Machine Elements – Velocity Analysis (Relative Velocity Method)

Relative Velocity Method

All motions, are relative motion in that come arbitrary set axes or planes
must be established in order that the motion may be defined. Velocity of one-
point relative to a second point is equal to the absolute velocity of the first point
minus the absolute velocity of the second point. Considering the velocity of A is
given. The instantaneous axis of the body is located at point Q.

A
𝑉𝑎

𝐵 𝐶

The velocity of one point on a body, relative to another point on the body is the
difference between their absolute velocities and is equal to the absolute angular
velocities of the body multiplied by the linear distance between two points.

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 Machine Elements – Velocity Analysis (Relative Velocity Method)

Assume that velocity of A is given with known magnitude and direction

sense. The instantaneous axis of the body is located at point Q.

A
𝑉𝑎

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 Machine Elements – Velocity Analysis (Relative Velocity Method)

Plate Number 6: Velocity Analysis (Relative Velocity Method)

Plate Problem 1. Determine the relative velocities of all the links. Assume that
the velocity of A is given.

𝐷
𝐵

𝑉𝑎
𝐴
𝑀

𝐶 𝐷

𝑄2 𝑄4

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 Machine Elements – Velocity Analysis (Relative Velocity Method)

Plate Problem 2. The crank 𝑄2 𝐴 is 9 inches long and is rotating with a uniform
angular velocity of 60 rpm counterclockwise. Determine the relative velocities in
the link.

𝑃
𝑄4

𝑄2 𝐶

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 Machine Elements – Velocity Analysis (Relative Velocity Method)

Plate Problem 3. The crank 𝑄2 𝐵, 1 𝑓𝑡 4 𝑖𝑛. long, of a variable stroke mechanism,

rotates clockwise at a speed of 80 𝑟𝑝𝑚. A connection rod 4 𝑓𝑡 11 ½ 𝑖𝑛. long
connects 𝑄2 𝐵 with an oscillating crank 𝑄4 𝐶, 4 𝑓𝑡 long. Point 𝑄4 is 4 𝑓𝑡 4 𝑖𝑛. to the
left and 3 𝑓𝑡 4 𝑖𝑛. below point 𝑄2 . A 60° bell crank 𝐸𝑄6 𝐺, oscillating about point 𝑄6 ,
10 𝑖𝑛. to the left and 4 𝑖𝑛. above point 𝑄4 , has equal arms 𝑄6 𝐸 and 𝑄6 𝐺 2 𝑓𝑡 8 𝑖𝑛.
long. Point 𝐸, which is to the right of link 𝑄4 𝐶, is joined to 𝑄6 𝐸 by a link 𝐸𝐾,
2 𝑓𝑡 4 𝑖𝑛. long. Point 𝐾 is 8 𝑖𝑛. from 𝐶 toward 𝑄4 . Point 𝐺 which is to the left of 𝐸,
is connected by a link, 𝐺𝐻, 4 𝑓𝑡 long, to a 𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 8 by pin 𝐻, which is also to
the left of 𝐸 and which is sliding along a horizontal line 8 𝑖𝑛. below the horizontal
center link through 𝑄2 .
(𝑎) By the relative velocity method, determine the velocities of 𝐶, 𝐸, 𝐻, and
the midpoint of 𝐺𝐻 at point 𝑋, when 𝑄2 𝐵 makes an angle of 30° with the
horizontal.
(𝑏) Determine the angular velocities in revolutions per minute of the links
𝐵𝐶, 𝐸𝐾, and 𝐺𝐻.

Mechanism Sketch:

𝐶 𝐵

𝑋 𝐺 𝐾
𝐻 𝑄2

𝑄6
𝑄4

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