
r

f=60

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A/O=30

Governing Equations:
(dr/dt + xr)B/O = (dr/dt + xr)A/O + (dr/dt + xr)B/A
We are given almost everything in this equation, except for the change in radius
of B with respect to A. We must use the given velocity of B to find this. Then we
can plug in and solve.
B/O
Figure 3.2: Velocity of B with Respect to O Components
vB/O
vB/O r

vB/O

30

dr/dtB/O r = -2cos(30) [m/s]

= -1.7321 [m/s]
dr/dtB/O = -2sin(30) [m/s]
= -1 [m/s]
dr/dtB/O = -1.7321 r - 1 [m/s]
B/O = 0 [rad/s]
A/O
dr/dt = 0 [m/s]
A/O = -1.44 [rad/s]
r = 0.05 r [m]
B/A
vA/O = A/O x r
= (-1.44 [rad/s])(0.05 [m])
= -0.0720 [m/s]
vB/O = vA/O - vB/A
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vB/A = vB/O - vA/O

= -1.7321 r - 1 [m/s] + 0.0720 [m/s]
= -1.7321 r 0.93 [m/s]
Figure 3.3: Displacement of B with Respect to A (i)

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Previously given:
rB/o =0.1851 [m]
rB/A = 0.1440 [m]
_sin30_ = _sin _
0.1440
0.1851
= 140
= 180
= 40

rB/A = 0.1440 cos40 r + 0.1440 sin40 [m]

= 0.1103 r + 0.0926 [m]
(dr/dt + xr)B/O = (dr/dt + xr)A/O + (dr/dt + xr)B/A
(-1.7321 r - 1 [m/s]) = (-1.44 [rad/s])x(0.05 r [m]) + (-1.7321 r 0.93 [m/s])
+ (B/A ) x (0.1103 r + 0.0926 [m])
-1.7321 r - 1 = -0.072 1.7321 r 0.93 +0.1103 B/A 0.0926 B/A r
: -1 = -0.072 0.93 + 0.1103 B/A
B/A = 0 rad/s
B/A = 0 rad/s

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Step 4 SOLUTION:
Figure 4.1: General Schematic (Simplified)

h2
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h1
P
h1 (G) = 0.0135 m
v1 (G)
= 1 m/s
v1 (P/G) = -0.2545 m/s

h2 = 0.0435 m
v2 (G) = 0.5 m/s

Governing Equations:
vT = r
Isolid sphere = 2/5 mr2
(mghG + mvG 2 + kx 2 + I 2)1 = (mghG + mvG 2 + kx 2 + I 2)2
By using the first equation, we can ascertain the angular velocity of the ball at
position 1. We can then calculate the moment of inertia of the ball. Also, we know
that there are no springs involved with the problem, so the kx 2 terms equal 0.
After that we plug our values into the large work-energy equation to find the
angular velocity of the ball at position 2.
(vT = r)1
1 = _vT_
r
= _v1 (P/G)_
rB
= _-0.2545 m/s_
0.0135 m
= 18.852 rad/s clockwise
Isolid sphere = 2/5 mr2
IB = _2 (0.0246 kg)(0.0135m)2_
5
= 1.9246 x 10-6 kg m2
(mghG + mvG 2 + kx 2 + I 2)1 = (mghG + mvG 2 + kx 2 + I 2)2
(0.0246 kg)(9.81 m/s2)(0.0135 m) + (0.5)(0.0264 kg)(1 m/s)2
+ (0.5)(1.9246 x 10-6 kg m2)( 18.852 rad/s)2 = (0.0246 kg)(9.81 m/s2)(0.0435 m)
+ (0.5)(0.0264 kg)(0.5 m/s)2 + (0.5)(1.9246 x 10-6 kg m2)(2)2
2 = 50.687 rad/s

2 = 50.687 rad/s

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Step 5 SOLUTION:
Figure 5.1: Free Body Diagram and Kinetic Diagram
(Respectively labelled, from left to right.)
y
x

N
Fmag

max

20

mg

Governing Equations
a = dv/dt
F = ma
We can use the first equation to solve for the acceleration in of the ball in the xdirection. Then, we can sum forces in the x-direction, set them equal to mass
times acceleration, and solve for the magnetic force. Following that, we can sum
the forces in the y-direction, set them equal to 0, and solve for the normal force.
a = dv/dt
ax = _(1.5-3 [m/s])_
5s
ax =-0.3m/s2
(F = ma)x
Fmag (x) = max
Fmagcos(45) = (0.0264 kg)(-0.3 m/s2)
Fmag = 0.0112 N
(F = ma)y
-mg + N + Fmag (y) = 0
-(0.0264 kg)(9.81 m/s2) + N + 0.0112sin(45) = 0
N = 0.2511 N
N = 0.2511 N
Step 6 SOLUTION:
Figure 6.1: General Schematic, Before and After Impact

vB (2)
B

vc (1)
vc (2)
vB (1)

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Governing Equations
m = mg/g
(mBvB + mCvC)1 = (mBvB + mCvC)2
We can use the first equation to get the mass of ball C. After that, we can break
the velocities given into components and plug the values into the momentum
equation, yielding the final velocity of ball C.
mc = (0.3N)/(9.81 m/s2)
= 0.0306 kg
vB (1) = -2cos(80) + 2sin(80) [m/s]
= -0.3473 + 1.9696 [m/s]
vc (1) = 6cos(35) + 6sin(35) [m/s]
= 4.9149 + 3.4415 [m/s]
vB (2) = 4cos(40) + 4sin(40) [m/s]
= 3.0642 + 2.5712 [m/s]
(mBvB + mCvC)1 = (mBvB + mCvC)2
(0.0264 kg)(-0.3473 + 1.9696 [m/s]) + (0.036 kg)( 4.9149 + 3.4415 [m/s]) =
(0.0264 kg)( 3.0642 + 2.5712 [m/s]) + (0.036 kg)(vc (2) (x) + vc (2) (y) [m/s])
: vc (2) (x) = 1.9505 [m/s]
: vc (2) (y) = 2.9225 [m/s]

vc (2) = 1.9505 + 2.9225 [m/s]

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