1 &*uszJ* ! I AN ELEMENTARY TREATISE ON DYNAMICS. FIFTH EDITION. AN ELEMENTARY TREATISE ON THE INTEGRAL CALCULUS, CONTAINING APPLICATIONS TO PLANE CURVES AND SURFACES. BY BENJAMIN WILLIAMSON, F. E. S. SIXTH EDITION. AN ELEMENTARY TREATISE ON THE DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS, CONTAINING THE THEORY OE PLANE CURVES. BY BENJAMIN WILLIAMSON, F.R.S. AN ELEMENTARY TREATISE DYNAMICS, CONTAINING APPLICATIONS TO THERMODYNAMICS, NUMEROUS EXAMPLES BY BENJAMIN WILLIAMSON, M.A., F.R.S., FELLOW OF TRINITY COLLEGE, AND PROFESSOR OF NATURAL PHILOSOPHY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF DUBLIN; ANT) FRANCIS A. TARLETON, LL.D., FELLOW AND TUTOR OF TRINITY COLLEGE. SECOND EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED. NEW YORK: D. APPLETON AND COMPANY.. 1889. DBPT . DUBLIN : PRINTED AT THE UNIVERSITY PRESS, BY PONSONBY AND WELDRICK. <&4 ZrVr W 7 ! k PHYSICS DEPf, PREFACE. Although in recent years several important works on Dynamics have been published in England, yet none have been issued which seem to fill the role contemplated in this book. In its composition we have started from the most ele- mentary conceptions, so that any Student who is acquainted with the conditions of Equilibrium and with the notation of the Calculus can commence the Treatise without requiring the previous study of any other work on the subject. The first half contains a tolerably full treatment of what is usually styled the Dynamics of a Particle. The latter half treats of the Kinematics and Kinetics of Eigid Bodies ; and throughout we have kept the practical nature of the subject in view, and have, in general, avoided purely fancy problems. In an early chapter we have introduced and elucidated the general principle of "Work or Energy, and have given subsequently a more complete treatment of this great principle, illustrating it by a brief application to the theory of Thermodynamics. In the latter part of the book we have borrowed largely from Thomson and Tait's Natural Philosophy; Routh's Rigid Dynamics; Schell's Theorie der 665465 vi Preface. Bewecjung und der Krtifte ; and Clausius' Mechanical Theory of Heat; our aim having been simply to enable the Student to acquire as easily as possible a knowledge of the subject of which we treat. In this Edition we have carefully revised and to a con- siderable extent rearranged the entire Work. In doing so we have developed, and in some cases rewritten, many por- tions of the subject, more especially that on generalized coordinates in connexion with Lagrange's and Hamilton's methods. We have also exhibited the general theory of small oscillations in a new form, and one which we hope will be easily comprehended by the Student. To those who desire to pursue the study of Dynamics to its highest development, the perusal of the great treatise of Thomson and Tait, as also that of Routh, will, we hope, be facilitated by using the present Work as an introduction. We may add that to the latter writer our obligations, as the reader will find, have been largely increased in this Edition. Teinity College, i%, 1889. TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTEE I. VELOCITY. PAGE Uniform Motion, . 2 Variable Motion, . 3 Kinematics, . 5 Composition of Velocities, 7 Relative Velocity, . . 9 Examples, . 11 CHAPTEE II. ACCELERATION. Uniform Acceleration, . . . .12 Variable Acceleration, 1» Accelerations Parallel to Fixed Axes, . . . ■ • ■ .16 Total Acceleration, . . . . 17 Tangential and Normal Accelerations, . . . . • • .17 Hodograph, 19 Angular Acceleration, . . . . - • • • • .19 Areal Acceleration, - 1 Accelerations Parallel to Moving Axes, . 22 Units of Time and Space, 23 viii Table of Contents. CHAPTER III. LAWS OF MOTION. Section I. — 'Rectilinear Motion. PAGE First Law of Motion, 25 Second Law of Motion, 26 Mass, 32 Motion on a Smooth Plane, 34 Line of Quickest Descent to a Curve, . . ■ 36 Section II. — Parabolic Motion. Construction of Path, 39 Eange and Time of Flight, 40 Morin's Apparatus, 46 Section III. — Friction. Elementary Laws of Friction, 50 Motion on a Rough Inclined Plane, 51 Section IV. — Momentum. Force measured by Momentum, 53 Absolute and Gravitation Units, 54 Impulses, 56 Equations of Motion, 56 Section V. — Action and Reaction. Third Law of Motion, 58 Forces of Inertia, 59 Atwood's Machine, 60 Examples, 64 CHAPTER IY. IMPACT AND COLLISION. Direct Collision of Homogeneous Spheres, ...... 66 Height of Rebound, 69 Oblique Collision, 70 Vis Viva of a System, 7;* Table of Contents. ix PAGE Momentum of a System, 74 Conservation of Momentum, ......... 75 Examples, .78 CHAPTER V. CIRCULAR MOTION. Section I. — Harmonic Motion. Uniform Circular Motion, 84 Elliptic Harmonic Motion, 86 Section II. — Centrifugal Force. Circular Orbits, 90 Centrifugal Force of Earth, .91 Verification of the Law of Attraction, 92 Centrifugal Force in Eotation of a Rigid Body, 94 Section III. — Motion in a Vertical Circle. Motion in a Vertical Curve, 98 Simple Pendulum, . . . . . . . • • .100 Time of a Small Oscillation, 101 Seconds' Pendulum, .......... 102 Effect of Change of Place, 104 Airy on Mean Density of Earth, 107 Time of Oscillation for any Amplitude, . . . - - - .108 Cycloidal Pendulum, . . . . . . . - - .111 Conical Pendulum, . . . . . . . • • .115 Eevolution in a Vertical Circle, • - 117 Examples, . . . . . • . • • • • .122 CHAPTER VI. WORK AND ENERGY. Gravitation Unit of Work, 125 Absolute Unit of Work, I' 26 Work by a Variable Force, 128 Potential of a Sphere, . . 130 X Table of Contents. PAGE Work by a Stress, 131 Energy, 133 Kinetic Energy, 133 Equation of Energy, 136 Energy of Eotation, 137 Work Done by an Impulse, 140 Compound Pendulum, . .141 Motion Round a Fixed Axis, . . 144 Examples, . 145 CHAPTER VII. CENTRAL FORCES. Section I. — Rectilinear Motion. Centre of Force, 147 Force varying as the Distance, 148 Force varying as Inverse Square of Distance, 149 Application to the Earth, 151 Application to Spheres, . . 152 Application to Elastic Strings, 155 Secion II. — Central Orbits. Differential Equations of Motion, 160 Law of Direct Distance, . . . 161 Equable Description of Areas, 164 ^ . dhi F Equation — — + u = rrr—z, 171 u dd- h~ u 2 Law of Inverse Square, 173 Kepler's Laws, 175 Law of Gravitation, 176 Velocity at any Point in Orbit, 177 Change of Absolute Force, 179 Application of Hodograph, 181 Lambert's Theorem, .......... 183 Mass of Sun, 186 Table of Contents. xi PAGE Mean Density of Sun, . . . - . . . • • .187 Planetary Perturbations, . . . . • • • • - 188 Tangential Disturbing Force, 189 Normal Disturbing Force, . . - • • • • • .189 Apsides, 190 Approximately Circular Orbits, 194 Movable Orbits, Newton, 196 Examples, .....-..•-•• 197 CHAPTER VIII. CONSTRAINED MOTION, RESISTING MEDIUM. Motion on a Fixed Curve, 206 Theorem of Ossian Bonnet, .....•••• -08 Motion on a Fixed Surface, . . . . • • • • .211 Motion on a Sphere, .......••• 212 Rectilinear Motion in a Resisting Medium, 219 Examples, 223 CHAPTER IX. THE GENERAL DYNAMICAL PRINCIPLES. D'Alembert's Principle, 227 Initial Motion, 230 Bertrand's Theorem, 23i Thomson's Theorem, 23! Equation of Vis Viva, 232 Effect of Impulses on Vis Viva, 23 '^ Equations of Motion, 24 ° Constraints and Partial Freedom, 24i Moments of Momentum, . . . . • • • • -243 Conservation of Moment of Momentum, ...-•• 2 ^8 Examples, 248 xii Table of Contents. CHAPTER X. MOTION OF A RIGID BODY PARALLEL TO A FIXED PLANE. Section I. — Kinematics. PAGE Degrees of Freedom, 254 Translation and Eotation, 255 Composition of Finite Displacements, ....... 256 Composition of Velocities, ......... 257 Space Centrode and Body Centrode, 261 Pure Rolling, 261 Geometrical Representation of Motion, ....... 262 Examples, 263 Section II. — Kinetics — Coyistrained Motion. Degrees of Freedom, 268 Motion Round a Fixed Axis, 270 Moments of Momentum, . . . . . . . . .273 Stresses on Axis of Rotation, 274 Stress Due to Impulses, 275 Centre of Percussion, 276 Examples, 279 Section III. — Kinetics of Free Motion Parallel to a Fixed Plane. Equations of Motion, 283 Equation of Vis Viva, 285 Moment of Momentum, relative to any Point, ..... 286 Impact, 288 Stress in Initial Motion, 292 Friction, 296 Tendency of a Rod to Break, 302 Impulsive Friction, 308 Roiling and Twisting Friction, 311 Examples 312 Table of Contents. xiii CHAPTER XI. MOTION OF A RIGID BODY IN GENERAL. Section I. — Kinematics. PA.GE Composition of Rotations, . . . . . . . . .317 Motion of a Body entirely Free, ........ 320 Analytical Treatment of Motion, 321 Velocity of any Point of a Body, ........ 325 Acceleration of Rotation, 327 Complete Determination of Motion of a Body, 329 Screws, 333 Composition of Twists, 334 Examples, 335 Section II. — Kinetics. Moments of Momentum round a Fixed Point, . . . . .315 Motion of a Body Round a Fixed Point under the Action of Impulse. . 346 Couple of Principal Moments, . . . . . . . .347 Motion of a Free Body under Impulse, ....... 350 Vis Viva of a Rigid Body, . . . . . . . . .351 Equations of Motion of a Body having a Fixed Point, .... 353 Equations of Motion of a Free Body, 354 Motion of a Body Round a Fixed Point under no External Force, . . 357 Conjugate Ellipsoid and Conjugate Line, ...... 363 Stress exerted by a Body on a Fixed Point, ...... 367 Centrifugal Couple, 369 Motion relative to Centre of Inertia, . . . . . . .371 Impact, ............ 379 Impulsive Friction, 380 Collision of Rough Spheres, 381 Equations of Motion Referred to Body-axes, 385 Motion consisting of Successive Rotations, ...... 385 Motion of a Solid of Revolution, 389 Examples, 390 xiv Table of Contents. CHAPTER XII. ENERGY AND THE GENEEAL EQUATIONS OF DYNAMICS. Section I. — Energy. PAGE Equation of Energy, 396 Conservation of Energy, 397 On the Ultimate Permanent Forces of Nature, 399 Forces which appear in the Equation of Energy, 400 General Form of Equation of Energy, 402 Equivalent Systems of Forces, ........ 404 Wrenches, ............ 405 Examples, ............ 405 Section II. — The General Equations of Dynamics. General Equations of Motion, 412 Equation of Energy when Conditions Involve the Time, . . .413 Similar Mechanical Systems, 414 Generalized Coordinates, . . .415 Kinetic Energy in Generalized Coordinates, 416 Generalized Equations of Motion under Impulse, . . . . .416 Generalized Expression for Kinetic Energy, . . . . . .419 Energy of Initial Motion, 420 Lagrange's Generalized Equations of Motion, ..... 420 Deduction of Equation of Energy, 423 Ignoration of Coordinates, 426 Components of Momentum and Velocity, ...... 429 Hamilton's Form of Equations of Motion, 431 Calculus of Variations, 433 Examples, 433 Principle of Least Action, 436 Hamilton's Characteristic Function, 439 Examples 442 Table of Contents. xv CHAPTEE XIII. SMALL OSCILLATIONS. PAGE Oscillation on a Plane Curve, 445 Oscillation on a Surface, ...... . . 446 Conditions for Stable Equilibrium, 451 Equations of Motion for an Oscillating System, 452 General Solution of these Equations, 454 Harmonic Determinant, . . . . . . . . .454 Lemma in Determinants, 455 Transformation of Harmonic Determinant, 457 Reality of Roots of Harmonic Determinant, ...... 457 Stability of the Motion, . .' .459 Case of Equal Roots, 462 General Solution in this Case, . 464 Principal Coordinates and Directions of Harmonic Vibration, . . 465 Effect of an Increase of Inertia, 469 Energy of an Oscillating System, 470 Examples, ............ 471 CHAPTER XIY. THERMODYNAMICS. Mechanical Equivalent of Heat, . . . . . . .477 Equation of Energy, .......... 478 Specific Heat, 479 Perfect Gas, 481 Reversibility and Cyclical Processes, 483 Isothermals and Adiabatics for a Perfect Gas, ..... 484 Fundamental Principles of Thermodynamics, ..... 485 Carnot's Cycle, 486 xvi Table of Contents. PAGE Extension of Camot's Cycle, 488 Entropy, 489 Energy and Entropy, 490 Elasticity and Expansion, 491 Examples, 492 Non-reversible Transformations, . 495 Examples, 496 Absolute Scale of Temperature, 497 Absolute Zero, 499 Change of State, 501 Examples, 504 Available Energy, 507 Dissipation of Energy, 508 Increase of Entropy, 509 Path of Least Heat, 511 Examples, 512 Miscellaneous Examples 514 DYNAMICS. CHAPTER I. VELOCITY. 