MIET 2134: Engineering Dynamics (Semester 1)

Week 2 Kinematics of Particles

▪ Curvilinear Motion
Tutorial Handout 2
- Normal and Tangential Coordinates ( n, t )
- Cylindrical (Polar) Coordinates ( r , )
Problem 1 Problem 5
An automobile has a speed of 24 m s at point A and an Determine the speed v P at which point P on the cable
2
acceleration a having a magnitude of 3 m s , acting in the must be travelling towards the motor M to lift the platform
direction shown. Determine the radius of curvature of the path at point A at v A = 2 m s .
A and the tangential component of acceleration.

Answer:  = 384 m & at = 2.6 m s 2 Answer: v P = 16 m s 

Problem 2 Problem 4
When a motorcyclist is at A , he increases his speed along the vertical An automobile is travelling from a parking deck down along a
circular path at the rate of v = (0.1 t ) m s , where t is in seconds.
2 cylindrical spiral ramp at a constant speed of v = 1.5 m s .
If he starts from rest at A , determine the magnitudes of his velocity If the ramp descends a distance of 12 m for every full
and acceleration when he reaches B . revolution,  = 2 rad , determine the magnitude of the
car’s acceleration as it moves along the ramp, r = 10 m .
100 m

100 m

Answer: a = 0.22 m s 2
Answer: v = 17 m s & a = 3.43 m s 2
Problem 3
A car is travelling along the circular curve of radius r = 120 m with
a constant speed of v = 10 m s . Determine the angular rate rotation
 of the radial line r and the magnitude of the car’s acceleration.

r = 120 m


Answer:  = 0.083 rad s & a = 0.83 m s 2