Dynamics
Undergraduate · Engineering
Syllabus focus
Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Kinematics of particles
- Rectilinear motion: position, velocity, and acceleration
- Curvilinear motion in Cartesian coordinates
- Normal-tangential (n-t) kinematic components
- Polar coordinates for circular and general plane motion
- Relative motion: translating and rotating reference frames
- Constrained motion along paths and guides
- Motion diagrams and graphical interpretation
- Differentiation and integration of kinematic relationships
- Projectile motion with drag neglected (standard model)
- Angular kinematics: θ, ω, α for rotating bodies
Kinetics and energy methods
- Newton's second law for particles in inertial frames
- Equations of motion in rectangular, n-t, and polar forms
- Work of a force and the work-energy principle
- Kinetic energy and power for particles and systems
- Conservative forces and potential energy
- Conservation of mechanical energy applications
- Principle of impulse and momentum for particles
- Direct and oblique central impact of particles
- Coefficient of restitution and impact problems
- Systems of particles: center of mass motion
STEM / applied
Plane kinematics and kinetics of rigid bodies
- Absolute and relative velocity in plane mechanisms
- Instantaneous center of rotation (ICR) method
- Absolute and relative acceleration analysis
- Coriolis acceleration in rotating frames (intro)
- Mass moment of inertia and parallel-axis theorem
- Equations of planar motion: translation and rotation
- Work-energy for rigid bodies in plane motion
- Impulse-momentum for rigid bodies
- Rolling without slipping constraints
- Multi-body linkage and gear-train dynamics
Vibration intro and engineering applications
- Free vibration of single-degree-of-freedom systems
- Undamped and lightly damped harmonic response
- Base excitation and transmissibility (overview)
- Rotating imbalance and balancing concepts
- Vehicle acceleration and braking dynamics
- FE dynamics topic alignment and timed drills
- MATLAB/Simulink simulation of particle motion
- Sports and biomechanics particle models
- Robotics joint motion planning at kinematic level
- Design implications of dynamic loads on structures
Study units
Each unit includes a study guide, worksheets, review, practice test, and answer key. One unit is free; subscribe for the full class.
- Kinematics of particles
Rectilinear motion: position, velocity, and acceleration
Coming soon - Kinetics and energy methods
Newton's second law for particles in inertial frames
Coming soon
Notes
Topics reflect common engineering syllabi at US colleges and universities. Exact order, depth, and applied emphasis vary by institution, department, and instructor.