Is a Wall Considered a Rigid or Non-Rigid Body?

In summary, a rigid body maintains its shape and size under external forces, while a non-rigid body can change its shape and size. A rigid body cannot deform, but some objects may appear rigid but can deform under extreme forces. Examples of rigid bodies in everyday life include books. In engineering, understanding the concept of rigid and non-rigid bodies is important in designing structures and machines. A non-rigid body may have some flexibility, but it still has a certain level of rigidity and cannot be considered completely flexible.
  • #1
Fiona Rozario
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Is a wall rigid body or a non-rigid body? As per definition, a rigid body does not change any inter-molecular space on application of force but moves. But a wall does neither. So what is it - rigid or non-rigid?
 
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There is no such thing as a truly rigid body. However, there are many, many times where the difference between treating an object as a rigid body and treating the body as non-rigid (and performing a full-blown finite element analysis of the contact) is minimal. This makes the rigid body assumption a very useful assumption.
 
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1. What is the difference between a rigid and non-rigid body?

A rigid body is an object that maintains its shape and size even when subjected to external forces, whereas a non-rigid body can change its shape and size in response to external forces.

2. Can a rigid body ever deform?

No, a rigid body cannot deform as it maintains its shape and size under external forces. However, some objects may appear rigid but can actually deform under extreme forces.

3. What is an example of a rigid body in everyday life?

A book is an example of a rigid body as it maintains its shape and size even when placed on a bookshelf or when held in your hands.

4. How does the concept of rigid and non-rigid bodies apply to engineering?

In engineering, the concept of rigid and non-rigid bodies is important in designing structures and machines. Understanding how external forces affect the rigidity of different materials is crucial in creating safe and efficient designs.

5. Can a non-rigid body be considered completely flexible?

No, a non-rigid body may have some flexibility, but it still has a certain level of rigidity. Complete flexibility would mean that the body can change its shape and size infinitely, which is not possible.

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