PLANAR KINETICS OF A RIGID BODY:

WORK AND ENERGY

Todays Objectives:
Students will be able to:
1. Define the various ways a force
and couple do work.
2. Apply the principle of work and
energy to a rigid body.

In-Class Activities:
Kinetic Energy
Work of a Force or Couple
Principle of Work and Energy
Concept Quiz
Group Problem Solving
Attention Quiz

READING QUIZ
1. Kinetic energy due to rotation is defined as
A) (1/2) m (vG)2

B) (1/2) m (vG)2 + (1/2) IG 2

C) (1/2) IG 2

D) IG 2

2. When calculating work done by forces, the work of an

internal force does not have to be considered because
A) internal forces do not exist.
B) the forces act in equal but opposite collinear pairs.
C) the body is at rest initially.
D) the body can deform.

APPLICATIONS

The work of the torque (or moment) developed by the driving

gears on the two motors on the concrete mixer is transformed
into the rotational kinetic energy of the mixing drum.
If the motor gear characteristics are known, could the velocity
of the mixing drum be found?

APPLICATIONS
(continued)

The work done by the soil compactor's engine is transformed

into the translational kinetic energy of the frame and the
translational and rotational kinetic energy of its roller and
wheels (excluding the additional kinetic energy developed by
the moving parts of the engine and drive train).
Are the kinetic energies of the frame and the roller related to
each other? How?

KINETIC ENERGY
(Section 18.1)
The kinetic energy of a rigid body can be expressed as the
sum of its translational and rotational kinetic energies. In
equation form, a body in general plane motion has kinetic
energy given by
T = 1/2 m (vG)2 + 1/2 IG 2
Several simplifications can occur.
1. Pure Translation: When a rigid
body is subjected to only curvilinear
or rectilinear translation, the
rotational kinetic energy is zero
( = 0). Therefore,
T = 0.5 m (vG)2

KINETIC ENERGY
(continued)
2. Pure Rotation: When a rigid body is
rotating about a fixed axis passing through
point O, the body has both translational and
rotational kinetic energy. Thus,
T = 0.5m(vG)2 + 0.5IG2
Since vG = rG, we can express the kinetic
energy of the body as
T = 0.5(IG + m(rG)2)2 = 0.5IO2
If the rotation occurs about the mass center, G, then what is the
value of vG?
In this case, the velocity of the mass center is equal to zero. So
the kinetic energy equation reduces to
T = 0.5 IG 2

THE WORK OF A FORCE

(Section 18.2)
Recall that the work done by a force can be written as
UF = Fdr = (F cos ) ds.
s

When the force is constant, this equation reduces to

UFc = (Fc cos)s where Fccos represents the component of the
force acting in the direction of displacement s.
Work of a weight: As before, the work
can be expressed as Uw = -Wy.
Remember, if the force and movement are
in the same direction, the work is positive.
Work of a spring force: For a linear spring,
the work is
Us = -0.5k[(s2)2 (s1)2]

FORCES THAT DO NO WORK

There are some external forces that do no work. For
instance, reactions at fixed supports do no work because
the displacement at their point of application is zero.
Normal forces and friction forces acting
on bodies as they roll without slipping
over a rough surface also do no work
since there is no instantaneous
displacement of the point in contact
with ground (it is an instant center, IC).
Internal forces do no work because they always act in equal
and opposite pairs. Thus, the sum of their work is zero.

THE WORK OF A COUPLE

(Section 18.3)
When a body subjected to a couple experiences
general plane motion, the two couple forces do
work only when the body undergoes rotation.
If the body rotates through an angular
displacement d, the work of the couple
moment, M, is

UM = M d
1

If the couple moment, M, is constant, then

UM = M (2 1)
Here the work is positive, provided M and (2 1) are in
the same direction.

PRINCIPLE OF WORK AND ENERGY

(Section 18.4)
Recall the statement of the principle of work and energy
used earlier:
T1 + U1-2 = T2
In the case of general plane motion, this equation states
that the sum of the initial kinetic energy (both
translational and rotational) and the work done by all
external forces and couple moments equals the bodys
final kinetic energy (translational and rotational).
This equation is a scalar equation. It can be applied to a
system of rigid bodies by summing contributions from all
bodies.

