DEBRE TABOR UNIVERSITY

GAFAT INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Engineering Mechanics - II (Dynamics) (MEng2062)

Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering

Name [Link]
1. Aychew Misganew 8077
2. Ayenew Bimer 8245
3. Estifanos Fikadu 7048
4. Getachew Tsega 7362
5. Getu Admas 7250
6. Yeabsra Solomon 7607

Submitted to: Mr. Ebrahim H.

Date of Submission: 28/08/2018 E.C
 Gafat Institute of Technology | Department of Mechanical Engineering

Problem 3 – Connected Bodies with Friction & Pulley

Question:
The system shown is released from rest with the cable taut. Block A (60 kg) rests on a 30° incline with friction
coefficients 𝜇𝑠 = 0.25 and 𝜇𝑘 = 0.20. Block B (20 kg) hangs vertically supported by a pulley arrangement
(two cable segments support B). Neglecting the mass and friction of the pulleys:
(a) Determine the acceleration of each body.
(b) Determine the tension T in the cable.
Given:
• Block A: 𝑀𝐴 = 60 𝑘𝑔, incline angle θ = 30°
• Block B: 𝑀𝐵 = 20 𝑘𝑔, hanging vertically
• Pulley arrangement: Two cable segments support B
→ constraint: 𝑎𝐴 = 2 𝑎𝐵
• Friction coefficients: 𝜇𝑠 = 0.25, 𝜇𝑘 = 0.20
• Weight A: 𝑊𝐴 = 60 𝑥 9.81 = 588.6 𝑁
• Weight B: 𝑊𝐵 = 20 𝑥 9.81 = 196.2 𝑁
Required:
• Acceleration of A and B
• Tension T in the cable.
Solution:
Step 1 : Check for Motion (Static Equilibrium Test)
Assume the system is in static equilibrium and find the force F required for Block A:

For Block B (two cable segments): 𝛴𝐹𝑦 = 0

2𝑇 = 𝑊𝐵
2𝑇 = 196.2 𝑁
𝑇 = 98.1 𝑁
For Block A (along incline, taking up-incline as positive x): 𝛴𝐹𝑥 = 0
𝑇 − 𝑊𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛30° + 𝐹 = 0
98.1 − 588.6 × 𝑠𝑖𝑛30° + 𝐹 = 0
98.1 − 294.3 + 𝐹 = 0
𝐹 = 196.2 𝑁
(𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑢𝑚, 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑢𝑝 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒)
Maximum available static friction:
𝑁 = 𝑊𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠30° = 588.6 × 𝑐𝑜𝑠30°
= 509.7 𝑁
𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝜇𝑠 × 𝑁 = 0.25 × 509.7 = 127.4 𝑁

Since F = 196.2 N > 𝐹𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 127.4 N → The system moves (motion occurs).
Direction of motion: Block A slides DOWN the incline (friction acts up the incline on A).

Step 2 : Kinematic Constraint

From the pulley geometry (fixed pulley, two segments support B):
𝑎𝐴 = 2 𝑎𝐵 = 2𝑎 → 𝑎𝐵 = 𝑎, 𝑎𝐴 = 2𝑎

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 Gafat Institute of Technology | Department of Mechanical Engineering

Step 3 : Equations of Motion

For Block A (𝛴𝐹𝑥 = 𝑚𝐴 × 𝑎𝐴 , positive x up the incline):
𝑇 + 𝜇𝑘 𝑊𝐴 𝑐𝑜𝑠30° − 𝑊𝐴 𝑠𝑖𝑛30° = 𝑚𝐴 × (2𝑎)0.20 × 588.6 × 𝑐𝑜𝑠30° − 588.6 × 𝑠𝑖𝑛30°
= 60 × (2𝑎)0.20 × 509.7 − 294.3 = 120𝑎
𝑇 + 101.9 − 294.3 = 120𝑎
𝑇 − 192.4 = 120𝑎 … … … … … … … … … … (1)

