Dynamics

Dynamics is a sub-field of classical mechanics concerned with the physics of moving bodies. It primarily comprises two areas of analysis: kinematics and kinetics.

Key concepts

• Coordinate system
  • Rectangular coordinates
  • Polar coordinates
  • Normal-tangential coordinates
• Kinematics (displacement, velocity, acceleration)
  • Kinematic equations
  • Newton’s law of gravitation
  • Drag force
  • Relative motion
• Kinetics
  • Reference frame
  • Newton’s laws of motion
  • Forces
    • Friction
    • Spring
  • Work and energy
    • Conservation of energy
  • Linear momentum
  • Angular momentum
  • Instantaneous centre of zero velocity
• Other important analytical tools
  • Free-body diagram

Resources

• Dr Blake Melnick’s (Auburn University) video series is absolutely indispensable
• Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics, by J.L. Meriam, L.G. Kraige, and J.N. Bolton

See also

• CIV100 — Statics
• MIE100 — Dynamics