Kinematics: How Do You Solve for Velocity in General Plane Motion?

In summary, the question asks for the velocity and acceleration of a passenger at point C on an amusement park ride. Using kinematic equations, the velocity at point C is found to be { -11i + 10\sqrt{3}j } ft/s, which differs from the answer given in the book. After analyzing the problem further, it is determined that the correct value for \omega_{BC} is actually (\omega_{AB}-\omega')=-1.5k rad/s, leading to the correct answer of { -7i + 17.3j } ft/s.
  • #1
JaWiB
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This is my first post, so I apologize if any formatting is off or if I'm not clear enough.

Homework Statement



A ride in an amusement park consists of a rotating arm AB having a constant angular velocity [tex]\omega_{AB}[/tex]=2rad/s about point A and a car mounted at the end of the arm which has a constant angular velocity [tex]\omega'[/tex]={-.5k}rad/s, measured relative to the arm. At the instant shown, determine the velocity and acceleration of the passenger at C.

Since I don't have a scanner handy, I'm attaching my paint replication of the figure.

For now, I'm just looking at solving for velocity, and I think I'll be able to find acceleration if I can figure that part out.

Homework Equations



I'm using the kinematic equations derived in the book for a rotating and translating reference frame x,y. Using the point B in the figure as the origin for these axes, and the point A in the figure for a fixed reference frame X,Y, we have:

[tex]\vec{V_{C}} = \vec{V_{B}} + \vec{\omega_{BC}}\times\vec{r_{C/B}}+(\vec{V_{C/B}})_{xy}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



This didn't seem too complicated to me, but I can't get the same answer that the book does. First of all, I think that the [tex](\vec{V_{C/B}})_{xy}[/tex] term should be zero since C is fixed to B (it's not moving with respect to the x,y axes).

[tex]\vec{V_{B}}[/tex] should be equal to the angular velocity of the AB arm crossed with it's radius (2 rad/s * 10 ft tangent to the arm) which ends up as { -20icos(60) + 20jsin(60) } ft/s = { -10i + 10[tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex]j } ft/s

Then [tex]{\omega_{BC}}\times\vec{r_{C/B}}[/tex] is completely in the negative X direction at .5 rad/s * 2 ft which is just { -1i } ft/s

Finally, my answer is the sum of those two vectors: { -11i + 10[tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex]j } ft/s

The answer the book gives, however, is { -7i + 17.3j } ft/s. So the Y component of my answer is correct, but somehow my X component's magnitude is too great. What am I missing?


Hopefully my figure is clear enough. C is attached 2ft from the center of the clockwise rotating disk B, which is in turn attached to a 10ft arm which is rotating anti-clockwise about A. The X and Y axes given are horizontal and vertical.
 

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  • #2
If anyone's interested, the trick is that [tex]\omega'[/tex] is measured relative to the arm, so the correct value of [tex]\omega_{BC}[/tex] is [tex](\omega_{AB}-\omega')[/tex]
 

FAQ: Kinematics: How Do You Solve for Velocity in General Plane Motion?

What is kinematics?

Kinematics is the branch of mechanics that studies the motion of objects without considering the forces that cause the motion. It focuses on describing the position, velocity, and acceleration of objects as they move.

What is general plane motion?

General plane motion is a type of motion in which an object moves in a two-dimensional plane, and its position changes continuously with respect to time. It can involve translational, rotational, and curvilinear motion.

What is the difference between linear and angular motion?

Linear motion is when an object moves along a straight line, while angular motion is when an object rotates around a fixed point. Linear motion can be described by position, velocity, and acceleration, while angular motion is described by angular displacement, angular velocity, and angular acceleration.

What are the equations of motion in general plane motion?

The equations of motion in general plane motion are:

  • Position: r = r0 + v0t + 1/2at2
  • Velocity: v = v0 + at
  • Acceleration: a = constant

These equations apply to both linear and angular motion, with the appropriate substitutions for displacement, velocity, and acceleration.

How is kinematics used in real-life applications?

Kinematics is used in a variety of fields, including physics, engineering, and biomechanics. It is used to analyze the motion of objects such as cars, airplanes, and satellites, as well as the movement of living organisms. It is also used to design and optimize machines and structures, such as roller coasters and bridges.

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