EXAMPLE
Given:The disk weighs 40 lb and
has a radius of gyration
(kG) of 0.6 ft. A 15 ftlb
moment is applied and the
spring has a spring
constant of 10 lb/ft.
Find: The angular velocity of the wheel when point G moves
0.5 ft. The wheel starts from rest and rolls without
slipping. The spring is initially un-stretched.
Plan: Use the principle of work and energy since distance is the
primary parameter. Draw a free body diagram of the disk
and calculate the work of the external forces.

EXAMPLE
(continued)
Solution:
Free body diagram of the disk:
Since the body rolls without slipping
on a horizontal surface, only the
spring force and couple moment M
do work. Why dont forces FB and
NB do work?
Since the spring is attached to the
top of the wheel, it will stretch
twice the amount of displacement
of G, or 1 ft.

EXAMPLE
(continued)
Work: U1-2 = -0.5k[(s2)2 (s1)2] + M(2 1)
U1-2 = -0.5(10)(12 0) + 15(0.5/0.8) = 4.375 ftlb
Kinematic relation: vG = r = 0.8
Kinetic energy: T1 = 0
T2 = 0.5m (vG)2 + 0.5 IG 2
T2 = 0.5(40/32.2)(0.8)2 + 0.5(40/32.2)(0.6)22
T2 = 0.621 2
Work and energy: T1 + U1-2 = T2
0 + 4.375 = 0.621 2
= 2.65 rad/s

CONCEPT QUIZ
1. If a rigid body rotates about its center of gravity, its
translational kinetic energy is _________ at all times.
A)
B)
C)
D)

constant
zero
equal to its rotational kinetic energy
Cannot be determined.

2. A rigid bar of mass m and length L is released from rest in

the horizontal position. What is the rods angular velocity
when it has rotated through 90?
m

A) g/3L
B) 3g/L
L
C) 12g/L D) g/L

GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

Given: A sphere weighing
10 lb rolls along a
semicircular hoop.
Its equals 0 when
= 0.

Find: The angular velocity of the sphere when = 45 if the

sphere rolls without slipping.
Plan: Since the problem involves distance, the principle of
work and energy is a good solution method. The only
force involved that does work is the weight, so only its
work need be determined.

GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

(continued)
r
R

(R + r)(1 cos)

Solution:
Draw a FBD and calculate the vertical distance the
mass center moves.
Now calculate the work due to the weight:
U1-2 = W (R + r) (1 cos )
= 10 (10 + 0.5) (1 cos 45)
= 30.75 ftlb

GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

(continued)
A kinematic equation for finding the velocity of the
mass center is needed. It is vG = r = 0.5
Kinetic energy:
T1 = 0
T2 = 0.5m(vG)2 + 0.5IG2
= 0.5(10/32.2)(0.5)2 + 0.5(0.4)(10/32.2)(0.5)22
= 0.054 2
Now apply the principle of work and energy equation:
T1 + U1-2 = T2
0 + 30.75 ftlb = 0.054 2
= 23.8 rad/s

ATTENTION QUIZ
1. A disk and a sphere, each of mass m and radius r, are
released from rest. After 2 full turns, which body has a
larger angular velocity? Assume roll without slip.
r

A) Sphere

B) Disk

C) The two are equal.

D) Cannot be determined.

2. A slender bar of mass m and length L is released from rest in

a horizontal position. The work done by its weight when it
has rotated through 90 is
m

A) m g (/2)
B) m g L
L
C) m g (L/2)
D) -m g (L/2)

PLANAR KINETICS OF A RIGID BODY:

CONSERVATION OF ENERGY
Todays Objectives:
Students will be able to:
a) Determine the potential
energy of conservative forces.
b) Apply the principle of
conservation of energy.

In-Class Activities:
Applications
Potential Energy
Conservation of Energy
Concept Quiz
Group Problem Solving
Attention Quiz

READING QUIZ
1. Elastic potential energy is defined as
A) + (1/2) k (s)2 .

B) - (1/2) k (s)2.

C) + (1/2) k (v)2 .

D) None of the above.

2. The kinetic energy of a rigid body consists of the

kinetic energy due to __________.
A) translational motion and rotational motion
B) only rotational motion
C) only translational motion
D) the deformation of the body

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APPLICATIONS
The torsional spring located at the top
of the garage door winds up as the
door is lowered.
When the door is raised, the potential
energy stored in the spring is
transferred into the gravitational
potential energy of the doors weight,
thereby making it easy to open.
Are parameters such as the torsional
spring stiffness and initial rotation
angle of the spring important when
you install a new door?