For Block B (𝛴𝐹𝑦 = 𝑚𝐵 × 𝑎𝐵 , positive upward):

2𝑇 − 𝑊𝐵 = −𝑚𝐵 × 𝑎 [𝐵 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑, 𝑠𝑜 𝑎𝐵 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑓 𝑎 > 0]
𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝐴 𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒, 𝐵 𝑚𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑢𝑝𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑. 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐵:
𝑊𝐵 − 2𝑇 = 𝑚𝐵 × 𝑎
196.2 − 2𝑇 = 20𝑎 … … … … … … … … … … (2)
Step 4 : Solve Simultaneously
(196.2 – 20𝑎)
From equation (2): 𝑇 = = 98.1 – 10𝑎
2
Substitute into equation (1):
(98.1 − 10𝑎) − 192.4 = 120𝑎

−94.3 = 130𝑎
𝑎 = −0.725 𝑚⁄ 2
𝑠
The negative sign indicates our assumed direction is reversed: Block A actually decelerates / the acceleration
is −0.725 m/s² (magnitude 0.725 m/s², Block A up the incline).

𝑎𝐴 = 2𝑎 = 2(𝟎. 𝟕𝟐𝟓 𝐦/𝐬² ) = 𝟏. 𝟒𝟓 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛

𝑎𝐵 = 𝑎 = 𝟎. 𝟕𝟐𝟓 𝐦/𝐬² up

Tension T:
𝑇 = 98.1 − 10 × (−0.725) = 98.1 + 7.25 = 105.4 𝑁

Final Answers:
𝑎𝐴 = 𝟏. 𝟒𝟓 𝐦/𝐬 𝟐 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛
𝑎𝐵 = 𝟎. 𝟕𝟐𝟓 𝐦/𝐬² up
𝑇 = 𝟏𝟎𝟓. 𝟒 𝑵

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 Gafat Institute of Technology | Department of Mechanical Engineering

Problem 5 – Car Decelerating on Road: Normal & Tangential Forces

Question:
A 3000-lb car is traveling at 60 mi/hr on the straight portion of a road. Its speed is then reduced uniformly
from A to C, at which point it comes to rest. The road has a curved section from B to C with radius of curvature
ρ = 250 ft and a 30° arc. Point B is 100 ft from A along the straight. Compute the magnitude of the total
frictional force (F) the road exerts on the car:
(a) Just before it passes point B (straight section)
(b) Just after it passes point B (curved section)
(c) Just before it stops at point C
Given:
• Weight: W = 3000 l65b → m = W/g = 3000/32.2 = 93
5280
• Initial speed at A: 𝑣𝐴 = 60 𝑚𝑖/ℎ𝑟 = 60 × 3600 = 88 𝑓𝑡/𝑠
• Final speed at C: 𝑣𝐶 = 0 (𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡)
• Distance A to B: 𝑠𝐴𝐵 = 100 𝑓𝑡 (𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡)
• Total distance A to C: 𝑠𝐴𝐶 = 100 + 131 = 231 𝑓𝑡
• Radius of curvature at B – C: ρ = 250 ft
• Arc B to C: arc length = ρ × angle = 250 × (30° × π/180°) = 250 × π/6 = 131 ft
Required:
• Total frictional force F at positions (a), (b), and (c).

Solution:

Step 1 : Find Tangential Deceleration (Uniform from A to C)

𝑣𝐶2 = 𝑣𝐴2 + 2𝑎𝑡(𝑠𝐶 − 𝑠𝐴)
0 = (88)2 + 2 × 𝑎𝑡 × 231
0 = 7744 + 462 𝑎𝑡
−7744
𝑎𝑡 = = −16.77 𝑓𝑡/𝑠² (𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)
462

Step 2 : Speed at Point B

𝑣𝐵2 = 𝑣𝐴2 + 2𝑎𝑡 × 𝑠𝐴𝐵 = (88)2 + 2(−16.77)(100)
𝑣𝐵2 = 7744 − 3354 = 4390
𝑣𝐵 = 66.3 𝑓𝑡/𝑠²

