Intermediate Dynamics - 535.612

This course develops student’s ability to accurately model the dynamics of single and multi-body engineering systems undergoing motion in 3D space. The course begins with formulating the differential geometry and kinematics of curvilinear coordinates to permit kinematic descriptions of relative motion and rotation of rigid bodies and mechanisms subject to common engineering constraints such as substructure interconnections, dry friction, and rolling. Momentum and inertia properties of rigid body dynamics follow. Students are then introduced to analytical dynamics, where Lagrange’s equations and Kane’s method are derived and studied to facilitate efficient formulation of the equations of motion governing the dynamics of systems subject to conservative and non-conservative forces and engineering constraints. The course also concludes with gyroscopic dynamics with applications to inertial guidance and spacecraft attitude dynamics. Prerequisite(s): Mathematics through calculus and linear algebra.