CONSERVATION OF ENERGY
(Section 18.5)
The conservation of energy theorem is a simpler energy
method (recall that the principle of work and energy is also an
energy method) for solving problems.
Once again, the problem parameter of distance is a key indicator
of when conservation of energy is a good method for solving the
problem.
If it is appropriate, conservation of energy is easier to use than the
principle of work and energy.
This is because the calculation of the work of a conservative
force is simpler. But, what makes a force conservative?

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CONSERVATIVE FORCES
A force F is conservative if the work done by the force is
independent of the path.
In this case, the work depends only on the initial and final
positions of the object with the path between positions of no
consequence.
Typical conservative forces encountered in dynamics are
gravitational forces (i.e., weight) and elastic forces (i.e.,
springs).
What is a common force that is not conservative?

CONSERVATION OF ENERGY
When a rigid body is acted upon by a system of conservative
forces, the work done by these forces is conserved. Thus,
the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy remains
constant. This principle is called conservation of energy and
is expressed as
T1 + V1 = T2 + V2 = Constant
In other words, as a rigid body moves from one position to
another when acted upon by only conservative forces, kinetic
energy is converted to potential energy and vice versa.

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GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY

The gravitational potential energy of an object is a
function of the height of the bodys center of gravity
above or below a datum.
The gravitational potential
energy of a body is found
by the equation
Vg = W yG

Gravitational potential energy is positive when yG is

positive, since the weight has the ability to do positive
work when the body is moved back to the datum.

ELASTIC POTENTIAL ENERGY

Spring forces are also conservative forces.

The potential energy of

a spring force (F = ks)
is found by the equation
Ve = ks2

Notice that the elastic potential energy is always positive.

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PROCEDURE FOR ANALYSIS

Problems involving velocity, displacement and conservative force
systems can be solved using the conservation of energy equation.
Potential energy: Draw two diagrams: one with the body located
at its initial position and one at the final position. Compute the
potential energy at each position using
V = Vg+Ve, where Vg=W yG and Ve = 1/2 k s2.
Kinetic energy: Compute the kinetic energy of the rigid body at
each location. Kinetic energy has two components:
translational kinetic energy ( m(vG)2 ) and rotational kinetic
energy ( IG 2 ).
Apply the conservation of energy equation.

EXAMPLE
Given:The rod AB has a mass of
10 kg. Piston B is
attached to a spring of
constant k = 800 N/m.
The spring is un-stretched
when = 0. Neglect the
mass of the pistons.
Find: The angular velocity of rod AB at = 0 if the rod is
released from rest when = 30.
Plan: Use the energy conservation equation since all forces are
conservative and distance is a parameter (represented
here by ). The potential energy and kinetic energy of
the rod at states 1 and 2 will have to be determined.

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EXAMPLE
Solution:
(continued)
Initial Position
Final Position

Potential Energy:
Lets put the datum in line with the rod when = 0.
Then, the gravitational potential energy and the elastic potential
energy will be zero at position 2. => V2 = 0
Gravitational potential energy at 1: - (10)( 9.81) (0.4 sin 30)
Elastic potential energy at 1: (800) (0.4 sin 30)2
So V1 = - 9.81 J + 16.0 J = 6.19 J

Initial Position

EXAMPLE
(continued)

Final Position

Kinetic Energy:
The rod is released from rest from position 1
(so vG1 = 0, 1 = 0). Therefore, T1 = 0.
At position 2, the angular velocity is 2 and
the velocity at the center of mass is vG2 .

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EXAMPLE
(continued)
Therefore,
T2 = (10)(vG2)2 + (1/12)(10)(0.42)(2)2
At position 2, point A is the instantaneous
center of rotation. Hence, vG2 = r = 0.2 2
.
Then, T2 = 0.2 22 + 0.067 22 = 0.267 22
Now apply the conservation of energy equation and solve for
the unknown angular velocity, 2.
T1 + V1 = T2 + V2
0 + 6.19 = 0.26722 + 0

=> 2 = 4.82 rad/s

EXAMPLE II
Given:The weight of the disk is 30 lb and
its kG equals 0.6 ft. The spring has
a stiffness of 2 lb/ft and an
unstretched length of 1 ft.
Find: The velocity at the instant G
moves 3 ft to the left. The disk is
released from rest in the position
shown and rolls without slipping.
Plan: Since distance is a parameter and all forces doing work are
conservative, use conservation of energy. Determine the
potential energy and kinetic energy of the system at both
positions and apply the conservation of energy equation.

