Rigid body acceleration question

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the centripetal acceleration (a_C) of point C in a rigid body system represented by an equilateral triangle supported by two links. The user has determined the necessary angles and angular velocities, finding that the angular speed of link EB is 18 rad/s and the angular acceleration for both EB and AB is 93.53. Despite these calculations, the resultant acceleration of point C is incorrectly calculated as 168 instead of the expected 0.202. The user expresses uncertainty about their approach and seeks assistance to identify potential errors in their calculations. Clarification and guidance are requested to resolve the discrepancies in the acceleration results.
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Homework Statement


The illustrated equilateral triangle is supported by two links. d = 0.5 m. At the illustrated position,\dot{\theta}= 9 rad/s and \ddot{\theta}= 0 rad/s^2. Find the magnitude of a_C.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/7264/tonguech66315yx0.th.gif



The Attempt at a Solution


First I found the angle \beta. This is the angle between point B and the horizontal

\beta=30

Next I found all the angular speeds I am going to need: \omega_{DA}, \omega_{EB}, \omega_{AB}

\omega_{DA}=9 rad/s (Given)

\omega_{EB}=\omega_{DA} \frac{AD}{EB} (AD and EB are essentially given)
\omega_{EB}=18 rad/s

\omega_{AB}=-\omega_{DA}DA+ \omega_{EB}EB
\omega_{AB}=0

Next I found all angular accelerations I will need by assuming PGM:a_B=a_A+a_{B/A}

\omega_{EB}^2(EB)j-\alpha_{EB}(EB)i=\omega_{DA}^2(AD)j+\alpha_{AB}(AB)sin(90-\beta)j-\alpha_{AB}(AB)cos(90-\beta)i

I arranged the i and j components and solved finding:
\alpha_{EB}=93.53
\alpha_{AB}=93.53

Now I can find the accelerations of C:

a_Ci+acj=\omega_{EB}^2(EB)j-\alpha_{EB}(EB)i+\alpha_{AB}(BC)i

Solve resultant of a_C to equal 168 whereas it should be .202.

I'm not good at this at all and could have made some pretty big mistakes so bear with me.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
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