LESSON 9

ROTATION WITH VARIABLE ANGULAR ACCELERATION

Overview:
Lesson 8 discussed rotation with constant angular acceleration. This
lesson covers rotation with variable angular acceleration. Angular acceleration is
defined as the rate at which the angular velocity is changing. A Ferris wheel has
a constant angular velocity, when it stops and starts it has to speed up or slow
down. During these times, the angular speed of the Ferris wheel is changing. Any
time the speed of an object is changing, it has acceleration.

Learning Outcome:
At the end of this lesson, the students can solve problems involving
rotating object with variable angular acceleration

Materials Needed:
Hand-outs, Chalkboard/chalk, Eraser, Laptop, Projector and PPT
presentation

Duration: 4 hours

Learning Content:
ROTATION WITH VARIABLE ANGULAR ACCELERATION
Example No.1
The rotation of a pulley is defined by the relation θ = 2t 4 – 30t2 + 6 where θ is
measured in radians and t in seconds.
A). Compute the value of the angular displacement θ when t =4 sec
B). Compute the value of the angular velocity at the instant t =4 sec
C). Compute the value of the angular acceleration at the instant t =4 sec
Solution:
A). Angular displacement θ when t =4 sec
θ = 2t4 – 30t2 + 6
θ = 2(4)4 – 30(4)2 + 6 = 38 radians

B). Angular velocity at the instant t =4 sec

dθ
= 8t3 – 60t
dt
ω = 8t3 – 60t = 8(4)3 – 60(4) = 272 rad/sec

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 C). Angular acceleration at the instant t =4 sec
ω = 8t3 – 60t
dω
α= dt
α = 24t2 – 60 = 24(4)2 – 60 = 324 rad/sec2

Learning Activity:
Seatwork
The body rotates according to the relation α = 2t where α is in rad/sec 2 and t in
seconds.
ω = 4 rad/sec and θ = 0 when t =0.
A). Compute the value of ω at the instant t = 2 sec
B). Compute the value of θ at the instant t = 2 sec
Ans A). ω = 8 rad/sec
B). θ = 10.67 rad

Learning Evaluation:
Solve the problem below correctly and neatly.
The rotation of a flywheel is governed by the equation ω = 4√𝑡 , ω is in rad/sec
and t in seconds. θ = 2 rad when t = 1 sec. Compute
A). the value of θ at the instant when t =3 sec
B). the value of α at the instant when t =3 sec

Ans A). θ = 13.2 rad

B). α = 1.154 rad/sec2

References:
Arreola, M. A. (1996). Engineering Mechanics. KEN, Inc.
Besavilla, V. I. (1986). Engineering Mechanics. 2nd edition. VIB Publisher
Estanero, et. al. (2008). Principles of Engineering Mechanics: Statics. C and E
Publishing, DLSU – Manila
Singer, F. L (1980). Engineering Mechanics. 3nd edition. New York. Harper and
Row
Timoshenko, S & Young, D. H. (1956). Engineering Mechanics. Tokyo. McGraw-
Hill

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