ME 170: Engineering Mechanics III (3 units)
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
This course builds upon material learned in 104, examining the dynamics of particles and rigid bodies moving in three dimensions. Topics include non-fixed axis rotations of rigid bodies, Euler angles and parameters, kinematics of rigid bodies, and the Newton-Euler equations of motion for rigid bodies. The course material will be illustrated with real-world examples such as gyroscopes, spinning tops, vehicles, and satellites. Applications of the material range from vehicle navigation to celestial mechanics, numerical simulations, and animations.
COURSE PREREQUISITES
104 or consent of instructor.
TEXTBOOK(S) AND/OR OTHER REQUIRED MATERIAL
Recommended texts: Such texts include, Advanced Engineering
Dynamics, by J. H. Ginsberg. Cambridge University Press, 1995.
Principles of Dynamics, by D. T. Greenwood. Prentice-Hall, Englewood
Cliffs, 1988. Advanced Dynamics, by D. T. Greenwood.
Cambridge University Press, 2003.
Class notes are provided by the instructor. These notes are also
supplemented with recent archival journal articles and excerpts
from the classical literature.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Introduce basic aspects of parameterizing the general
motion of a rigid body.
These aspects include parameterizations of rotations.
Discuss the development and analysis of models using mass particles and
rigid bodies drawing from applications in navigation, vehicle dynamics, toys,
gyroscopes, celestial mechanics, satellite dynamics and computer animation.
With the help of numerical and analytical
methods, to introduce students to the analysis
of discrete models for mechanical systems.
DESIRED COURSE OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the course, students shall be able to:
Understand the kinematical descriptions of rigid body orientations;
be able to establish transformations for kinematical
quantities expressed in different frames of reference;
using the Newton-Euler equations of motion, be able to
derive the equations of motion for various systems of
particles and rigid bodies;
visualize three-dimensional motions of rigid bodies;
write special-purpose programs within a procedural
programming computer environment, such as MATLAB,
to simulate the dynamics of systems of particles and rigid bodies;
assess the accuracy and realism of a model for
some discrete mechanical systems.
TOPICS COVERED
Dynamics of a single particle in a three-dimensional space;
parameterization of rotations, including Euler angles;
the Gibbs representation of a rotation and its
axis and angle of rotation;
angular velocity vectors for compound rotations;
kinematics of systems of particles and rigid bodies;
kinematics of rolling rigid bodies and sliding rigid bodies;
constraint forces and moments in rigid body dynamics;
conservative forces and moments in rigid body dynamics;
dynamics of a rigid body;
application to mechanical systems: for example, gyroscopes,
natural and artificial satellites, accelerometers,
rolling and sliding rigid bodies, and vehicle dynamics.
CLASS/LABORATORY SCHEDULE
Three hours of lecture per week.
CONTRIBUTION OF THE COURSE TO MEETING THE PROFESSIONAL COMPONENT
This course contributes primarily to the
students' knowledge of engineering topics and does not
provide hands-on design experience. However,
aspects of design are discussed in connection with the
analysis of the dynamics of various devices.
RELATIONSHIP OF THE COURSE TO ABET PROGRAM OUTCOMES
An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering
solutions in a global and societal context.
A knowledge of contemporary issues.
An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary
for engineering practice.
This course provides valuable training in the modelling and analysis of mechanical engineering systems using systems of particles and/or rigid bodies. It also serves to reinforce and emphasize the connection between fundamental engineering science and practical problem solving.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PROGRESS TOWARD COURSE OBJECTIVES
Homework assignments on a regular basis.
Midterm examinations.
Final examination.
Semester project.
PERSON(S) WHO PREPARED THIS DESCRIPTION: Oliver O'Reilly