(a) Just Before Point B (straight section):

On the straight section, there is no centripetal acceleration (ρ → ∞). The only acceleration is tangential.
FBD: The force F along the road surface (friction) provides tangential deceleration. 𝛴𝐹𝑥 = 𝑚 × 𝑎𝑡 ( taking
direction of motion as positive):
3000
−𝐹 = ( ) × (−16.77)
32.2
3000
𝐹 = ( ) × 16.77 = 93.17 × 16.77
32.2
𝐹 = 1562 𝑙𝑏

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 Gafat Institute of Technology | Department of Mechanical Engineering

(b) Just After Point B (curved section, ρ = 250 ft):

On the curved section, there are two components: tangential (𝑎𝑡 ) and normal (𝑎𝑛 ).
𝑣𝐵2 (66.3)2 4395.7
𝑎𝑛 = = = = 17.58 𝑓𝑡/𝑠²
𝜌 250 250

Tangential friction force 𝐹𝑡 : (same as before)

3000
𝐹𝑡 = ( ) × 16.77 = 1562 𝑙𝑏
32.2

Normal friction force 𝐹𝑛 : (centripetal, directed toward center of curve)

3000
𝐹𝑛 = 𝑚 × 𝑎𝑛 = ( ) × 17.58 = 93.17 × 17.58
32.2
𝐹𝑛 = 1638 𝑙𝑏 ≈ 1636 𝑙𝑏
Total friction force:

𝐹 = √𝐹𝑡2 + 𝐹𝑛2 = √15622 + 16362 = √2439844 + 2676496

𝐹 = √5116340 = 2262 𝑙𝑏 ≈ 2260 𝑙𝑏

F ≈ 2260 lb

(c) Just Before Stopping at C:

𝑣2
At C, the car is about to stop: 𝑣𝐶 = 0 → normal acceleration 𝑎𝑛 = = 0. Therefore 𝐹𝑛 = 0, and only
𝜌
tangential friction remains:
𝐹 = 𝐹𝑡 = 1562 𝑙𝑏
𝐹 = 1562 𝑙𝑏

Final Answers:
(a) 𝑭 = 𝟏𝟓𝟔𝟐 𝒍𝒃 (just before B, straight section)
(b) 𝑭 = 𝟐𝟐𝟔𝟎 𝒍𝒃 (just after B, curved section)
(c) 𝑭 = 𝟏𝟓𝟔𝟐 𝒍𝒃 (just before stop at C)

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 Gafat Institute of Technology | Department of Mechanical Engineering

Problem 11 – Work Done by Spring and Gravity

Question:
A spring (𝑘 = 3 𝑙𝑏/𝑖𝑛) is connected to a 14-lb cart on a 15° incline. The spring is unstretched at x = 0. Under
the action of force P, the cart moves from initial position x₁ = −6 in. to final position x₂ = +3 in. Determine:
(a) The work done on the cart by the spring.
(b) The work done on the cart by its weight.
Given:
• Spring stiffness: 𝑘 = 3 𝑙𝑏/𝑖𝑛 = 36 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡
• Weight of cart: 𝑊 = 14 𝑙𝑏
• Incline angle: θ = 15°
• Initial position: 𝑥₁ = −6 𝑖𝑛 = −0.5 𝑓𝑡
• Final position: 𝑥₂ = +3 𝑖𝑛 = +0.25 𝑓𝑡
• Spring unstretched at x = 0.