1. Matter. — "We give the name of matter to that which exclusively occupies space, and which we regard as the permanent cause of any of our sensations. Portions of matter which are bounded in every direction are called bodies. Every body has necessarily a determinate volume, and an external form or surface ; and exists, or is conceived to exist, in space. A portion of matter indefinitely small in all its dimen- sions is called a material particle. Every body may be re- garded as consisting of an indefinitely great number of particles. The name of force is given to any cause which produces, or tends to produce, motion in matter. The branch of Mechanics which treats of motion produced in a body by the action of force is commonly called Dynamics. "We commence with the consideration of motion in itself, without any regard to its cause. 2. Motion, Velocity. — When a body continually changes its position in space, it is said to be in motion ; and the rate and the direction of the motion of any of its points at any instant is called the velocity of the point at that instant. The motion of a point is said to be rectilinear or curvilinear according as its path is a right line or curved. In the case of curvilinear motion, the direction of motion of a particle at any instant is that of the tangent to its path, drawn at the point occupied by the moving particle at the instant. 2 • ' '' 'Velocity. 3. Motion 0f TFr&n^lation. — If all the points of a rigid body move, at each "instant, in parallel directions, the body is said to have a motion of translation only ; and the motion of the body is completely determined when that of any one of its points is known. It is usual, in this case, to take its centre of mass as the point whose motion determines that of the hody. . . In our earlier chapters, whenever we speak of a rigid body moving, we suppose it to have a motion of transla- tion solely, and we consider its path as that of its centre of mass. 4. Uniform Motion, Velocity. — If a point move over equal lengths or spaces,* in equal intervals of time, however short the intervals be taken, its motion is said to be uniform ; and its velocity is measured by the space described in the un it of time : this is the same at every instant so long as the motion continues uniform. A second is usually adopted as the unit of time ; and, in this country, a foot as the unit of length. Thus, the velocity of a point which moves over five feet in each second is said to be a velocity of 5 feet per second, and is numerically denoted by 5 ; and similarly in other cases. If any other units of time and space be adopted, the number which represents the velocity of the moving point will have to be altered pro- portionally. Thus, we speak of a velocity of 10 miles an hour, or 100 yards a minute, &c. : each of these can be readily expressed in feet per second, when necessary. The space, or length of the path described during any time, is usually denoted by the letter s, the velocity by v, and the time estimated in seconds by t.f In the case of uniform motion, the relation connecting these quantities can be imme- diately obtained. For, if the space described in one second be represented by v 3 that described in two seconds is repre- sented by 2v, that in three seconds by 3r, and that in any number (t) of seconds by vt. * The -word space is employed in abbreviation for length of path described. f Unless the contrary be stated, we shall in all cases assume a foot and a second as our units of space and time, i.e. we shall regard t as representing a number of seconds or parts of a second, and s as a number of feet. Variable Motion. 3 Accordingly we have in the case of uniform motion the relation s = vt. (1) This formula evidently holds good whatever be the units of space and time, and introduces the unit of velocity as that of a unit of space described in a unit of time. It is true for uniform curvilinear, as well as rectilinear motion ; and also whether t represents a number of seconds, or any part of a second, however small. Again, if s denote the space described in the time t\ we have «' = vtf, and hence s'-s or the velocity, when uniform, is measured by the space de- scribed during any interval of time divided by the number by which that time is represented. This result equally holds good if we suppose the interval of time, denoted by if - t, to become indefinitely small ; in which case the limiting value of -, — - or — will still represent the v — L CIO velocity v. Examples. 1. If a body, moving uniformly, pass over 10 miles in an hour, find its ve- locity in feet per second. Ans. 14|, 2. If a body, moving uniformly with a velocity of 16 feet per second, pass V over 100 miles, find the time of its motion. Ans. 9 hrs. 10 min. 3. Assuming that light travels from the sun to the earth in 8 m 30 s , and that ^ its velocity is 180,000 miles per second, calculate the distance of the sun. Ans. 91,800,000 miles. 4. If a velocity of 20 miles an hour be the unit of velocity, and a mile the v" unit of space, find the number which represents a velocity of 32 feet per second. Ans. \r£' b. Find in metres the velocity of a point on the earth's equator arising from the rotation of the earth on its axis. Ans. 463. 5. Variable Motion. — If the spaces described in equal intervals of time be not equal, the motion is said to be ■variable, and the velocity can no longer be measured by the space actually described in one second. The movable has, however, at each instant a certain definite velocity which is b2 4 Velocity. measured by the space which it ivould describe during a second, if it were conceived to move uniformly during that time with the velocity which it has at the instant under consideration. For example, when we say that a railway train is moving at the rate of 40 miles an hour, we mean that it would pass over 40 miles in the hour if it continued to move during that time with the speed which it has at the instant referred to. Again, if we suppose that there are no sudden changes of velocity, the change in the velocity of a movable in any in- definitely small portion of time must be itself indefinitely small; as otherwise the velocity would not vary continuously. Accordingly, in such cases, we may suppose the motion as uniform during the indefinitely small time dt; and we shall have (as in the last Article) for the velocity v at any instant the equation s - s ds v m lm - 7=i = If (2) That is, in all cases the velocity of a point at any instant is measured by the limiting value of the space described in a small interval of time, divided by the number which repre- sents that interval of time. This method of expressing velo- city is sometimes concisely represented in the notation of Newton by the symbol s. 6. Mean Telocity. — If a body describe the space s in the time t, then its mean or average velocity during that time is represented by -, being the velocity with which a body, V moving uniformly, would describe the same space in the time t. The formula (2) can be immediately deduced from the consideration of mean or average velocity — for we may consider the velocity of a point at any instant as being its mean velocity during an infinitely small interval of time; ds whence we get, as before, the relation v = — . OjTi 7. Geometrical Representation of a Velocity. — Uniform rectilineal motion is completely determined when the direction and rate of motion are known. Hence the velocity of a point can be represented both in magnitude and direction by a right line. Kinematics. 5 Thus, if a point move uniformly in the line OP, so as to describe the space OA in the unit of time (one second suppose), the line OA may be taken to repre- sent the velocity of the point both in magnitude and direc- tion. The arrow head denotes the direction in which the motion takes place, namely from to A. This method of representation holds good also in the case of variable velocity, provided OA be the space which the body would describe in one second if its velocity remained unaltered in magnitude and direction (Art. 5). In accordance with the principles established in Geometry, if the velocity of a particle moving from to P be regarded as positive, velocity in the opposite direction, i. e. from P to 0, must be regarded as negative. 8. Kinematics. — As our ideas of motion and velocity depend solely on our conceptions of space and time, the whole subject of motion admits of being treated as a branch of pure Mathematics ; and, as such, has been discussed in many important treatises during recent years. This branch of Mathematics is called Kinematics* (from Kivr/jua, motion), and in it the motion of a body is discussed without any reference to the force or forces by which the motion is produced. Questions of the latter class, i. e. of motion with reference to force, belong to the science of Dy- namics, or what is now usually styled Kinetics. The foregoing distinction should be observed by the student, as much indistinctness of conception arises from its not being carefully kept in mind in the study of Dynamics. In the present treatise it is not proposed however to divide the treatment of the subject in the manner indicated, as to do so would require a complete discussion of motion (in- cluding rotation and kindred subjects) before entering on the most elementary problems in Dynamics. At the same time it will aid the student towards obtaining clear mechanical conceptions if he will consider what part of each problem * The name " Cinematique " was first given to this hranch of Mathematics by Ampere, in his " Essai sur la philosophie des Sciences," 1834 6 Velocity. discussed belongs properly to the science of Kinematics, and what to that of Dynamics or Kinetics. 9. Rest and Motion, Relative. — We have defined rest and motion with reference to space. Now of space in itself or absolute space our senses take no cognizance, all that we perceive being matter or body as occupying or existing in space ; but our senses give us no information as to whether any body occupies the same absolute position in space during successive intervals of time or not. Hence, of absolute rest we can have no perception or knowledge ; and when we say that a body is at rest we mean that it does not alter its posi- tion with relation to other bodies which are considered fixed. For instance, bodies on the earth's surface are said to be at rest when they do not alter their position relatively to the earth's surface ; we know however that the earth has at least two distinct motions, one of rotation relative to its axis ; the other around the sun, regarded as fixed. As our idea of rest is only relative, so also must be our idea of motion : thus, a body is said to be in motion when it alters its position with respect to other bodies regarded as being at rest. Hence all motions must be considered as relative : for in- stance, when we say that a body is moving at the rate of thirty miles an hour, we mean that such is its velocity relative to a place on the earth : its absolute velocity is immensely greater, and is obtained by combining this velocity with the absolute velocity of the earth itself. Again, we speak of the same body as at rest, or as in motion, according as we compare its position with that of one object or of another. For example, a person seated in a railway carriage is said to be at rest relatively to the carriage, and to be in motion relatively to the earth, &c. That a body may be regarded as having at the same in- stant two or more velocities is a matter of common experience : for instance, if a ball roll along the deck of a vessel, which is descending a river, we conceive the ball as having simul- taneously one velocity along the deck ; another, that of the vessel in the stream ; a third, that of the river relatively to its banks, &c. The velocity of the ball, relatively to the earth, is got by compounding these separate velocities. We proceed to show in what manner this can be done. Composition of Velocities. 