Physics > Circular Motion > 5.0 Circular turning of roads
Circular Motion
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Angular Variables
1.2 Kinematic equation for circular motion
1.3 Relation between angular and linear variables
1.4 Unit vectors along the radius and tangent
1.5 Velocity and acceleration of particle in circular motion
2.0 Dynamics of circular motion
3.0 Motion in a vertical circle
4.0 Rigid body rotating in a vertical circle
5.0 Circular turning of roads
6.0 Conical Pendulum
7.0 Death well
8.0 Rotor
9.0 Bending of a cyclist or motorcyclist while taking turn
10.0 Centrifugal force
5.1 By friction
1.2 Kinematic equation for circular motion
1.3 Relation between angular and linear variables
1.4 Unit vectors along the radius and tangent
1.5 Velocity and acceleration of particle in circular motion
Let a jeep of mass $m$ is running at speed $v$ on a horizontal circular arc of radius $R$, the frictional force $f$ acting between the tires and ground will provide necessary centripetal force to the jeep.
Coefficient of friction between the jeep tires and road is $\mu $.
Limiting frictional force $\left( {{f_L}} \right)$ is,
$${f_L} = \mu N$$
From the FBD we get, $$\begin{equation} \begin{aligned} N = mg \\ f = \frac{{m{v^2}}}{R} \\\end{aligned} \end{equation} $$
So, the friction $f$ provides the necessary centripetal force for turning.
If the velocity $v$ of the jeep is more, centripetal force increases which in turn increases the frictional force.
$v=v_max$ is the maximum speed at which the jeep can take the safe turn.
So, at this speed maximum frictional force acts between the tires and the ground i.e. limiting frictional force.
$$\begin{equation} \begin{aligned} {f_L} = \frac{{mv_{\max }^2}}{R} \\ \mu mg = \frac{{mv_{\max }^2}}{R} \\ {v_{\max }} = \sqrt {\mu gR} \\\end{aligned} \end{equation} $$
For safe turning of jeep on a horizontal circular turn, the speed should be $v \leqslant \sqrt {\mu gR} $.
Note: If $v > \sqrt {\mu gR} $, the car will slide outwards as $v \propto R$.