Rigid Body Dynamics

Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST) via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/rigid-body-dynamics

Introduction

### Course Review and Recommendation: Rigid Body Dynamics on Coursera If you're a mechanical engineering student, or someone simply fascinated by the principles of motion and forces, then the "Rigid Body Dynamics" course on Coursera is a remarkable opportunity to deepen your understanding of this critical subject in mechanics. This course, focusing on the second part of Engineering Dynamics, delves into the complexities of rigid body motion, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical applications. #### Course Overview The **Rigid Body Dynamics** course provides a comprehensive exploration of dynamics—essentially the study of forces and motion—centered around Newton's Second Law. It helps students understand core concepts such as work and energy, impulse and momentum, as they relate to rigid bodies in motion. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to effectively analyze various motion scenarios, which is crucial not only for exams but for real-world engineering challenges. #### Course Structure The course comprises lecture videos that are succinct and typically about 15 minutes long, which I found to be an effective format for maintaining focus and retention. Each component of the syllabus is designed to build upon the last, leading students gradually from fundamental principles to more complex applications: 1. **Weeks 1 & 2:** Begin with the basics of rigid body kinematics and delve into relative velocity and acceleration, setting a solid foundation. 2. **Weeks 3 & 4:** Explore the motion of rigid bodies in various contexts, utilizing work-energy principles to understand their dynamic behavior. 3. **Weeks 5 & 6:** Address impulse, momentum, and delve into 3D kinematics and kinetics—crucial for understanding motion in a three-dimensional space. 4. **Week 7:** Cap it off with gyroscopic motion, a fascinating aspect often applicable in real-world engineering. The **lecture notes** accompanying the course are a valuable resource. They come in two formats: a student version with blanks for note-taking, and a filled version for reference, which encourages interactive learning. #### Recommended Learning Approach To fully gain from this course, I recommend the following approaches: 1. **Engagement with Materials:** Don’t just watch the videos passively—take notes using the student version of the lecture notes. This will reinforce your understanding and help you remember critical concepts. 2. **Practice Problems:** Apply what you learn by working on additional practice problems beyond those provided in the course. This is essential for mastering dynamics. 3. **Study Groups:** If possible, form study groups with fellow students. Discussing concepts and teaching one another can significantly enhance understanding. 4. **Consult References:** Supplement your learning with textbooks on dynamics for deeper insights into complex topics. #### Conclusion The Rigid Body Dynamics course on Coursera is a shining example of quality online education in the engineering field. Its structured approach, combined with engaging video lectures and practical notes, makes it accessible for learners at various levels. Whether you're preparing for a career in mechanical engineering or simply looking to expand your knowledge, I highly recommend enrolling in this course. You'll not only gain essential skills that are applicable in real-world engineering scenarios, but you'll also boost your confidence in one of the core disciplines of mechanical engineering. So, take that step—enroll in **Rigid Body Dynamics** today and advance your understanding of the mechanics that govern the world around us!

Syllabus

Lecture Note

Before you start the Lecture, please download this lecture note. Each chapter has two version of lecture note. One is student version that has blanks, the Other is filled version.

1-1 Week

Introduction to Rigid Body Kinematics, Absolute and Relative Kinematics

1-2 Week

Relative Velocity & Acceleration

2-1 Week

Motion Relative to Rotating Axis

2-2 Week

Fundamentals of Kinematics of rigid body

3-1 Week

General plane motion of rigid body

3-2 Week

Work and energy of rigid body

4-1 Week

Work and energy of rigid body

4-2 Week

Impulse and momentum of rigid body

5-1 Week

Impulse and momentum of rigid body

5-2 Week

3D Kinematics of rigid body

6-1 Week

3D Kinematics of rigid body

6-2 Week

3D Kinetics of rigid body

7-1 Week

3D Kinetics of rigid body

7-2 Week

Gyroscopic motion