7 10. Composition of Velocities. — Suppose a point to move uniformly, with a velocity v, along the line AB, while the line moves uniformly parallel to itself ; then the point may be regarded as having the two velocities simulta- neously. In order to find its position at the end of any time t, let AB be the space which it would describe in that time along AB considered as fixed; and let CD be the position of the moving line at the end of the same time; complete the parallelogram ABDC; then D will plainly be the position of the moving point at the end of the time t. Also, if v be the uniform velocity of the point along the line A C, we shall have AC = v't, and CD = vt. Hence AC jf CI)~ v' Again, as this is independent of t, the ratio of AC to CD will be constant during the entire motion ; and consequently the point will move from A to D along the diagonal AD. To find the velocity of the moving point, we make t = 1 (or the unit of time) in the last; then AB and AC represent in magnitude and direction the component velocities^ of the moving point, and AD represents the resultant velocity : in other words, if a body be animated by two velocities repre- sented in magnitude and direction by the sides of a parallel- ogram, the resultant velocity is represented in magnitude and direction by the diagonal of the parallelogram. Conversely, any velocity may be regarded as equivalent to two velocities in any two directions, and the magnitudes of the component velocities can be determined by the preceding construction. In like manner, if a body be animated simultaneously with three velocities, its resultant velocity is represented in magnitude and direction by the diagonal of the parallelepiped whose edges represent the component velocities. For we can compound two of these velocities by the method given above, and then compound their resultant with the third velocity. This principle can, plainly, be extended to the case of a point 8 Velocity. supposed to be animated by any number of velocities simul- taneously. 11. Polygon of Velocities. — It immediately follows that if a point be subjected to any number of simultaneous velocities its resultant velocity can be obtained by the fol- lowing geometrical construction : — From 0, the original position of the point, draw OA, representing one of the given velocities in magnitude and direction ; from A draw AB, parallel and equal to the line which represents a second velocity ; and so on for the remaining velocities ; then the line which connects with the extremity of the line drawn parallel and equal to the line representing the last velocity will represent the resultant velocity, both in magnitude and direction. This construction is called the polygon of velocity, and is in general a gauche polygon. The preceding result admits of being stated otherwise, thus : If a body be subjected to two or more uniform veloci- ties it will arrive at the same position at the end of any time as it would have arrived at if the several motions had taken place successively instead of simultaneously. This is adopted as an axiom by some writers on Mechanics, for it appears to be an immediate consequence of our ideas of motion. The student can easily see that the whole theory of the composi- tion of velocities can be deduced from this principle. 12. Component and Resultant Velocities. — The velocities represented by AB and AC, in Art. 10, are called the components of the velocity represented by AD. If a point describe a plane path, the usual method of representing its position is with reference to two fixed rect- angular axes lying in the plane. Then, if cc, y be the coordinates of the moving point at any instant, its component velocities parallel, respectively, to the coordinate axes, are evidently, by Art. 5, represented by dx , clu ■ — and — • dt dt Also, if a be the angle which the direction of motion at the instant makes with the axis of x, the component veloci- ties are represented by v cos a and v sin a, respectively;^', e. the velocity with which a point is moving in any fixed direc- Relative Velocity. 9 tion is equal to the component of its velocity in that direc- tion. TT i dx . du Hence we get v cos a = — , Psma = -J. (3) If we square and add, we get dt) + \it) ~\Jt) ; •'• v ~Jt ; i.e. the velocity in a curvilinear path is represented in the same matter as in a rectilinear ; this result might have been directly established from oflier considerations. More generally, if a?, i/, z be the coordinates of a moving point at any instant, with reference to any system of coordinate axes, its component velocities parallel to the coordinate axes are plainly represented by — , -~ and — , re- at at etc spectively. If the axes be rectangular, and if o, |3, 7 be the direction angles, and v the magnitude of the velocity of the point, then the component velocities parallel to the coordinate axes are represented by v cos a, v cos |3, v cos 7, respectively. Hence, in this case, we have dx _ du dz ... v cos a = — , v cos p = -£, v cos 7 = — . (4) dt ' dt ' dt x In Newton's notation, as in Art. 5, these component velocities are represented by the symbols, x t i/, z. 13. Relative Velocity. — If the point A be in motion along AB with a velocity represented by AB, and, at the same time, A! be in motion along A'B' with a velocity re- presented by A'B\ to find their relative velocity. Draw AD parallel and equal to A'B\ and construct the parallelogram ACBD; then the velocity AB may be regarded as equivalent to the velocities AD and AC; now the former velocity, being equal and in the same direction as that of the other point A', will not alter the relative 10 Velocity. position of the points (Art. 10) ; consequently the latter com- ponent AC represents the relative velocity of the moving points, i.e. the velocity with which A is moving relatively to A' 9 regarded as at rest. Hence, to get the velocity of one moving point relatively to another which is also in motion, we suppose equal and parallel motions given to both, each equal and opposite to the motion of the second point: by this means that point is brought to rest, and the velocity of the other, relative to it, is had by compounding the new velocity with its original velocity. 14. Components of Relative Telocity. — Suppose (x, y, z), (/, y', z) to be the coordinates of the two moving points (M, M'), respectively, with reference to any coordi- nate system of fixed axes. Then, to get the motion of M\ relatively to 31, we suppose three axes drawn through M parallel, respectively, to the coordinate axes ; and let £, rj, £ denote the coordinates of M, relative to these axes, and we have £ = %' - x, ri = y'-y, Z = s' - s ; and hence d% dx f dx dr) _ dy dy a% _ dz' dz ^ _ di = dt~It' It = dt " di' di'pdi'di' ^' i.e. dx' dx df dy dz dz dt ~ di' di "df Jt " 'di' or x - x, y - y, represent the components of the relative velocity of the two moving particles. Examples. 1 1 Examples. 1. Two points are moving in rectangular directions, with velocities of 300 and 400 yards per minute ; find their relative velocity in feet per second. Ans. 25. 2. Two particles start simultaneously from different points, in givendirec- tions, with uniform velocities. Show how, hy a geometrical construction, to determine the relative distance at the end of any time ; and find when this distance is a minimum. 3. The tide is running out of the mouth of a harbour at the rate of 2^ miles per hour ; in what direction must a man, who can row in still water at the rate of 5 miles per hour, point the head of the boat in order to make for a point directly across the harbour ? 4. A boat starts with a given velocity across a river ; find the direction in which she should steer, in order, without altering her course, to land at a given station at the opposite side of the river — the velocity of the stream, and also of the boat, being supposed known. 5. Two trains are moving, one due south, the other north-east. ^ If their velocities be 25 and 30 miles an hour, respectively, calculate their relative velocity. 6. A railway train is moving at the rate of 30 miles an hour, when it is struck by a stone, moving horizontally and at right angles to the train with the velocity of 33 feet per second. Find the magnitude and direction of the velo- city with which the stone appears to meet the train. Ans. Resultant velocity is 55 feet. Indian Civil Service Exam., 1876. 7. Two particles start simultaneously from A, JB, two of the angular points of a square ABC I), in the directions AB, BC; and describe the periphery with constant velocities V, v, respectively, where V is greater than v, until one par- y ticle overtakes the other. Prove that the minimum distances between the par- ticles occur at equal intervals of time, and that if V : v : : m + 1 : m, where m is an integer, the sum of all these minimum distances is m (m + 1) . , . ,, x a side of the square. 2y / wH(»»+ l) a Camb. Math. Trip., 1871. 12 Acceleration. CHAPTEE II. ACCELERATION. 15. Acceleration and Retardation of Motion. — The velocity of a point is said to be accelerated or retarded according as it increases or diminishes with the time. This acceleration, or rate of change of velocity in a fixed direction, may be either uniform or variable. Retardation of motion is to be regarded as a negative acceleration, i.e. as an accelera- tion in the opposite direction to that of the motion. 16. Uniform Acceleration. — The motion of a point moving in a straight line is said to be uniformly accelerated when it receives equal increments of velocity in equal times. In this case the acceleration is measured by the additional velocity received in each unit of time. As a second is usually taken as the unit of time, we may define the acceleration of velocity in this case to be measured by the additional velocity received by the movable in each second; this acceleration is usually denoted by the letter /. In the case of uniform acceleration in a right line we proceed to find expressions for the velocity at the end of any given time, and also for the space described. 17. Velocity at any Instant. — Let v denote the velo- city at the instant from which the time is reckoned; then, since the point receives in each second an additional velocity /, its velocity at the end of the first second is v + /; at the 'end of the next second, v + 2/; at the end of the third, v + 3/; and at the end of n seconds, v + nf. Or, if ^ t denote the number of seconds in question, and v the velocity at the end of that time, we have V = Vo +ft. (1) If the point be supposed to start from rest, we have v=ft; Space described in any Time. 13 that is, the velocity acquired at the end of t seconds is t times that acquired at the end of one second. In the case of a "uniformly retarded motion,/ denotes the Telocity lost in each second ; and, if v he the initial velocity, we shall have, as before, for the velocity at the end of t seconds, v = v -ft. (2) In this case the velocity becomes zero at the instant when r =ft, or at the end of the time -^ • If the retardation con- tinued afterwards, the velocity would become negative ; that is, the point should proceed to move back in a direction opposite to that of its former motion. It will be observed that the formula (1) and (2) differ only in the sign of/; they may accordingly be regarded as comprised in the same general formula, in which a retarda- tion, as stated before, is regarded as a negative acceleration. Examples. 1 . If a body start from rest with a uniform acceleration of 7 feet per second, find its velocity at the end of three minutes. Ans. 1260 feet. 2. In what time would a body acquire a velocity of 100 feet per second if it start from rest with a uniform acceleration of 32 feet per second ? Ans. Z\ seconds. 3. A body starts from rest with the velocity of 1000 feet per second, and its motion is uniformly retarded by a velocity of 16 feet each second ; find when it would be brought to rest. Ans. 1 m. 2 -J sec. 4. A velocity of one foot per second is changed uniformly in one minute to a velocity of one mile per hour. Express numerically the rate of change of velocity when a yard and a minute are taken as the units of space and time. Ans. - 3 *. 18. Space described in any Time. — To find the space described in any time in the case of uniform accelera- tion in a straight line. From equation (2) we get ds hence, by integration, s = v t+ I ft 2 ; \J 14 Acceleration. no constant being added since the space is measured from the position of the point when t = 0. If the point start from rest we have s = ift\ In the case of uniformly retarded motion we have s = v t - iff-. This and the preceding formula are represented by the single expression s = v t±ift\ (3) in which the upper or lower sign is given to /, according as the acceleration has place in the positive or negative direc- tion. Similarly, equations (1) and (2) are combined in the state- ment v = v ±ft. (4) The preceding result admits also of being established geo- metrically in the following manner, as given by Newton : — Suppose the point to start from rest, and on any right line AX take portions AD, AE, &c, proportional to the intervals of time from the commencement of the motion, and erect perpendiculars DB, EC, &c, representing the corresponding velocities ; then since the velocity at the end of any time (Art. 18) is proportional to that time, the ordinates BD, CE, &c, will be to one another in the same ratio as the times, i. e. as AD y AE, &c. ; and consequently the points A f B, C, &c, all lie on a right line. Again, let AD = t, DE = At, BD = v; then the space described in the infinitely small time At will be represented by vAt, i. e. by the area BDEC; and accordingly the whole space described in the time represented by AN will be repre- sented by the sum of the elementary areas, BDEC, &c, or by the whole area, APN, i. e. by I AN x PN, or by \vt ; therefore s = \ft", as before. If the point be supposed to start with an initial velocity Variable Acceleration. 