Required:
(a) Work done by spring 𝑈𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔
(b) Work done by weight 𝑈𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
Solution:
(a) Work Done by the Spring:
The spring work formula for displacement from x₁ to x₂:
𝑈1−2 = ½ 𝑘(𝑥₁² − 𝑥₂²)
Note: Work done by spring is positive when the spring returns to unstretched. Using deformation
magnitudes:
6
𝑥₁ = −6 𝑖𝑛 = − 𝑓𝑡 (𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 6 𝑖𝑛)
12
3
𝑥₂ = +3 𝑖𝑛 = + 𝑓𝑡 (𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 3 𝑖𝑛)
12
Work done by the spring (spring force does positive work as it pushes from x₁ toward natural length, but
here displacement is from x₁ to x₂):
𝑈𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = ½𝑘(𝑥₁² − 𝑥₂²)
= ½ × (36 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡) × [(0.5)2 − (0.25)2 ]
= ½ × 36 × [0.25 − 0.0625] = 18 × 0.1875
𝑈𝑠𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 3.38 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑙𝑏
(b) Work Done by the Weight:
The cart moves from x₁ to x₂ along the incline. The displacement along the incline:
𝛥𝑥 = 𝑥₂ − 𝑥₁ = 3 − (−6) = 9 𝑖𝑛 = 0.75 𝑓𝑡 (𝑢𝑝 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒)
The component of weight along the incline (opposing upward motion):
𝑊𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 = −𝑊 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 = −14 × 𝑠𝑖𝑛15°
done by weight (weight opposes upward motion along incline):
𝑈𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = −𝑊 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃 × 𝛥𝑠 = −14 × 𝑠𝑖𝑛15° × (0.75)
𝑈𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = −14 × 0.2588 × 0.75 = −2.72 𝑓𝑡 − 𝑙𝑏
Final Answers:
(𝒂) 𝑼𝒔𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 = +𝟑. 𝟑𝟖 𝒇𝒕 − 𝒍𝒃
(𝒃) 𝑼𝒘𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 = −𝟐. 𝟕𝟐 𝒇𝒕 − 𝒍𝒃

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 Gafat Institute of Technology | Department of Mechanical Engineering

Problem 15 – Slider with Spring on Curved Track (Energy Method)

Question:
A spring (unstretched length 𝐿𝑂 = 0.4 m, k = 200 N/m) is attached to a 3-kg slider. The slider is released from
rest at point A and moves in the vertical plane along a curved track. The track is a quarter circle: A is at the
top (left), B is at the bottom right. The horizontal distance from the pivot to B is 0.6 m and the vertical distance
is 0.8 m. Calculate the velocity v of the slider as it reaches B in the absence of friction.
Given:
• Mass: m = 3 kg
• Spring stiffness: k = 200 N/m
• Unstretched length: 𝐿𝑂 = 0.4 m
• Horizontal span: 0.6 m
• Vertical drop A→B: 0.8 m
• Initial velocity: 𝑣𝐴 = 0 (released from rest)
• No friction.

Required:
• Velocity 𝑣𝐵 at point B.
Solution:

Step 1 – Geometry: Spring Length at Each Position

The spring connects the slider to a fixed pivot (top-left corner).

At A (top position): The slider is directly below the spring attachment. From the figure, at A the spring length
equals 0.8 m (vertical drop) but we use the geometry given.
At B (bottom-right): The slider is at the end of the quarter-circle arc. The distance from the pivot (top of arc)
to B:
𝐿𝐵 = √0.82 + 0.62 = √0.64 + 0.36 = √1.00 = 1.0 𝑚

At A (top-left of arc): Slider is at A which is at the same height as the pivot. Distance from pivot to A = 0.8
m (the horizontal arm, or radius of arc).
𝐿𝐴 = 0.8 𝑚 (𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑔𝑒𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒)

Spring deformation at A:
𝛿𝐴 = 𝐿𝐴 − 𝐿𝑂 = 0.8 − 0.4 = 0.4 𝑚 (𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑑)

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 Gafat Institute of Technology | Department of Mechanical Engineering

Spring deformation at B:
𝛿𝐵 = 𝐿𝐵 − 𝐿𝑂 = 1.0 − 0.4 = 0.6 𝑚 (𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑑)

