Emech2 Lecture
Emech2 Lecture
Time Derivatives. Taking the time derivative, using the chain rule, where v s = dy/dt and va =
dx/dt, yields
At y=10m, x is determined from Eqn 1, i.e., x = 20m. Hence from Eqn. 2 with v A = 0.5 m/s,
The acceleration is determined by taking the time derivative of Eqn 2. Since v A is constant, then
aA = dvA/dt = 0, and we have
Note: The constant velocity at A causes the other end C of the rope to have an acceleration since
vA causes segment DA to change its direction as well as its length.
Velocity. An equation that relates the velocities of the articles is determined by taking the time
derivative of the above equation; i.e., v B = vA + vB|A .
Acceleration. The time derivative of yields a similar vector relation between the absolute
and relative accelerations of particles A and B; i.e., aB = aA + aB|A .
Here, aB|A is the acceleration of B as seen by the observer located at A and translating with the x,
y, z reference frame.
Ex.1. A train travels at a constant speed of 60 mi/h, crosses over a road as shown in Fig. 12-43a.
If the automobile A is traveling at 45 mi/h along the road, determine the magnitude and direction
of the velocity of the train relative to the automobile.
Solution.
Vector Analysis. The relative velocity VT/A is measured from the translating x, y' axes attached to
the automobile, Fig. 12-43a. It is determined from v T = vA + VT|A. Since vT and vA are known in
both magnitude and direction, the unknowns become the x and y components of V T|A. Using the
x, y axes in Fig. 12-43a, we have
Note: The vector addition shown indicates the correct sense for v T|A. This figure anticipates the
answer and can be used to check it.