15 r , the student will find no difficulty in supplying the corre- sponding construction. 19. Relation between Velocity and Space. — If we eliminate t between equations (3) and (4), we get v- = iv ± 2/s, (5) in which the upper or lower sign is taken according as the acceleration is in the direction of the motion or in the oppo- site direction. We shall resume the consideration of these equations when we come to the investigation of the motion of a body under the action of a constant force. 20. Algebraic Expression for an Acceleration. — In the case of a point moving with a uniform acceleration, let v represent the velocity at the end of the time t, and v that at the time tf; then by (1) we have v = v +ft, v'=v +ft', and hence / = j, — -. Moreover, since this result holds, however small the in- terval of time represented by f - t may be, we have, as in Art 4, civ J ~ dt' 21. Variable Acceleration. — In the case of the motion of a point in a right line, if the acceleration is not uniform, but varies continuously according to any law, we plainly (as in Art. 5) may suppose that the motion is uniformly accelerated during an infinitely small time dt ; or (which is the same thing) that the acceleration at any instant is measured by what the increase of velocity in a unit of time would hare been if its rate of increase had been uniform during that time, and the same as that at the instant in question. Hence the accelera- tion at any instant is defined as the rate of change of the velo- city at that instant, and is measured in all cases by the ratio of the increment of the velocity at the instant to the incre- ment of the time. 16 Acceleration. Accordingly we have, whether the acceleration be uniform or variable, the relations /=*?«*?. (6) J dt df- K j These are expressed in Newton's notation in the form / = b = s. All these results apply equally to the case of retardation of motion, which is always to be regarded as a negative acce- leration. 22. Geometrical Representation of an Accelera- tion. — From the preceding it appears that the acceleration of the motion of a point, whether it be uniform or variable, is in all cases measured by a velocity. Hence it can be re- presented, both in magnitude and direction, by a right line, in the same manner as velocity (Art. 7). Hence, also, we may regard a point as receiving two or more simultaneous accelerations of motion, and can deter- mine the resultant acceleration by a geometrical construction, as in Arts. 10 and 11. Consequently, accelerations are compounded and resolved according to the same laws as velocities. 23. Component Accelerations Parallel to Fixed Axes. — If x, y, z denote the coordinates relative to a fixed rectangular system of axes, of the position of a moving point at the end of the time t ; then, as in Art. 12, its com- ponent velocities parallel to the axes of coordinates are re- . _ . dx dy dz .. 1 presented by — , — , —, respectively. Hence, since the acceleration of motion in any direction is measured by the rate of change of the velocity in that direction, we have for the accelerations parallel to the axes of coordinates the expressions or (7) Total Acceleration. 17 where, in accordance with Newton's notation, x, y, z denote the accelerations parallel to the axes of x, y, z, respectively. The total acceleration of the motion of the point is the resultant of these accelerations. It is plain that this acceleration is independent of any previously existing velocity, which may or may not be in the same direction. The question of acceleration in curvilinear motion can also be treated in another manner, as follows : — 24. Curvilinear Motion, Change of Velocity, Total Acceleration. — Suppose a point to move in a curvilinear path, and from any point let the line OA be drawn, representing in magnitude and direction the velocity of the moving point at any c B instant. Let OB, in like manner, / ^^^^/ represent its velocity at the end / ^^-^^ of the interval of time At. Join ^^— ' AB, and complete the parallelo- gram OABC. Then the velocity represented by OB is equi- valent to the component velocities represented by OA and OC; but if the velocity of the point had not changed during the interval At, it would have been represented by OA ; hence OC, or AB, represents in magnitude and direction the change of velocity in the time At. Again, since the acceleration of the velocity of a mov- able, at any instant is, in all cases, measured by the rate of change of the velocity for that instant, it follows, as in (5), that if we regard the interval of time At as becoming infinitely small, the acceleration of the motion is represented by the AB limiting value of — — . This limiting value is called the total At acceleration of the motion of the particle at the instant. 25. Tangential and Normal Accelerations. — Again, suppose a to denote the position of the moving point at the end of the time t, and b its position after a small interval of time, At, and draw tangents to the path at the points a and b. Also, as before, from any point draw OA, OB parallel to these tangents, and representing the velocities 18 Acceleration. at a and b, respectively. Then, by the preceding Article, AB represents the total change in the velocity in the interval At. Draw AN perpendicular to OB, and suppose the velocity AB resolved into the two, AN and BN; then, the former re- presents the resulting change of velocity in the normal direction, and the latter in the tangential. The corresponding accelerations are represented by the AN BN limiting values of — — and — , respectively. Again, let the angle BOA, or the angle between the tangents at a and b, when indefinitely small, be denoted by d(p, and we have AN = OAdcj> = vd
= Fcos e, and v sin
or AB . cot = PZ> cot A- AD cot P. Again, if a and ]3 be the angles e which CD makes with AC and BC respectively, we have AB cot 9 = AD cot a - PP cot j3. This follows at once by drawing AE parallel to BC, and applying the preceding result. 56. Being given the direction and the velocity of projection, to find the velocity with which a projectile would strike an oblique plane, and also the direction of its motion at the instant of impact. Let i be the inclination of the plane to the horizon ; then, by the preceding lemma (see figure on last page], cot a - cot a = 2 tan i. (11) Hence, the angle a is determined from the known angles a and i. 46 Parabolic Motion. v sin o Again, since v sin a = v sin a', we have which determines v'. sin a If the projectile impinge at right angles on the plane, we have a = 90° ; therefore cot a = 2 tan t, which determines a, or the corresponding angle of elevation. Also the velocity with which the projecticle strikes the plane is v sin a in this case. 57. motion on a Smooth Inclined Plane. — In our discussion of motion on an inclined plane in Art. 42 the movable was supposed to start from rest : in this case the motion is rectilinear. It is also rectilinear if the initial motion has place in the direction of the line of greatest slope in the plane. But when the body is projected along the plane in any other direction the problem is the same as that pre- viously discussed, namely, the motion of a projectile acted on by a constant force, parallel to a given direction. Its path along the plane is, accordingly, a parabola ; and its axis is in the direction of the line of greatest slope. 58. Morin's Apparatus. — "We conclude with a short description of the apparatus, designed by Poncelet, and con- structed by Morin, for experimentally exhibiting the laws of falling bodies. A cylinder is made by clock-work mechanism to revolve around a fixed vertical axis. A weight is suspended at the summit of the cylinder close to the outer surface and between two vertical guides. "When the rotation has become perfectly uniform, the weight is allowed to fall. A pencil, attached to the falling weight, is so arranged as to trace a line on a sheet of paper, which is wrapped tightly around the revolving cylinder. When the paper is taken off and unrolled on a plane surface, the curve traced on it by the pencil is found to be a parabola. That this curve is a parabola, may be shown in the follow- ing manner : — Let GP'P represent the curve traced out by the pencil. Monti's Apparatus. 47 Draw the tangent GL to the curve at the initial point G, and at any point P draw the tangent PL, and erect LF perpendicular to it at the point L. Make a corresponding construction for the other points on the path ; then the lines LF, L'F, &c, are all found to intersect in a common point F. This is a characteristic property of the parabola which has its focus at F, and its vertex at G. Having found the curve to be a para- bola, we can show that the motion of the weight has been uniformly accelerated. Let PM, FN be the coordinates of P, referred to the axes GL, GF, then if t denote the time in which the moving weight arrived at the position P, the line PM will be equal to the arc of the point on the circumference of the cylinder has rotated in the time t. Let V denote the constant velocity of any point on the circumference of the cylinder, and we get PM = Vt. Again, from the property of the parabola, circle through which a Accordingly, PM 2 =4:FGxMG t PM 2 V 2 MG= 4FG = ±FG t2 '> but MG is the space through which the weight has descended vertically in the time t ; hence the spaces described by the falling body vary as the squares of the times ; its motion consequently is uniformly accelerated. Comparing with the equation s = J gf, we get g = ; that is, the distance of the focus of the parabola from its summit is equal to the height due to the velocity of a point on the surface of the rotating cylinder. The student can easily prove that the parabola described is the same as that of a body projected horizontally from a point with the velocity V. 48 Parabolic Motion. 59. In the preceding investigations we have neglected the effects of the resistance of the air. When this is taken into account the problem becomes one of great uncertainty, arising from the law of resistance of fluids not being accurately known, and from the difficulties still remaining in the integration of the equations of motion, when the law of resistance is assumed. The most generally received theory is that the resistance of fluids is proportional to the square of the relative velocity of the fluid and the movable. When the resistance of the air is taken into account, it is easily shown that the preceding results are not even approximate in cases of high velocity ; such, for instance, as shot and shell projected by artillery. Examples. 1. Determine the elevation of a projectile, so that its horizontal range may be equal to the space to be fallen through to acquire the velocity of projection. Am. e = l5°. 2. If a number of particles be projected simultaneously from the same point with a common velocity, but in different directions, prove that at any subse- quent instant they will all be situated on the surface of a sphere. 3. Given the horizontal range and the time of flight of a projectile ; find its initial velocity and angle of elevation. 4. If a body be projected obliquely on a smooth inclined plane, the path in which it moves will be a parabola. Find the position of the focus and directrix of the parabola when the initial velocity and direction of motion are given. 5. Given the velocity with which a shot is projected from a certain point ; find the locus of the extremities of the maximum ranges on inclined planes pass- ing through that point. 6. If a body be projected with a velocity of 100 feet per second from a height of 66 feet above the ground, in a direction making an angle of 30° with the horizon ; find when and where it will strike the ground. Am. Time = 4£ sec. Range = 357*23 feet. 7. If A, B be two points on a parabolic trajectory, prove that the time of passage from one to the other is proportional to tan
the acceleration down the plane is^(sin» cos i).
