BeginnerTopic 34 of 106Engineering Mechanics

Kinematics of rigid bodies

Relates velocities and accelerations of points on a rotating body.

In depth

For plane motion, the velocity of point B is v_B=v_A+ω×r_B/A, and acceleration includes tangential αr and centripetal ω²r terms. Used for linkages, wheels and robot arms.

Key points

  • Rotation plus translation
  • Relative velocity method
  • Instantaneous centre alternative
Example

A crank of 0.1 m at 100 rad/s has pin speed 10 m/s.

Why it matters

Rigid bodies rotate and translate together, so relating point velocities and accelerations is needed for linkages, wheels and rotating parts.

Where this is used

  • Finding the speed of the tip of a crank arm.
  • Computing the velocity of a point on a rolling wheel.
  • Analysing the motion of a link in a crank-slider mechanism.

Frequently asked questions

What is Kinematics of rigid bodies?

Relates velocities and accelerations of points on a rotating body.

Why is it important to understand kinematics of rigid bodies?

Rigid bodies rotate and translate together, so relating point velocities and accelerations is needed for linkages, wheels and rotating parts.

How do velocities of two points on one body relate?

The velocity of one point equals the velocity of the other plus the angular velocity crossed with the position vector between them.

Why do rigid body equations use vectors?

The rotation axis and the position vectors have directions, so vector cross products describe the motion in three dimensions correctly.

How is Kinematics of rigid bodies used in practice?

Typical applications include finding the speed of the tip of a crank arm, computing the velocity of a point on a rolling wheel and analysing the motion of a link in a crank-slider mechanism.

What should I learn before Kinematics of rigid bodies?

Study "Coefficient of restitution" first (topic 33 of 106 in Engineering Mechanics). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.

What are the key points of Kinematics of rigid bodies?

Rotation plus translation. Relative velocity method. Instantaneous centre alternative.

Can you give an example of Kinematics of rigid bodies?

A crank of 0.1 m at 100 rad/s has pin speed 10 m/s.

What comes after Kinematics of rigid bodies?

The next topic is "Instantaneous centre of rotation", which builds directly on this one.

How difficult is Kinematics of rigid bodies?

It is classed as Beginner in Engineering Mechanics (topic 34 of 106). It is an entry-level topic. It relies only on basic school mathematics and the ideas introduced earlier in this discipline.

Learning path

Want to practise? Open the interactive course for quick checks, quizzes, simulations and progress tracking.

Related topics