Hambone wrote:Great work femr!
Doesn't this scenario include conservation of momentum? It matches my "conservation of momentum only" scenario almost exactly. That would explain the difference between the free-falling ejecta and the model.
Thanks. The 'free-fall' scenario does indeed include the velocity changes due to conservation of momentum, but as there is zero resistance, and the mass must be accelerated during the descent, it is still the minimum 'free-fall' descent for the tower.
I am not highlighting the free-falling ejecta, I am highlighting the ejecta from the right hand side of the tower. If you are having trouble seeing the ejecta, let me know and I'll upload another image highlighting it.
Photographical evidence indicates that most the core columns buckled over three floors and the exterior broke in huge sections. This would be one reason why the model is slightly slower.
No. There are no columns in the simulated descent...zero resistance. Only conservation of momentum due to the impacting masses. I'm aware that this is an inherently paradoxical process (perfectly rigid bodies cannot exist. perfectly inelastic collisions cannot exist) but it is a virtual model, so as long as we are all aware of the 'limitations' it's still useful.
I assume you are using an inelastic collision iteratively with the mass of each impacted floor. Another interesting factor is that the collisions are not really completely inelastic.
Yes. I assume you have downloaded the calculation spreadsheet ? (Link on OP). All the calcs are there:
http://femr2.ucoz.com/load/1-1-0-9
It might complicate the model too much, but including the coefficient of restitution would allow us to examine different possibilities within the realm of partially elastic collisions. The effect would essentially be less energy loss, which is more realistic. The big question is...how much?
I'm open to suggestion. If you have calcs that would work in step-wise fashion, and not result in asynchronous collisions, I'd be very interested if you could post them. (Just noticed your spreadsheet link. Will see if they are in there...)
A comment on realism. It is necessary to choose between concrete crushing and conservation of momentum. Concrete crushing is inherently included in conservation of momentum.
I don't agree. I'm aware that the energy loss through the conservation of momentum calculation must be made available for deformation of materials, but it is not limited nor directly related to concrete crushing at all. The model makes the energy available for any of the subsequent material deformations. Also, there cannot be a 'choice' between the two factors you mention as the primary effect of the conservation of momentum calculation is in the velocity change of the descending mass, through the requirement to accelerate the impacted mass from rest upon impact.
Here's my spreadsheet if anyone wants to check the calculations:
http://www.cool-places.0catch.com/911/calcCollapse_v3.xls
Thanks. I'll dig in.