7. A body slides down a rough roof and afterwards falls to the ground : find
the whole time of motion.
Momentum. 53
8. Several bodies start from the same point and slide down different inclined
planes of the same roughness : find the locus of their positions after the lapse of .s
a given time. Find also the locus of the positions arrived at with a common ^
velocity. "V" 1 t - ,
9. A rough plane makes an angle of 45 3 with the horizon ; a groove is cut in
the plane making an angle o with the intersection of this plane and the horizon-
tal plane ; if a heavy particle he allowed to descend the groove from a given U^
height h find the velocity with which it reaches the horizontal plane.
Ans. ffr*(«jn«-#Q.
yf sin a
10. A body moves from rest down an inclined plane whose inclination is 30°,
and limiting angle of resistance 15°: find the velocity acquired if the length of
the plane be 200 feet.
Here v 2 = 400# tan 15°; therefore v = 58-56 feet per second.
11. A railway train is moving up an incline of 1 in 120 with a uniform
velocity. Find the tension of the couplings of the carriage which is attached
to the engine ; assuming the weight of the train (exclusive of the engine) to be
80 tons, and the friction 8 lbs. per ton.
Ans. 19cwt. 5^ lbs.
12. In the same case, if the acceleration of the train be 2 feet per second,
find the tension of the couplings.
/
Here we must add to the preceding W -, i. e. 5 tons ; and the entire tension
is nearly 6 tons.
Section IV. — Moment
urn.
63. Force measured by Quantity of motion gene-
rated in Unit of Time. — The product of its mass and the
velocity which a body has at any instant is called its quantity of
motion or momentum at that instant. Accordingly we con-
clude, from equation (13), Art. 41, that F varies as the
quantity of motion it can generate in one second (taken as the
unit of time), the force being supposed to act uniformly
during that time.
Again, since the velocity (g) which gravity can produce
in one second is the same for all bodies, the quantity of
motion gravity can generate in one second in a falling body
of mass m is represented by mg ; hence, in this case, we have
W = mg ;
in which the units of mass and weight are connected in such
a manner that when one is fixed the other is also determined.
54 Momentum.
64. Absolute Unit of Force. — In accordance with
equation (13), Art. 41, the unit of force is defined as the force
which, acting uniformly during the unit of time on a unit of mass,
produces a unit of velocity. This is called by Gauss the
absolute unit of force.
The most convenient unit of mass in the British Isles is
the mass contained in one standard pound avoirdupois.
Hence, adopting as before a second as the unit of time,
and a foot as the unit of length, the absolute unit of force is
that which, acting during one second, would produce in a
standard pound mass a velocity of one foot per second. This
unit of force is sometimes called a poundal. Hence, if
g = 32*19 with reference to the preceding units, the unit of
force is 32 T 19 part of the attraction of the earth, at London, on
a standard pound ; i. e. about half an ounce, approximately.
In the metric system the force which in one second would
generate a velocity of one centimetre per second in a gramme
of matter is called a dyne. Hence, since 1 lb. = 453*6 grammes,
and 1 foot = 30*48 centimetres, one poundal is approximately
13825 dynes.
65. Gravitation Units of Force and Mass. — In
practical questions concerning bodies on the earth's surface,
it is in general more convenient to measure forces by weights,
and to speak of a force of so many pounds weight. In this
system the unit of force is the weight at some definite place
(London) of the pound mass ; or of a kilogramme when the
metric system is taken. This is called the gravitation or
statical measure of force ; and since the unit of force in this
system, acting on one pound mass for one second, produces
a velocity of 32*19 feet per second, we see that this unit is
32*19 times the absolute unit. Moreover, since the weight
of a body varies, within certain small limits from place to
place (Art. 38), when scientific accuracy is required we must
correct for the change in the value of g due to any difference
in altitude or latitude from those of the place to which the
standard was originally referred.
In practice this correction seldom requires to be taken
into account, as the variation in the value of g is generally
too small to aifect the result appreciably (Art. 39).
Tuo Classes of Forces. 55
Examples.
1. An ounce being taken as the unit of mass, a second as the unit of time,
and an inch as the unit of length, compare the unit of force with the weight of
one pound.
Here the unit of force is that which in one second would generate a velocity
of one inch per second in an ounce mass ; and therefore is — — -— pait
of the weight of one pound, or 1*25 grains.
2. Determine the unit of time in order that g may he expressed by unity
when the foot is the unit of length.
Ans. - V2 seconds.
8
3. Find the units of space and time in order that the acceleration of a body
falling in vacuo, and the velocity it acquires in one minute, may respectively be
the units of acceleration and of velocity.
66. Two Classes of Forces. — There are two classes of
forces to be considered in Dynamics : one, such as gravity and
those hitherto discussed, which require a finite time to pro-
duce a finite change of velocity. Forces of this class, when
uniform, are, as has been stated, measured by the change
produced in one second (taken as unit of time) in the mo-
mentum of the body acted on. There is another class, called
ordinarily impulses, such as blows, sudden impacts. &c, which
act only during a very short time, but are capable of pro-
ducing a finite change of velocity in that time.
These are sometimes called instantaneous forces ; it is ne-
cessary, however, to observe that force in all cases requires
some time to produce its effects, though that time may be
exceedingly small. In fact, we cannot conceive that a force
could produce any change in the velocity of a body if its
time of action were absolutely nothing.
Forces of the former class are frequently styled finite or
continuous forces, to distinguish them from the other class,
namely, impulsive forces.
It should be observed that whenever both impulsive and
finite forces act at the same time on a body, the latter may
in general be neglected in determining the motion at the
instant; since the effects produced by them, in the time
during which the impulsive forces act, are so small that they
may be neglected in comparison with the effects of the im-
pulses.
56 Momentum.
67. Impulses. — The measure of an impulse, i.e. of the
entire action of a force of great intensity, which acts during
a very short time, and then ceases, is the whole change in the
quantity of motion which it communicates to the body on which
it acts.
We may here observe that, if .Fbe the instantaneous value
of an impulsive force, and r the time of action, the whole
impulse is represented by ( Fdt, in which, as already observed,
Jo
t is a very small interval of time.
68. General Equations of Motion of a Particle. —
Suppose that the force F acts as before in the line of motion
of the mass acted on, but that it varies continuously, then we
may consider that in an indefinitely small portion of time its
intensity is unaltered. The variable acceleration/, caused by
it, is determined by the equation F= mf: hence, as in Art. 21,
we have at any instant
dv d-s ..
F = mf = m — = m -— = ms . (6)
at dv
Hitherto the motion has been supposed rectilinear. In
the case of curvilinear motion the last equation expresses the
tangential component of the force, and it can be similarly
seen (Art. 25) that the normal component is expressed by
v 2
m — . We now proceed to consider the motion of a particle
P
of mass m, under the action of any forces. If the particle be
referred to a system of rectangular axes in space, and x, y, z,
be the coordinates of its position at any instant, i. e. at the
end of the time t, reckoned from any fixed instant, the com-
ponents of its velocity parallel to the axes of coordinates are
(Art. 12) represented by x, i/ } z.
Resolve the whole force acting on the particle at the
instant into three components, parallel to the axes of x, y, z,
respectively ; and let these components be represented by
X, Y, Z; then, since by the Second Law of Motion each
of these forces produces its change of velocity in its own
General Equations of Motion of a rartick.
