Kinetics of Rigid Bodies: Work and Energy

Kinetics of Rigid Bodies: Work and Energy

The principle of work and energy for rigid bodies includes rotational kinetic energy and the work done by couples.

Kinetic Energy

The total kinetic energy of a rigid body in general plane motion is the sum of translational and rotational kinetic energy:

T=12mvG2+12IGω2T = \frac{1}{2} m v_G^2 + \frac{1}{2} I_G \omega^2

Special Cases

  • Translation Only: ω=0T=12mv2\omega = 0 \Rightarrow T = \frac{1}{2} m v^2
  • Rotation about Fixed Axis OO: vG=rGωv_G = r_G \omega T=12IOω2T = \frac{1}{2} I_O \omega^2 (Note: Using IOI_O simplifies the expression).

Work of Forces and Couples

  • Work of a Force: Same as particles, U=FdrU = \int \mathbf{F} \cdot d\mathbf{r}.
  • Work of a Couple Moment (MM): UM=θ1θ2MdθU_M = \int_{\theta_1}^{\theta_2} M \, d\theta If MM is constant: UM=M(θ2θ1)U_M = M(\theta_2 - \theta_1).

Example: Falling Rod

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