[MEC1011]

NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY
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SEMESTER 1 2012/2013
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MECHANICS I

Time allowed - 1 hours

Answer all six questions (all questions do not carry equal marks).
This examination represents 45% of the total assessment for this module

[Turn over

1. Give SI units for the following quantities:

length
volume
velocity
torque
moment
force
angular acceleration
energy
power
moment of inertia

[1 mark each]

2. Starting from the definition of the moment of inertia (2nd moment of mass)
of a particle and using the sketch in Figure 1, show that the moment of inertia
of a slender uniform bar about a normal axis AA through its centre is given by

where m is the mass of the bar and l its length.

[10 marks]

Hence calculate the angular acceleration of a bar of length 350mm and mass
820 grams mounted so that it can rotate freely about an axis through its centre
and subject to a torque of 0.25Nm.
[5 marks]

l x
A

m
A

Figure 1

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3. The plate shown in Figure 2 is supported in the position shown by a

horizontal shaft at A.
Calculate the mass of the plate if it is of uniform thickness 8.0mm and made
from acrylic sheet of density 1180kg/m3.
[3 marks]
Show that the centre of mass is 259.9mm from the left hand edge and 300.0mm
from the bottom edge.
[12 marks]

400

100

Calculate the reaction force and torque on the horizontal shaft at A to maintain
equilibrium.
[5 marks]

600

200

300

all dimensions in mm

Figure 2
4. A block of mass 3.6kg is supported on a sloping platform and acted on by a
horizontal force F = 250N as shown in Figure 3. If the coefficient of sliding
friction s = 0.082, calculate the acceleration of the block. You may assume
without proof that it accelerates up the slope.
[15 marks]

F
30

Figure 3

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5. A block of mass 2.0kg is supported on a frictionless horizontal track and

connected to rigid walls by a spring of stiffness k = 71.3kN/m and hydraulic
damper with damping coefficient c = 0.75N/ms-1 as shown in Figure 4.
(a) Calculate the system natural frequency.

[3 marks]

(b) Neglecting the small effect of the hydraulic damper, set up the equation of
motion and hence calculate the displacement amplitude under the effect of a
sinusoidal driving force of amplitude 1.5N and frequency 30.0Hz. [10 marks]
(c) Draw the rotating vector diagram for the system. Hence determine the
displacement amplitude under the effect of a driving force f = 1.5sin(188.5t).
[10 marks]
(d) What would be the effect of neglecting the effect of the damper:
(i) at the driving frequency of 30.0Hz,
(ii) at a much higher driving frequency.

[1 mark]
[1 mark]

c
m
Figure 4

6. Write brief notes on the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear, natural

gas combined cycle gas turbine, and coal fired power stations.
[5 marks]
Hence suggest, with reasons, the best option for a new large (1000MW) power
station in:
(a) the UK or other European country, and
[5 marks]
(b) a developing country.
[5 marks]
In both cases, state which country you are considering.

[END OF PAPER]

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