57
direction, we deduce from what precedes (see Art. 24) the
equations
_ d fdx\ d 2 x
These are called the differential equations of motion of
the particle ; and the solution of the problem depends in each
case on the integration of these equations.
As already stated, the preceding equations hold for the
motion of any rigid body, provided the direction of the force
which acts on it always passes through its centre of mass.
69. In some problems the mass acted on constantly varies
during the motion ; in this case equation (3) becomes
F--(mv).
(5)
For instance, suppose a ball projected vertically upwards,
a chain of indefinite length being attached to it, and drawn
up gradually by it ; to investigate the motion.
Here, if m be the mass of the ball, fj. that of a unit of
length of the chain, and s the length of chain in motion
at any instant, we have M = m + ps ; and if m = />>, our equa-
tion gives
ds\
dt\ K
dt\
or
dt
nf
(k + s)g,
n \2 ds
Hence
{k + sy-(^j=c--y(k + sy.
If V be the initial velocity, we have
& 2 F 2 = c-yv.
58 Action and Reaction,
Hence
This determines the velocity at any height ; also H, the
height of ascent, is given by the equation
s =«f^%- k - (7)
V 2
If k = oo , this is easily seen to become -jr— , which agrees
with Art. 38.
Section V. — Action and Reaction.
70. Third Law of Motion. — Reaction is always equal
and opposite to action : that is, the mutual actions of two bodies
are always equal and take place in opposite directions.
On this law Newton remarks as follows : — " If any person
press a stone with his ringer, his finger is pressed by the stone.
If a horse draw a body by means of a rope, the horse also is
drawn (so to speak) towards the body ; for the rope being
strained equally in both directions, draws the horse towards
the body as well as the body towards the horse, and impedes
the progress of one as much as it promotes that of the other.
Again, if any body impinge on another, whatever quantity of
motion it communicates to that other it loses itself (on account
of the equality of the mutual pressure)."
• Newton verified this law experimentally in the case of the
collision of spherical bodies. — See Scholium, Axiomata.
He also showed that the law holds good in the case of the
attraction of bodies, as follows : —
Let A and B be two mutually attracting bodies, and con-
ceive some obstacle interposed by which their approach to
one another is prevented. If the body A be acted on towards
B by a greater force than B is acted on towards A, then the
obstacle will be more urged by the pressure of A than by the
pressure of B. The stronger pressure should prevail, and
cause the system consisting of the two bodies and the obstacle
to move in directum towards B ; also, as the force is uniform
the motion would be accelerated ad infinitum, which is absurd,
and contrary to the first law of motion ; for, by that law, such
Stress, Forces of Inertia. 59
a system, as it is not acted on by any external force, should
continue in a state of rest or of uniform rectilinear motion.
71. Stress, Forces of Inertia.— The fact is that force
is always exhibited as a mutual action between two bodies ;
and this phenomenon, regarded as a whole, is described
by the term stress, of which action and reaction are but
different aspects. Thus to the action of a force producing
an acceleration of motion in a body corresponds an equal and
opposite reaction against acceleration; this is called the force
of inertia of the body. It thus folldfe that the force of inertia
of any material particle must be ^ual and opposite to the
resultant of all the forces which act on the particle, whether
arising from the action of the other parts of the system or
from that of forces external to the system. Hence, inthe
motion of any material system, since the actions and reactions
of its different parts equilibrate in pairs, we infer that there
is equilibrium between the external forces which act on the
system and the several forces of inertia of the different par-
ticles of which the system is composed. This is equivalent to
the celebrated principle introduced by D'Alembert, and called
by his name, but which is directly implied in Newton's
Scholium on the Third Law of Motion. This has been observed
by many writers on Mechanics, but the connexion of New-
ton's Scholium with the modern theory of work and energy
was first pointed out by Thompson and Tait : see their Treatise
on Natural Philosophy, vol. i., pp. 247-8.
72. The laws of Motion, like every law of nature, must
ultimately depend for their establishment on their agreement
with experiment and observation. Accounts of the different
apparatus that have been devised for the purpose of verify-
ing these laws will be found in the books especially devoted
to the purpose, such as Ball's Experimental Mechanics.
The most complete proof of the laws of motion, however,
is derived from Physical Astronomy. The Lunar motions,
for instance, have been calculated from equations depending
solely on these laws ; and the observed and calculated posi-
tions are found to agree with a precision that could only
arise from the perfect accuracy of the principles from which
they were deduced.
w'
60 Action and Reaction.
One of the simplest contrivances for illustrating the laws
of motion, in the case of falling bodies, is that devised by
Atwood, which we shall now proceed to consider.
73. Atwood's Machine. — In its simplest
form this machine may he regarded as consisting
of two masses connected by a string which passes
over a small fixed pulley. We shall neglect the
weight of the pulley, and also that of the string,
as well as the friction at the axle of the pulley.
Suppose W and W |fc represent the w r eights
of the bodies, of which flRis the greater.
Let T denote the tendon of the string at any instant :
then considering the pulley as perfectly smooth, this tension,
by the law of action and reaction, must act equally, and in
opposite directions, on the two masses.
Accordingly, we may regard the body W as acted on by
the pressure W downwards, and the tension T upwards ; i. e.
by the single force W - T acting downwards — then, the
corresponding acceleration /, from Art. 40, is given by the
equation
. W-T
Similarly, the upward acceleration of the other body is repre-
T - W
sented by ^, g.
Again, as the string is supposed inextensible, the velocities
of the bodies at any instant are equal and opposite, and hence
their accelerations also.
Accordingly we have
W- T T- W
w w '
or
w+ w"
a)
This determines the tension of the string.
Again,
we have
W-
9 9
At wood's Machine. 61
therefore W-W=(W+ W) '-,
W-W
or /- w+W ' ()
This determines the acceleration. By aid of it the velo-
city and the space described in any time can be readily
deduced.
The most important advantage of this apparatus is that,
by taking bodies of nearly equal weights, we can make the
acceleration — — — , g as small as we please.
A complete account of Atwood's apparatus is beyond the
scope of this treatise. In a subsequent place we shall consider
the modification required when allowance is made for the mass
of the pulley.
Examples.
1. A mass of 488 grammes is fastened to one end of a chord which passes
over a smooth pulley. What mass must he attached to the other end in order *f
that the 488 grammes may rise through a height of 200 centimetres in 10 seconds,
assuming^ = 980 centimetres? Ans. 492 grammes.
2. Two weights of 14 and 18 ozs. are suspended hy a fine thread which
passes over a smooth pulley, if the system be free to move ; find how far the \r
heavier weight will descend in the first three seconds of its motion, and also the
tension of the string. Ans. 18 feet ; and 15f ozs.
74. Suppose that one of the bodies is placed on a smooth
horizontal table, and that the string, by which the bodies are
attached, passes over a smooth pulley placed at the edge of
the table ; then, denoting the tension of the string by T, we
have, as before,
Again, since the motion of the body on the smooth table
arises from the tension T, we have
/ T
62 Action and Reaction.
W
Eliminating T, we get /= ^ + w , g. (3)
Again, equating the two values of/,
T= WW ' . (4)
It may be observed that the tension of the string in this
case is half of that in Atwood's machine for the same masses.
75. Masses on Two Smooth Inclined Planes. —
Suppose two bodies, of weights W and W\ placed on two
planes, of inclinations i and %' to the horizon ; and suppose
the connecting string to lie in a vertical plane at right angles
to the line of intersection of the two inclined planes, and to
pass over a small pulley placed at the common summit of
the planes ; then, representing as before the tension of the
string by T, since W sin i is the component of W acting
parallel to the plane, we have
W
JFrint-jP-— /,
9
, W"
and T-W'mii'=—f.
9
W sin i - W f sin x (KS
Hence /= — — w+ w > 9- &)
WW
Also T = w+ w , (sin i + sin i) . (6)
It is evident that W or W will descend according as W sin i
or W sin i' has the greater value.
The results of the two former Articles are particular cases
of the preceding ; and are, accordingly, cases of the formulae
(5) and (6) . We shall next consider the preceding problems
for rough planes.
76. Motion on Uniformly Rough Planes.— Suppose
two bodies connected as in Art. 74, and let fx denote the
coefficient of friction for the horizontal plane.
The friction acting against the motion of W is represented
Motion on Uniformly Bough Planes. 63
hy [iW; hence the pressure producing motion is T- llW .
We accordingly have the equation
W
j
W
and also W- T= — /, as before.
W- llW
Hence we get / = w+ w , g, (7)
WW
and T =W7W' {l+lx) - (8)
There can be no motion unless W is greater than /.t W ;
as is also evident from elementary considerations.
Equation (7) may also be written in the form
from which li can be determined when W and W are known,
/having been obtained by observation.
By this means the value of /i, the coefficient of dynamical
friction was obtained for several substances by Coulomb.
Again, let li, ll be the coefficients of dynamical friction
for the inclined planes, in Art. 75.
Since the pressures on the planes are represented by
W cos i and W' cos i\ respectively, the corresponding fric-
tions are ll W cos i and fx W cos i ; consequently the total
pressure acting on W, down the plane, is represented by
W (sin i - li cos i) - T ;
W
and we get TF(sin i - li cos i) - T= — /.
W
And, similarly, T - W (sin i + li cos i') = — /.
Hence we have
TF(sin i - li cos i) - W (sin % + u cos i) . n A .
/= w^w —'' (10)
WW
and T = -== — = { sin i + sin i + li cos i - li cos i) . (11)
64 Action and Reaction.
Examples.
1. If the two equal masses in Atwood's machine be each lib.; required
the additional mass which, added to one of them, would generate a velocity of
one foot in each mass at the end of the first second. ^ 2 ^s
2. In the same case find the tension of the string which connects the two
masses - Ans. 9 -^± lbs.
9
3. Two smooth inclined planes are placed back to back : the inclination of
one is 1 in 7, and of the other 1 in 10 ; a mass of 20 lbs. is placed on the first,
and is connected by a string with a mass of 30 lbs. placed on the second plane.
Find the acceleration of the descent, and the tension of the string.
4. A mass of 10 lbs., falling vertically, draws a mass of 15 lbs. up a smooth
plane, of 30° inclination, by a string pa'ssing over a pulley at the top of the
plane. Find the acceleration, the space fallen through in 10 seconds, and the
tension of the string. ^ / = ff_ . $ = hg . T== 9 lbs>
5. A mass, descending vertically, draws an equal mass 25 feet in 2£ seconds
up a smooth plane, inclined 30° to the horizon, by means of a string passing over
a pulley at the top of the plane. Determine the corresponding value of g.
