Kinematics of Rigid Bodies
Three Branches of "Mechanics"
- Statics - the study of bodies in equilibrium (zero acceleration)
- Dynamics - the study of the accelerated motion of bodies
Rigid Bodies
A rigid body is a collection of particles that remain at fixed distances from each other at all times and under all conditions of loading. The rigid-body concept represents an idealization of the true situation, since all read bodies will change shape to a certain extent when they are subjected to a system of forces. When it is assumed that the body is rigid (free of deformation), the material properties of the body are not required for the analysis of forces and their effects on the body.