Step 2 – Apply Work-Energy Theorem (Conservation of Energy)

Taking datum at B (lowest point), height of A above B = 0.8 m.
𝑈1−2 = 0 [𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 − 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦: 𝛥𝑇 + 𝛥𝑉𝑔 + 𝛥𝑉𝑒 = 0 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑛𝑜 𝑒𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛𝑜 𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛]
Change in kinetic energy:
3
𝛥𝑇 = ½𝑚𝑣𝐵2 − 0 = ½(3)𝑣 2 = ( ) 𝑣 2
2
Change in gravitational potential energy (A is 0.8 m above B, slider descends):
𝛥𝑉𝑔 = −𝑚𝑔ℎ = −3 × 9.81 × 0.8 = −23.5 𝐽
Change in elastic potential energy (spring):
2
𝛥𝑉𝑒 = ½𝑘(𝛿𝐵2 − 𝛿𝐴2 ) = ½ × 200 × [(√0.82 + 0.62 − 0.4) − (0.8 − 0.4)2 ]

= ½ × 200 × [(1.0 − 0.4)2 − (0.4)2 ]

= 100 × [(0.6)2 − (0.4)2 ]
= 100 × [0.36 − 0.16]
= 100 × 0.20 = 20 𝐽
Step 3 – Solve for v
𝛥𝑇 + 𝛥𝑉𝑔 + 𝛥𝑉𝑒 = 0
(1.5)𝑣 2 − 23.5 + 20 = 0
(1.5)𝑣 2 = 23.5 − 20 = 3.5
3.5
𝑣2 = = 2.33
1.5
𝑣 = √2.33 ≅ 1.527 𝑚/𝑠
Final Answer:
𝒗𝑩 = 1.527 m/s

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Problem 20 – Space Shuttle Satellite Ejection (Impulse-Momentum)

Question:
A space shuttle (mass M = 90 Mg = 90,000 kg) launches an 800-kg satellite by ejecting it from the cargo bay.
The ejection mechanism is in contact with the satellite for t = 4 s, giving the satellite a velocity of 0.3 m/s in
the +z direction relative to the shuttle. Determine:
(a) The component of velocity 𝑣𝑓 of the shuttle in the z direction.
(b) The time-average ejection force 𝐹𝑎𝑣 .
Given:
• Mass of shuttle: m₀ = 90 Mg = 90,000 kg
• Mass of satellite: m = 800 kg
• Ejection time: t = 4 s
• Relative velocity of satellite 𝑤. 𝑟. 𝑡. 𝑠ℎ𝑢𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒: 𝑣𝑟𝑒𝑙 = 0.3 𝑚/𝑠
• Initially both shuttle and satellite are at rest relative to each other.
Required:
(a) Velocity 𝑣𝑓 of shuttle in z direction.
(b) Average ejection force 𝐹𝑎𝑣 .

Solution:

Step 1 : Define Variables

• 𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑣𝑖 = 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒 (+𝑧, 𝑢𝑝𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑)𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
• 𝐿𝑒𝑡 𝑣𝑓 = 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑠ℎ𝑢𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 (−𝑧, 𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑖𝑙)𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
• 𝑅𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛: 𝑣𝑖 + 𝑣𝑓 = 0.3 𝑚/𝑠 … … … … … … … . . (1)
(The satellite moves at 𝑣𝑖 upward; shuttle recoils at 𝑣𝑓 downward; their relative speed is 𝑣𝑖 + 𝑣𝑓 =
0.3 𝑚/𝑠 )

Step 2 : Conservation of Linear Momentum (z-direction)

The system (shuttle + satellite) initially has zero relative momentum in z.
Impulse from ejection force on satellite: ∫ 𝐹 𝑑𝑡 = 𝑚 × 𝑣𝑖
Impulse on shuttle (Newton's 3rd law, opposite direction): −∫ 𝐹 𝑑𝑡 = 𝑚₀ × (−𝑣𝑓 )