* J * Ans. 32.
6. Given the height, h, of a smooth inclined plane, find its length so that a
given weight F, descending vertically, shall draw another given weight Q up
the plane in the least possible time. . g 2QA
7. A mass P, falling vertically, draws another, Q, by a string passing over a
fixed pulley : if, at the end of t seconds, the connecting string be cut, find the
height to which Q will ascend afterwards. ( P-Q \ 2 g&_
m ' \P+Ql 2 '
8. A mass, hanging vertically, draws an equal mass along a rough horizontal
plane. If at the end of one second the string be cut, find how far the mass
will move along the plane before it is brought to rest by the friction.
An, o ^ sec o n + ;r- * =/>
(it" Ad
and we get, by Art. 110, * = — + ccos ^/^ * + c'sin ^~^t.
Examples. 123
, ds
If, when t = 0, s = s and — = 0, we get
2a/ /, 2«A |7, ,«& /. 2«A (7 • (7,
*=— — + I* - cosJ — £, and -r =- ( s J — - sin — £.
y \ £ / \2« dt \ g )\2a \2«
This vanishes when J ^ = 7r; accordingly the time of an oscillation is n J — ;
the same as when unresisted.
1 1 . A heavy particle is connected by an inextensible string, 3 feet long,
to a fixed point, and describes a circle in a vertical plane about that point,
making 600 revolutions per minute ; find, approximately, the ratios of the ten-
sions of the string when the particle is at the highest and lowest points, and
when the string is horizontal.
12. A body hangs freely from a fixed point by an inextensible string 2 feet
in length. It is projected "in a horizontal direction with a velocity of 20 feet
per second. Compare the tensions at the highest and lowest points of the circle
which is described, assuming g = 32. -4ws. 29 : 5.
13. Show that the time of a small oscillation of a pendulum which vibrates
in the air is unaffected by its resistance.
The resistance is usually assumed to vary as the square of the velocity. It
(dd\z
can accordingly be expressed by a term of the form fx ( — J , where fi is a very
small fraction ; hence in this case the equation of motion may be written
d°-9 g ldd\ 2
dt 2 I
(dQ\
Since /t is small, as also ^, we get as a first approximation = o cos J- t,
dQ_
dt*
'de\ 2
as before. If this value be substituted in p l — \ , in accordance with the
method of successive approximations, the differential equation becomes
de
dt
t = 0, is
The integral of this, subject to the condition that = o, and ^ =
= 1/xd 2 + (a - f ,ua 2 ) cos t.
^+iaVccs2^
124 Circular Motion.
Also ^ = ~yjj sin wf [ a " Ia "* 2 + * *"* cos wf ) '
Hence, since — = at the end of one vibration, if T be the corresponding
value of t, we have smTJj = 0, or T= irJ-- Accordingly, the duration of
the oscillation is not affected by the resistance. Also, since we have in this
case, cos t A- = - 1, the corresponding value of is - (a- f ^o 2 ) ; accordingly
the resistance of the air reduces the amplitude of the oscillation by f jxa 2 . The
successive angles of oscillation diminish according to the same law, but the time
of oscillation remains the same for each.
( 125 )
CHAPTER VI.
WORK AND ENERGY.
118. Work. — In all cases where force is employed in over-
coming resistance so as to produce motion, work is said to be
performed. Hence the conception of work involves both
motion and resistance ; and therefore a corresponding effort
or force to overcome the resistance. In general, work may-
be defined as the act of producing a change in the configu-
ration of a system in opposition to forces which resist that
change. We proceed to consider how the amount of work
performed in any case is to be estimated.
119. Measure of Work. — The simplest idea of work
is derived from raising a weight through a vertical height ;
in which case the attracting force of the Earth is the resistance
overcome. The amount of work in such cases evidently in-
creases in proportion to the weight of the body raised and to
the height to which it is raised. For example, the work done
in raising one ton through a height of 10 feet is ten times
that of raising it one foot, or twenty times that of raising one
cwt. through 10 feet; and so on in all cases. Hence it is
readily seen that the work performed in such cases is measured
by the product of the weight into the height, i.e. by Wh, where
W represents the number of units in the weight, and h that
in the height.
In general, if we confine our attention to a single point
which is moved in direct opposition to a constant resisting
force, the work done is estimated by the product of the force
and the distance through which the point is moved, i.e. by Pp f
where P represents the force, which overcomes the equal and
opposite resisting force, and p the distance passed over.
120. Gravitation Unit of Work. — From the ordi-
nary units adopted in this country we derive the unit of
work called a footpound, i.e. the work performed in raising
126 Work and Energy.
one pound through one foot in height. This is the unit
usually adopted in practical local application of work, and is
called the Gravitation Unit of Work (Art. 65). The corre-
sponding unit in the metric system is called the kilogram-
metre, or kgm. That is the work of raising a kilogramme
through the height of a metre. A kilogrammetre is 7*233
foot-pounds. The unit of work in this system varies slightly
from place to place with the value of g, and this should be
remembered if numerical or scientific accuracy were required
(Art. 39).
121. Absolute Unit of Work. — In the absolute sys-
tem the unit of resistance is that already adopted (Art. 64)
as the unit of force. Thus, if we take a poundal as the unit
of force, the corresponding unit of work is that done by a
poundal acting through a foot. This is sometimes called the
foot-poundal. It is obvious that a foot-pound is g times a
foot-poundal : accordingly, any result in the former system is
reducible to the latter at any place by multiplying by the
corresponding value of g.
Again, adopting the definition of a dyne given in Art. 64,
the work done by a dyne in working through a centimetre g is
called an erg ; and a foot-poundal is 421,394 ergs.
In such measurements as are required in electrical and
magnetic investigations, the absolute unit of work is always
adopted, and the erg is the unit usually employed.
122. Horse-power. — Although in our definition of
work we have taken no account of the time occupied in its
performance, yet time becomes a necessary element when we
come to compare the efficiency of different agents. For in-
stance, if one agent working uniformly performs an amount
of work in one hour which it requires another 5 hours to
accomplish, the former is said to be five times as efficient.
In comparing the work done by a steam-engine or other
agent we usually adopt as our unit the horse-power defined
by Watt.
Thus an engine is said to be of one-horse-power when it
is capable of performing 33,000 foot-pounds of work in one
minute of time, or 550 foot-pounds in one second, and so on
in proportion.
Horse-power. 127
Continental writers employ horse-power as 75 kgm., that
is, 542*475 foot-pounds, per second.
123. Again, the work performed in raising a body of
weight W to any height h is the same whether the body
be raised vertically up or brought up by any other course.
The whole work is still represented by Wh, where h is the space
through which the weight has been moved, estimated in the
vertical direction, i. e. in that in which the resistance of
gravity acts. And, generally, the work done by any uniform
effort or force, acting in a constant direction against an equal
and opposite force P, is measured by the product of the force
into the space through which its point of application is moved,
estimated in the direction in which the force acts.
Thus, if a force P be supposed to act at A, and to move its
point of application to B ; then if BM be
drawn perpendicular to AP, the work
done is estimated by Pp, or by PAs . cos 0,
where p = AM, As = AB, and = L BAM. A M
The work done is, therefore, regarded as positive or
negative according as the angle 0, which the direction of the
force makes with that of the motion, is acute or obtuse.
If 6 = \tt, the direction of the motion is perpendicular to
that of the force, and the work done is zero.
If two or more forces act on a system, the whole work
done is the sum of the works done by each force separately.
If any number of forces be in equilibrium, it can be readily
seen that the total work done by them for any small dis-
placement is zero : from this the statical principle of virtual
velocities can be immediately deduced.
Examples.
1. Prove that the -whole work done in raising a system of heavy bodies, each
through a different height, is the same as that of raising their entire weight
through a height equal to that through which their centre of inertia is raised.
2. Find the work performed in moving a ton along 100 yards on a uniformly
rough horizontal road, the coefficient of friction being -rV.
Ans. 67,200 foot-pounds.
3. Show that the same work is expended in drawing a body up an inclined
plane, subject to friction, as would be expended upon drawing it first along the
base of the plane (supposing the coefficient of friction the same), and then raising
it up the height of the plane.
128 Work and Energy.
4. "What time will 10 men take to pump the hold of a ship which contains
30,000 cubic feet of water; the centre of inertia of the water being 14 feet
below the point of discharge, and each man being supposed to perform 1500 foot-
pounds per minute ; assuming the weight of a cubic foot of water to be 62^ lbs. ?
Ans. 29 hrs. 10 mins.
124. Work done by a Variable Force. — If the force
be not constant, we may suppose the path described by its
point of application divided into portions so small that for
each the force may be considered constant. Hence, for the
displacement ds of its point of application, Pds is the corre-
sponding element ofivork s and the total work in moving through
any space s is represented by the definite integral Pds.
J
If the direction of P makes an angle with ds, the cor-
responding element of work is P cos 6ds, and the total work
is represented by
Pcos Qds.
Again, let x, y, z, be at any instant the coordinates of the
point of application of the force P, referred to a system of
rectangular axes ; and let X, Y, Z y be the components of P
parallel to the coordinate axes respectively ; then we have
Pcos ds = Xdx + Ydy + Zdz.
Hence the total work done by P in moving its point of
application from one point to another is represented by
{Xdx + Ydy + Zdz)
taken between the two points.
If the expression Xdx + Ydy + Zdz be an exact diffe-
rential, i. e. if
Xdx + Ydy + Zdz = du 9
where u is a function of x, y, z, then the integral
\(Xdx + Ydy+ Zdz),
taken between any two points, is a function of the coordinates
of those points ; and the work done is accordingly a function
Forces directed to Fixed Centres. 129
of the extreme coordinates solely. When this is so, the
mutual forces between the parts of a system always perform
or always consume the same amount of work during any
motion whatever by which it can pass from the one particular
configuration to the other ; hence such a system is called a
conservative system of forces. In general, for any system of
forces acting at different points, the total work W done for
any finite displacements is represented by
TT=S
Pdp = 2
{Xdx + Ydy + Zdz), (1)
where the summation extends to all the forces of the system.
