ENGINEERING MECHANICS

(13TTA001)
June 2014

2 Hours
Answer THREE questions
ONE question from SECTION A and
TWO questions from SECTION B
USE A SEPARATE ANSWER BOOK FOR EACH SECTION
Only University-approved calculators are permitted

SECTION A: Answer one question from this section

1.

A mechanism is shown in Fig Q1 which adjusts the height of a structure so that

assembly of parts may be carried out on it. The more parts that are attached to the
top, the larger the mass and the structure sinks, allowing the next component to be
installed. The mass [] is constrained to move vertically and is connected by a
pivot joint to a solid bar of mass [] and length []. The angle between this
bar and the vertical is []. The other end of this bar connects to a spring with

stiffness [/] which can only move horizontally. When the solid bar is vertical

and = 0[] , the spring is unstretched. The top of the solid bar also attaches to
a torsion spring, with coefficient [/] which is also relaxed when = 0[].

Figure Q1
Continued/

Page 1 of 6

Q1 Continued/
Derive an expression for the potential energy of the system in terms of the angle .

[4 marks]

The torsional spring is now removed. Determine the equilibrium positions of the
system in terms of the angle .

Evaluate this with = 10, = 2, = 5, = 50/ , = 0/

[7 marks]

Determine whether these equilibrium positions are stable or unstable.

[7 marks]

What is meant by the term unstable or stable equilibrium? Briefly describe how you
would test for this experimentally.
[2 marks]

2.

An engine test cell has been designed to interface to a dynamometer in Fig Q2. The
engine, with mass 450kg is located as shown on a rigid steel test bed of mass 60
kg. Equipment is located at one end, with mass 20kg. The mass of the shaft can be
neglected but it must be horizontal.
In order to ensure the test bed is level, a wedge with angle , is forced into one side

with a force . All surfaces can be considered to have a coefficient of friction of 0.25
resisting this movement.

Figure Q2
Draw and label two large separate free body diagrams, one of the wedge and one of
the test bed.
[4 marks]
Continued/
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Q2 Continued/

By resolving all forces on the wedge, determine an expression for the load F which
needs to be applied to the wedge so that the test bed is horizontal and in
equilibrium.
[4 marks]

Consider the test bed. By taking moments about point A, determine the reaction
load between the ground and point D.
[4 marks]

By resolving all forces on the test bed, determine the maximum value of the wedge
angle so that the test bed is in equilibrium.
[6 marks]

Recommend another method to raise the test bed at point A and briefly explain
why?
[2 marks]

SECTION B: Answer TWO questions from this section

3.

(a)

Consider the rectilinear motion of a particle with displacement s(t) (in metres)
which is a function of time t (sec).
Write down expressions which relate:
i)

the distance travelled to the area under the velocity-time curve

ii)

the velocity difference to the area under the acceleration-time curve

iii)

half the difference in squared velocities to the area under the accelerationdistance curve

The acceleration of the particle (in ms-2) is given by a = 4t - 30. If the initial
displacement so = -5m and the initial velocity is vo = 3m/s at time t = 0, determine
expressions for the displacement and velocity as functions of time t.
(Note: the acceleration is not constant)
[10 marks]
Continued/
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Q3 Continued/
(b) Write down the vector equations for a particles displacement, velocity and acceleration in
polar coordinates. By considering motion in a circle of constant radius r = derive vector
expressions for the particles velocity and acceleration in normal-tangential coordinates.
As a van, B, rounds the bend in a road, as shown in Figure Q3(b), it increases its speed at
a constant rate of 1.5 m/s2. At point A the radius of curvature of the bend is 200m and at
this point the magnitude of the total acceleration of the van is 2.5 m/s2
Calculate the speed v of the van at point A.
A
B

= 200m

Figure Q3(b)
[10 marks]
4.

The constrained motion of blocks A and B is shown graphically in Figure Q4.

The cable attached to block A wraps around pulleys at C and E.
Assume block A of mass is released from rest 5m above the ground and pulls

block B of mass up the 30 ramp as shown in Figure Q4. The coefficient of

kinetic friction between block B and ramp is 0.55. Assume the pulleys have

negligible mass and friction losses.

E
C

B
k=0.55

5m

30
Figure Q4

D
Continued/

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Q4 Continued/
(a)

Draw Free Body Diagrams for the blocks A and B.

[3 marks]

(b)

Apply Newtons 2nd Law of Motion to derive expressions for the respective
accelerations of the blocks A and B and the tension in the cable in terms of the masses
and .

(c)

[10 marks]

If = 150 and = 220 calculate the values of the respective accelerations

of and and the tension in the cable.

(d)

[3 marks]

Calculate the velocity of block A as it hits the ground D.

(Hint: block A has constant acceleration)

5.

(a)

[4 marks]

Define the terms :

(i)
(ii)

Linear momentum
Conservation of linear momentum

Car A mass 1400kg is travelling east at 54km/h and collides with Car B mass
1500kg travelling north at 36km/h as shown in Figure Q5(a).
If the two cars become entangled and move together after crash, find the magnitude
of their common velocity and the angle made by the vector with the north
direction.
[10 marks]
North

Car A
East
54km/h

Car B

36km/h

Figure Q5(a)
Continued/
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Q5 Continued/

(b)

A mass, m, of 4kg is attached to a spring of stiffness k = 144 N/m as shown in Figure

Q5b. Determine the static deflection of the system (in metres).

[2 Marks]

Assume the mass m is displaced 0.1 m downwards from its equilibrium position and
released from rest. Calculate the natural frequency (in Hz) and period of the system (in
secs). What is the maxiumum velocity of the system?

[8 Marks]

k
m

Equilibrium
position

Figure Q5(b)

Dr DJ OBoy
Dr SJ Walsh

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