Therefore:
𝑚 × 𝑣𝑖 = 𝑚₀ × 𝑣𝑓
800 × 𝑣𝑖 = 90,000 × 𝑣𝑓 … … … … … … … .. (2)

Step 3 : Solve Equations (1) and (2)

From (1): 𝑣𝑖 = 0.3 – 𝑣𝑓
Substitute into (2):
800 × (0.3 − 𝑣𝑓 ) = 90000 × 𝑣𝑓
240 − 800 𝑣𝑓 = 90000 𝑣𝑓
240 = 90800 𝑣𝑓
240
𝑣𝑓 = = 0.002643 𝑚/𝑠 ≈ 0.00264 𝑚/𝑠
90,800

Engineering Mechanics-II (Dynamics) | Group Assignment – 2018 E.C | Page 8

 Gafat Institute of Technology | Department of Mechanical Engineering

Step 4 : Average Ejection Force

The impulse imparted to the satellite:
∫ 𝐹 𝑑𝑡 = 𝑚 × 𝑣𝑖 = 800 × (0.3 − 0.00264) = 800 × 0.2974 = 237.9 𝑁 · 𝑠
Or equivalently, using shuttle recoil:
∫ 𝐹 𝑑𝑡 = 𝑚₀ × 𝑣𝑓 = 90,000 × 0.00264 = 237.6 𝑁 · 𝑠

Average force:
𝐹 𝑑𝑡
𝐹𝑎𝑣 = ∫
𝑡
0.00264 237.6
𝐹𝑎𝑣 = 90,000 × 𝑜𝑟
4 4
𝐹𝑎𝑣 = 59.4 𝑁
Final Answers:
(𝒂) 𝒗𝒇 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟐𝟔𝟒 𝒎/𝒔 (𝒔𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒊𝒏 "𝒛" 𝒅𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏)
(𝒃) 𝑭𝒂𝒗 = 𝟓𝟗. 𝟒 𝑵

Engineering Mechanics-II (Dynamics) | Group Assignment – 2018 E.C | Page 9

 Gafat Institute of Technology | Department of Mechanical Engineering

Problem 23 – Bullet Strikes Pendulum (Angular Momentum & Energy)

Question:
A pendulum consists of two concentrated masses (each 3.2 kg) on a light rigid bar. The upper mass is 200
mm above pivot O; the lower mass is 400 mm below O. The pendulum swings through the vertical with
clockwise angular velocity ω = 6 rad/s. A 50-g bullet (v = 300 m/s at 20° below horizontal) strikes the lower
mass and becomes embedded in it. Determine:
(a) The angular velocity ω' of the pendulum immediately after impact.
(b) The maximum angular deflection θ of the pendulum after impact.
Given:
• Each pendulum mass: 𝑚𝑝 = 3.2 𝑘𝑔
• Upper mass arm: r₁ = 0.2 m (above O)
• Lower mass arm: r₂ = 0.4 m (below O)
• Pre-impact pendulum angular velocity: ω = 6 rad/s (clockwise)
• Bullet mass: 𝑚𝑏 = 50 𝑔 = 0.050 𝑘𝑔
• Bullet velocity: v = 300 m/s at 20° above horizontal ( horizontal component = 300 cos20°)
• Bullet embeds in lower mass (perfectly plastic impact at lower mass).
Required:
(a) ω' immediately after impact.
(b) Maximum deflection angle θ.

Solution:

Step 1 : Angular Momentum Conservation About O During Impact

During impact, external impulsive forces are negligible compared to internal impact forces. Angular
momentum about O is conserved.

