Problem 1 [40 points]
A Beam Engine is typically used to convert the translational motion of the piston to the rotation
of the wheel by using a pivoted overhead beam. A simplified animation of the engine can be
seen in this video.
For this problem, we ignore the motion of the piston and only want to analyze the motion of
the connecting rod and the wheel knowing the rotational motion of the overhead beam.
Note: At this instant, point A is directly above point O (separated only in the y coordinate)
𝑟𝑎𝑑
If the overhead beam rotates at an angular rate of 𝜔 = 5 rad/s and 𝛼 = 10 , for the instant
𝑠2
shown in the picture, answer the following:
a) What is the velocity of point B (𝐯𝐵 ) ? (define using 𝑖̂ , 𝑗̂, 𝑘̂ )
b) What is the acceleration of point B (𝐚𝐵 ) (define using 𝑖̂ , 𝑗̂, 𝑘̂ )
c) What do we know about the direction of 𝐯A ? (magnitude, direction, … )
d) What is the angular velocity and angular acceleration of the wheel (𝛚wheel and 𝛂𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑙 )?
(define using 𝑖̂ , 𝑗̂, 𝑘̂ )
Problem 2 [20 points]
A uniform slender rod with a mass of 100 kg is hanging from a cord at point P. If the cord at P
suddenly fails,
a) Determine the initial horizontal and vertical components of reaction force at pin A.
b) Determine the initial angular acceleration of the rod.
Note: We are examining the system the instant the cord fails. Therefore, we can consider 𝜔 to
be zero at this instant.
Problem 3 [20 points]
The 5-kg rod AB is pin-connected at A and subjected to a couple moment of M 20 N m. As the
rod rotates, the spring always remains vertical, because of the roller support at C.
a) Draw the FBD of rod AB at the instant shown.
b) If the rod is released from rest when the spring is unstretched at θ=60⁰, determine the
rod’s angular velocity at the instant θ=30⁰.
Problem 4 [20 points]
An impact test is performed on a crash dummy by using a 50 kg ram that is released from rest
at 𝜃 = 40° and falls until it strikes the dummy at 𝜃 = 90°. The Dummy is fixed, and we can
consider the coefficient of restitution between the dummy and the ram to be 𝑒 = 0.35.
(a) Can you treat the ram a particle in this problem? Why?
(b) What is the ram’s velocity right before it strikes the dummy?
(c) What is the ram’s velocity right after the impact?
(d) What is the angle to which the ram will rebound before momentarily coming to rest at
the top?
(e) Imagine another case where the ram didn’t rebound and stopped after the impact.
What can you say about the coefficient of restitution in that case?