MECE 3336 – Summer 2018

Homework #2 – More Kinematics in Rectangular Coordinates

Due: June 21, 2018 @ 2:00pm

Read: Sections 11.12 - 11.14

ASSIGNED
1) At a given instant in an airplane race, airplane A is flying horizontally in a straight line and its speed is
being increased at the rate of 8 m/s2. Airplane B is flying at the same altitude as airplane A and, as it
rounds a corner, is following a circular path of 300 m radius. Knowing that at the given instant the speed
of B is being decreased at a rate of 3 m/s2, determine, for the positions shown:
a. The velocity of B relative to A
b. The acceleration of B relative to A

2) The pin at B is free to slide along the circular slot DE and along the rotating rod OC. Assuming that the rod
OC rotates at a constant rate θ̇:
a. Show that the acceleration of pin B is of constant magnitude
b. Determine the direction of the acceleration of pin B
c. How does the acceleration in polar coordinates compare to the acceleration in normal-tangential
coordinates? Consider the path the pin takes – show that the polar coordinates kinematics
reduces to the normal-tangential coordinate system kinematics for this special case.

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 MECE 3336 – Summer 2018
Homework #2 – More Kinematics in Rectangular Coordinates

Due: June 21, 2018 @ 2:00pm

3) As rod OA rotates, pin P moves along the parabola BCD. Knowing that the equation of this parabola is 𝑟 =
2𝑏
and that 𝜃 = 𝑘𝑡, where k is a constant value, determine the velocity and acceleration of P when…
1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
a. θ = 0°
b. θ = 90°

4) After taking off, a helicopter climbs in a straight line at a constant angle β. Its flight is tacked by radar
from point A. ddDeter Determine the speed of the helicopter in terms of d, β, θ, and 𝜃̇. Determine the
speed of the helicopter in terms of d, β, θ, and θ̇.

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 MECE 3336 – Summer 2018
Homework #2 – More Kinematics in Rectangular Coordinates

Due: June 21, 2018 @ 2:00pm

5) Knowing that at the instant shown assembly A has a velocity of 9 in/s
and an acceleration of 15 in/s2, both directed downwards, determine:
a. The velocity of block B
b. The acceleration of block B
c. The velocity of block B relative to block A
d. The acceleration of block B relative to block A

6) Two automobiles A and B are approaching each other in adjacent highway lanes and at t = 0 have the
positions and speeds shown. Knowing that the automobile A has a constant acceleration of 1.8 ft/s2 and
that B has a constant deceleration of 1.2 ft/s2, determine:
a. when and where A will overtake B
b. the speed of each automobile at that time

TRY

** Read ahead to sections: 12.1 – 12.6

1) Two blocks shown are originally at rest. Neglecting

the masses of the pulleys and the effect of friction in
the pulley and between block A and the incline,
determine:
a. The acceleration of each block
b. The tension in the cable

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 MECE 3336 – Summer 2018
Homework #2 – More Kinematics in Rectangular Coordinates

Due: June 21, 2018 @ 2:00pm

2) Two wires, AC and BC, are tied at C to a sphere which revolves at a
constant speed v in the horizontal circle shown. Determine the
range of values for v for which both wires remain taut (i.e. – both
wires are tight and carry some load).

PRACTICE

** “Warm-Up” Problems to help practice the basic calculations needed for assigned problems

1) The rotation of rod OA about O is defined by the relation θ = t2 – 4t, where θ and t are expressed in
radians and seconds, respectively. Collar B slides along the rod so that its distance from O is r = 2.5t3 – 5t2,
where r and t are expressed in inches and seconds, respectively. When t = 1 s, determine:
a. The velocity of the collar
b. The acceleration of the collar
c. The radius of curvature of the path of the collar

2) To study the performance of a race car, a high

speed camera is positioned at point A. The camera
is mounted on a mechanism which permits it to
record the motion of the car as the car travels on
straightaway BC. Determine:
a. The speed of the car in terms of b, θ, and Θ̇
b. The magnitude of acceleration in terms of
b, θ, Θ̇, and Θ̈

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 MECE 3336 – Summer 2018
Homework #2 – More Kinematics in Rectangular Coordinates

Due: June 21, 2018 @ 2:00pm

3) An elevator starts from rest and moves upward, accelerating at a rate
of 1.2 m/s2 until it reaches a speed of 7.8 m/s, which it then
maintains. Two seconds after the elevator begins to move, a man
standing 12 m above the initial position of the top of the elevator
throws a ball upward with initial velocity of 20 m/s. Determine when
the ball hits the elevator.

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 MECE 3336 – Summer 2018
Homework #2 – More Kinematics in Rectangular Coordinates

Due: June 21, 2018 @ 2:00pm

CHALLENGE

** Further Practice: Problems with a bit more challenge to them to test your understanding. Expect to see some
problems like these on the exam

1) A boat is moving to the right with a constant

deceleration of 0.3 m/s2 when a boy standing on the
deck D throws a ball with an initial velocity relative to
the deck which is vertical. The ball rises to a maximum
height of 8 m above the release point and the boy must
step forward a distance d to catch it at the same height
as the release point. Determine:
a. The distance d
b. The relative velocity of the ball with respect to
the deck when the ball is caught

1) At the bottom of a loop in the vertical plane an airplane has a horizontal velocity of 315 mr/h and is
speeding up at a rate of 10 ft/s2. The radius of curvature of the loop 1 mi. The plane is being traced by
radar at O. What are the recorded values of 𝑟̇ , 𝑟̈ , 𝜃̇, and 𝜃̈ for this instant?

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