Angular momentum before impact:

• Pendulum (rotating CW at ω = 6 rad/s):
𝐻𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑚 = −[𝑚𝑝 𝑟12 + 𝑚𝑝 𝑟22 ]𝜔
= −3.2(0.2)² × 6 − 3.2(0.4)² × 6
= −3.2 × 0.04 × 6 − 3.2 × 0.16 × 6 = −0.768 − 3.072
= −3.840 𝑁 · 𝑚 · 𝑠 [𝐶𝑊 = 𝑛𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒]

• Bullet (about O, moment arm = perpendicular distance from O to bullet's line of action):
Bullet travels at 20° to horizontal, strikes lower mass at 0.4 m below O.
Horizontal component of v strikes lower mass, moment arm = r₂ = 0.4 m:
𝐻𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑡 = 𝑚𝑏 × 𝑣 × 𝑐𝑜𝑠20° × 𝑟 2
= 0.050 × 300 × 𝑐𝑜𝑠20° × 0.4
= 0.050 × 300 × 0.9397 × 0.4
= 5.638 𝑁 · 𝑚 · 𝑠 [𝐶𝐶𝑊 = 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒]

Total angular momentum before impact: H₁ = 𝐻𝑏𝑢𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑡 + 𝐻𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑚

𝐻₁ = 5.638 − 3.840 = 1.798 𝑁 · 𝑚 · 𝑠

Engineering Mechanics-II (Dynamics) | Group Assignment – 2018 E.C | Page 10

 Gafat Institute of Technology | Department of Mechanical Engineering

Angular momentum after impact:

• Pendulum + embedded bullet rotates at ω' (CCW):
𝐻₂ = [(𝑚𝑏 + 𝑚𝑝 )(𝑟₂²) + 𝑚𝑝 𝑟₁²] 𝜔′

= [(0.050 + 3.2)(0.4)² + 3.2(0.2)²] 𝜔′

= [3.250 × 0.16 + 3.2 × 0.04] 𝜔′
= [0.520 + 0.128] 𝜔′
= 0.648 𝜔′

• Setting H₁ = H₂:
1.798 = 0.648 𝜔′
1.798
𝜔′ = = 2.77 𝑟𝑎𝑑/𝑠 (𝐶𝐶𝑊)
0.648

Step 2 : Energy Method to Find Maximum Deflection θ

After impact, use conservation of energy. Take datum at O (pivot).

Kinetic energy immediately after impact:

𝑇 ′ = ½ × 𝐼𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 × 𝜔′2 = ½ × 0.648 × (2.77)2
= ½ × 0.648 × 7.673
= 2.488 𝐽
But for energy, we must account for both terms separately:
𝑇 ′ = ½(0.050 + 3.2)(0.4 × 2.77)2 + ½(3.2)(0.2 × 2.77)2
= ½(3.25)(1.108)2 + ½(3.2)(0.554)2
= ½(3.25)(1.2276) + ½(3.2)(0.3069)
= 1.995 + 0.491
= 2.486 𝐽
Initial potential energy (with respect to O as datum):
Lower mass (incl. bullet) is 0.4 m below O, upper mass is 0.2 m above O:
𝑉 ′ = −(𝑚𝑏 + 𝑚𝑝 ) × 𝑔 × 0.4 + 𝑚𝑝 × 𝑔 × 0.2 × (−1)
Taking downward as negative height from O:
𝑉 ′ = [3.2(0.2) − (3.2 + 0.05)(0.4)] × 9.81
= [0.64 − 1.30] × 9.81 = (−0.66) × 9.81 = −6.47 𝐽

At maximum deflection θ, kinetic energy = 0. Potential energy at angle θ:

𝑉𝜃 = [3.2(0.2) − (3.2 + 0.05)(0.4)] × 9.81 × 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = −6.47 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃

Energy conservation (𝑇 ′ + 𝑉 ′ = 0 + 𝑉𝜃 ):
2.486 + (−6.47) = 0 + (−6.47 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)486 − 6.47 = −6.47 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
−3.984 = −6.47 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
3.984
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = = 0.616 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 (0.616) = 52.0°
6.47
final Answers:
(a) ω' = 2.77 rad/s (CCW)
(b) θ = 52.0°

Engineering Mechanics-II (Dynamics) | Group Assignment – 2018 E.C | Page 11