Dynamics Problem: Determine Velocity and Acceleration of Rigid body

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The discussion focuses on determining the velocity and acceleration of a rigid body using the equations v=rw and a=rw², with specific values of omega=40°, w=4 rad/s, and alpha=2 rad/s². The approach of using the instantaneous center of rotation is deemed valid for velocity but not for acceleration. Participants emphasize the importance of differentiating the coordinates of points as functions of the angle to obtain accurate results and highlight the necessity of applying both the product and chain rules in differentiation for comprehensive analysis.

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owlwise2010
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Homework Statement
Determine Velocity and Acceleration of Rigid body: omega=40 w=4rad/s alpha=2rad/s2
Relevant Equations
v=rw
a=rw2
Hello,

Wanted to know if this was the correct approach to solve this example. I uploaded the question along with an attempt.

Thanks in advance.
 

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owlwise2010 said:
Problem Statement: Determine Velocity and Acceleration of Rigid body: omega=40 w=4rad/s alpha=2rad/s2
Relevant Equations: v=rw
a=rw2

if this was the correct approach
It is a valid approach for the speeds, but I think it is easier to get them by writing the coordinates of the points as functions of the angle and differentiating.
I get a different value for CE.

But you cannot use this instantaneous centre of rotation approach for the acceleration.
 
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owlwise2010 said:
Problem Statement: Determine Velocity and Acceleration of Rigid body: omega=40 w=4rad/s alpha=2rad/s2
Relevant Equations: v=rw
a=rw2

Hello,

Wanted to know if this was the correct approach to solve this example. I uploaded the question along with an attempt.

Thanks in advance.
Throughout this post I'm assuming that point A is constrained to the x-axis and point B is constrained to the y-axis.

Here are a few things to consider:

If we take the numerical figures given at face value, with \theta = 40^o and \omega = 4 \ \mathrm{\frac{rad}{sec}}, and assuming \omega is defined as the time derivative of \theta, it means that \theta is increasing, not decreasing. The block is not sliding down by gravity under its own volition, rather it is being shoved up against the wall! It means point A is moving to the left, not the right. At least that's true if we take the given figures at face value. If instead the box were sliding down, \omega should be negative.

Although point C is constrained, it's not constrained to the x-axis. In other words, point C's position, v_C and a_C all have both x- and y-components.

Acceleration is kind of tricky here. There is acceleration not just due to the box's rotation, but also the box's translation. Be prepared to use the product rule differentiating the velocity to obtain the acceleration, as this should make it relatively straightforward -- proper use of the product rule takes care of the rotational vs. translational distinction automatically.

Follow @haruspex's advice. It's good advice. :smile:

[Edit: Although I didn't mention it, you will need to use the chain rule when differentiating too.]
 
Last edited:

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