MECH 312

Dynamics of Rigid Bodies

Module 11
Work - Energy
 WORK
 Work is done when a force that is applied to an object
moves that object.
 The work is calculated by multiplying the force by the
amount of movement of an object.
U = F * s = F cos θ * s
F

θ Note: Force and distance

must be parallel to the movement.
s
 WORK
O Work is positive when the force component is in the
same direction as its displacement, otherwise it is
negative.
 Units:
1 J (Joule) = 1 N – m (METRIC) F
ft - lb (ENGLISH) θ

s
Work of a variable force
U   r2 F  d r   s2 F cos θ ds
1 2 r s
1 1
 Work of a constant force moving
along a straight line
s2
U1 2  Fc cos θ  ds
s1

U1 2  Fc cos θ ( s2  s1 )

Applies also to friction force

 Work of Weight

𝑈1−2 = 𝑊 ∆𝑦

W – weight of the body

Δy – vertical displacement

Note: (+), if Δy is downward

( - ), if Δy is upward
Work of a spring force
s2 s2
U1 2   Fs ds    ks ds
s1 s1

1 2 1 2
U1 2  ( ks2  ks1 )
2 2
Principle of Work and Energy
𝑠2 𝑣2
෍ න 𝐹𝑡 𝑑𝑠 = න 𝑚 𝑣 𝑑𝑣
𝑠1 𝑣1

1 1
෍ 𝐹𝑡 𝑠2 − 𝑠1 = 𝑚𝑣2 − 𝑚𝑣1 2
2
2 2

෍ 𝑈1−2 = 𝑇2 − 𝑇1
 Problem 38
The 10-kg block shown rests
on the smooth incline. If the
spring originally stretched
0.5m, determine the total
work done by all the forces
acting on the block when a
horizontal force P = 400N
pushes the block up the
plane s = 2m.
 Problem 39
O The spring bumper is used to arrest the motion of the 4-lb
block, which is sliding toward it at v = 9 ft/s. As shown, the
spring is confined by the plate P and wall using cables so that
its length is 1.5 ft. If the stiffness of the spring is k = 50 lb/ft,
determine the required unstretched length of the spring so
that the plate is not displaced more than 0.2 ft after the block
collides into it. Neglect, friction, the mass of the plate and
spring, and the energy loss between the plate and the block
after collision.
 Problem 40
O If the coefficient of kinetic friction between the 100kg crate of the
plane is 0.25, determine the compression x of the spring required
to momentarily bring the crate to rest. Initially the spring is
unstretched and the crate is at rest.
 Problem 41
O The 100 kg crate is subjected to the forces
shown. If it is originally at rest, determine the
distance it slides in order to attain a speed of
v=8 m/s. The
coefficient of kinetic
friction between the
crate and the surface
is 0.2.