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EXAMPLE II
(continued)
Solution:
Potential Energy:
There are no changes in the gravitational
potential energy since the disk is moving
horizontally.
The elastic potential energy at position
1 is: V1 = 0.5 k (s1)2 where s1 = 4 ft.
Thus, V1 = 2 (4)2 = 16 J

(1) Initial Position

(2) Final Position

Similarly, the elastic potential energy at position 2 is

V2 = 2 (3)2 = 9 J

EXAMPLE II
(continued)
Kinetic Energy:
The disk is released from rest at position 1, so
vG1 = 0 and 1 = 0. Thus, the kinetic energy
at position 1 is T1 = 0.
At position 2, the angular velocity is 2 and
the velocity at the center of mass is vG2 .
T2 = m (vG2)2 + IG (2) 2
= (30/32.2) (vG2)2 + (30/32.2) 0.62 (2) 2
The disk is rolling without slipping, so vG2 = (0.75 2).
T2 = (30/32.2)(0.75 2)2 + (30/32.2) 0.62 (2)2 = 0.43 (2)2

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EXAMPLE II
(continued)
Now all terms in the conservation of energy equation have been
formulated. First, writing the general equation and then
substituting into it yields:

T1 + V1 = T2 + V2
0 +16.0 J = 0.43 22 + 9 J
Solving , 2 = 4.04 rad/s

CONCEPT QUIZ
1. At the instant shown, the spring is
undeformed. Determine the change in
potential energy if the 20 kg disk
(kG = 0.5 m) rolls 2 revolutions
without slipping.

3 m/s
datum

A) (200)(1.2)2 + (20)9.81(1.2 sin30)

B) - (200) (1.2)2 - (20)9.81(1.2 sin30)
C) (200)(1.2)2 - (20)9.81(1.2 sin30)
D) (200)(1.2)2
2. Determine the kinetic energy of the disk at this instant.
A) ()(20)(3)2

B) (20)(0.52)(10)2

C) Answer A + Answer B

D) None of the above.

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GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

Given: A 50 lb bar is rotating
downward at 2 rad/s.
The spring has an unstretched length of 2 ft and a
spring constant of 12 lb/ft.

Find: The angle (measured down from the horizontal) to which

the bar rotates before it stops its initial downward
movement.
Plan: Conservative forces and distance () leads to the use of
conservation of energy. First, determine the potential
energy and kinetic energy for both positions. Then
apply the conservation of energy equation.

GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

(continued)
Solution:
Potential Energy:
Lets put the datum in line with
the rod when = 0.
Then, at position 1, the
gravitational potential energy
is zero and the elastic potential
energy will be
V1 = k (s1)2

1
3 sin

= (12) (4 - 2)2
Gravitational potential energy at position 2: - (50) (3 sin )

6 sin
2

Elastic potential energy at position 2: (12) {4 + (6 sin ) - 2}2

So, V2 = - (50) (3sin ) + (12) {4 + (6 sin ) - 2}2

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GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

(continued)
Kinetic Energy:
At position 1 (when = 0), the
rod has a rotational motion
about point A.
T1 = IA (2 )
= {1/3 (50/32.2) 62} (22 )
At position 2, the rod momentarily has no translation or rotation
since the rod comes to rest.
Therefore, T2 = 0.

GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

(continued)
Now, substitute into the
conservation of energy
equation.
T1 + V1 = T2 + V2

{1/3 (50/32.2) 62}( 22 ) + (12) (4 - 2)2

= 0.0 - (50)(3 sin ) + (12){4 + (6 sin ) - 2}2
Solving for sin yields
sin = 0.4295.
Thus, = 25.4 deg.

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ATTENTION QUIZ
1. Blocks A and B are released from rest and the
1m
datum
disk turns 2 revolutions. The V2 of the system
includes a term for
A) only the 40 kg block.
40 kg
B) only the 80 kg block.
80 kg
C) the disk and both blocks.
D) only the two blocks.
2. A slender bar is released from rest while in the horizontal
position. The kinetic energy (T2) of the bar when it has
m
rotated through 90 is

A) m (vG2)2
B) IG (2) 2
L
C) k (s1)2 - W (L/2)

D) m (vG2)2 + IG (2) 2

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