125. Forces directed to Fixed Centres. Potential.
— If the force F be directed to a fixed centre, and if r be the
distance of its point of application from the centre, then the
corresponding element of work is represented by Fdr; and
the total work, when the point is moved from a distance / to
a distance r", is represented by Fdr.
Jr
If F be a function of r represented by n (r)- = -, and M, the mass of the fly-wheel = 7 '25 x f x 62^ . tt . lbs.
5
Also (Int. Calc, Art. 201), i"= M (Q) ; hence the required answer is 805 foot-
pounds, approximately.
138 Work and Energy.
2. A rod of uniform density can turn freely round one end ; it is let fall
from a horizontal position ; find its angular velocity when it is passing through
the vertical position. Am. /_£, where a is the length of the rod.
3. Two masses if and 31' are connected as in Atwood's machine (Art. 78) ;
find the acceleration when the mass fi of the revolving pulley is taken into
account. If v be the common velocity of 31 and 31' at any instant, and fik 2 the
moment of inertia of the pulley; then the entire vis viva of the system is repre-
sented by (M + 31') v 2 + fxk- u> 2 .
Hence, if z be the distance fallen through from rest, we have
(M + 31 ' ) v 2 + (i&a 2 = 2g {31 - M') z.
Also v = aw ;
.'. v 2 {{M + 3T) a 2 + fik 2 } = 2ga 2 (M - 31') z.
Again, the acceleration
therefore
If the pulley be supposed a homogeneous cylinder, k 2 = ^—, and /becomes
/=
/=
dv
"di~
ga'<
dv
az
{M-
31')
{31 +
31') a
2 + fd?
M+M'+fr
4. Find in the same case the tensions of the strings.
v 2M'a i + l xk 2 ^ 23fa 2 + nk 2
AnS ' M9 {M+M')a^^ Mg {M + W)a 2 +^
For a homogeneous pulley these become
__ W+fl i3f+ ix
Mg — , and M. g
2{3f+3f') + fJ .' "2{M + M') + fi
5. A homogeneous cylinder, of weight IF, is rotating round its axis, sup-
posed horizontal, with an angular velocity w ; find to what height it is capable
of raising a given weight F, before coming to rest.
r 2 ;
a- + k z at
. ' 2ga i s sin
hence ( — ) = — „ , , 3
(ds\ 3 2gd l s si
It) = a 2 + k
therefore, by differentiation,
d-i a 2 g sin i
a- 1 a- + k 2
140 Work and Energy.
This shows that the acceleration down the plane is constant. Hence the
velocity acquired, and the space described in any time, can at once be determined.
If the cylinder be homogeneous, we have k 2 = \a 2 {int. Calc, Art. 201), and
the acceleration/ in this case is f g sin i. This shows that the velocity of the
centre of gravity of the cylinder is f that acquired by a particle, in the same
time, in sliding down a smooth inclined plane of the same inclination. If the
cylinder be hollow, k = a, and accordingly f=\g sin i.
2. A mass M draws up another, M', on the wheel and axle; find the motion.
Let a be the radius of the wheel, a' that of the axle ; then, as in Ex. 3,
Art. 133, it is easily seen that we get
l^pj "(Ma°~ + M'a" 2 - + fuW) = 2g{Ma - M'a') 6 + const.
Hence, by differentiation,
d 2 9 _ g(M a-M'a')
d6
Accordingly, if = 0, and — = 0, when t = 0, we get for the angle turned
at
through in the time t,
x Ma — M'a'
e= * 9t Mtf+M'a't + frifi'
3. Find the tensions of the strings in the same case.
M'a { a + a) + ^ 2 w Ma ( a + a ') + M 2
Am ' Mg Ma^M'a'* + nk* 9 Ma? + M' 'a'* + M 2 '
4. Find the velocity acquired by the centre of a hoop in rolling down an_ in-
clined plane of height h. -Ans. s j l jj lm
135. Work done by an Impulse. — If a mass H
moving with a velocity V receives an impulse in the direction
of its motion, and if V f be its velocity after the impulse, then
the change in its kinetic energy is
\M{J"- F 2 ) =M(V'- V).i{V'+ V).
But M{ V - V) measures the impulse. Hence the work
done by the impulse is measured by the product of the
momentum, which measures the impulse, by half the sum of
the velocities before and after the impulse.
For example, a bullet m in passing through a plank expe-
riences a definite amount of resistance, measured by the
thickness and by the resisting force ; but this equals half the
loss of vis viva of the bullet, or
\m (v~ - v n ) = m [v - v) . \ [v + v),
Compound Pendulum.
141
where v and v are the velocities with which it meets and
leaves the plank. Hence the momentum m (v - v) commu-
nicated to the plank varies inversely as v + v : consequently
the greater the velocity of impact the less the momentum
imparted. This explains how a bullet with a high velocity
can pass through a door without moving it on its hinges.
136. Compound Pendulum. — A solid body oscillating
under the action of gravity, around
a fixed horizontal axis, is called a
compound pendulum. The motion of
such a body is readily reduced to
that of the corresponding simple
pendulum, as follows :
Let the plane of the paper re-
present that in which the motion of
G, the centre of inertia of the body,
takes place, and let be the point
in which the fixed axis intersects
that plane. Draw OY vertically
downwards, and let GO = a, M = mass of the body,
let L GOT = 9.
Suppose the pendulum to start from rest, when 9 = a ;
then, in the time t, the point G will have descended through
the vertical height a (cos 9 - cos a) . Also the vis viva of the
body at the same instant (Art. 133) is represented by
Also
;f)W,
Hence, by the principle of work, Art. 132, we have
/(— -) = 2 Mga (cos 9 - cos a).
If the moment of inertia I be represented by MR 2 , the
latter equation becomes
2ga (cos if - cos o
K-
dt
where IT is the radius of gyration of the body [Int. Cede.,
Art. 197), relative to the axis of suspension.
142 Work and Energy.
Hence, by differentiation,
$,£-•-«■ (13)
Comparing this with the corresponding equation for the
motion of a simple pendulum (Art. 101), we see that the
motion is the same as that of a simple pendulum of length
a
Again, if Mk 2 be the moment of inertia relative to an axis
through the centre of inertia parallel to the axis of suspension,
we have {Int. Calc, Art. 196),
K 2 = a 2 + k 2 ;
K 2 k 2
hence I = — = a + — . (14)
a a v J
The point is called the centre of suspension. If OG be
produced until OC = I, since the body moves as if its entire
mass were concentrated at the point C, that point is called
the centre of oscillation. Again, if through C a right line be
drawn parallel to the axis of suspension, all the points of this
line move like the point C, i.e. as if they were freely sus-
pended from the axis of rotation. This line is called the axis
of oscillation.
Again, since OG . GO = k 2 , the axes of suspension and
oscillation are interchangeable, i. e. the time T of an oscilla-
tion is the same for both, viz., T = tr / .
; V <*g
By varying the axis of suspension, the time of a small
oscillation will also, in general, vary.
For parallel axes, T obviously is a minimum when a = k,
and the corresponding time of a small oscillation = tc \
In order that this should be the smallest possible, the
axis of suspension must be parallel to that axis round which
the moment of inertia is least {Int. Calc, Art. 217).
Determination of the Force of Gravity. 143
If the axis of suspension of a compound pendulum be
inclined at an angle a to the vertical, it is readily seen that
the preceding investigation holds good, provided g sin a be
substituted for g throughout.
Again, as in Art. 101, the time of any motion of a com-
pound pendulum is represented by an elliptic integral.
Also, if a solid body make a complete revolution round a
horizontal axis, the time of revolving through any angle can
be reduced to that for the corresponding oscillatory motion
of a particle.
Examples.
1. A uniform circular plate, of radius a, makes small oscillations about a hori-
zontal tangent ; find the length of the equivalent simple pendulum. Ans. £ a.
2. Find the position of the axis with respect to which a uniform circular
plate will oscillate in the shortest time.
Ans. The axis is at a distance of half the radius from the centre. Length of
the equivalent pendulum = a.
3. Find the centre of oscillation of a homogeneous sphere, of radius a, oscil-
lating round a horizontal tangent to its surface.
Ans. At a point f a below the centre.
4. Find the ratio of the times of oscillation of a homogeneous solid sphere,
and of a spherical shell of equal diameter, each being taken with reference to a
horizontal tangent. j± ns% -^21 : 5.
5. A sphere of radius a is suspended by a fine wire from a fixed point, at a
distance I from its centre ; prove that the time of a small oscillation is repre-
I5P + 2a 2
sented by it j — — (1 + |sin 2 ^a), where a represents the amplitude of the
vibration.
6. If the semiaxes of a uniform elliptic disc be 2 feet and 1 foot, and it be
suspended from an axis perpendicular to its plane through one of its foci, find
the time of a complete oscillation under gravity.
Ans.
V3
\ 9
137. Determination of the Force of Gravity. — We
have already seen (Art. 103) that the value of g at any place
can be determined from the length of the seconds pendulum
at the place. To apply this it is necessary to know the nu-
merical value of
Two methods have been devised for this purpose — one
employed by Borda, Arago, Biot, and others ; the other first
144 Work and Energy.
used by Bohnenberger, and afterwards brougbt to great per-
fection by Captain Kater.
In the first method the compound pendulum, supposed
made of a material of uniform density, has such a shape that
its radius of gyration can be calculated mathematically, as
also the distance of its centre of inertia from the fixed axis.
The second method depends on the reciprocity of the
centres of suspension and oscillation.
Kater' s compound pendulum consisted of a heavy bar
having two apertures at opposite sides of the centre of inertia,
through which knife edges passed, on either of which the
body could be supported. On the bar was placed a ring
capable of being moved up or down by means of a screw.
Kater moved the ring until the times of oscillation round the
two axes were equal ; in which case, by the preceding, the
distance between the axes is equal to the length of the equi-
valent simple pendulum. The distance, /, between the axes
having been accurately measured, the value of g was calcu-
lated from the formula g = — , where T denotes the time of
an oscillation.
Kater published an account of his observations in the
Philosophical Transactions, 1818, 1819. For a more detailed
account of this method the reader is referred to Bouth's Rigid
Dynamics, Arts. 100-108.
138. Motion of a Rigid Body round a Fixed Axis.
— In general, let a force P, in a direction which is at right
angles to the fixed axis, act on a body; then for a small
angular motion cl9 the work done by P is, by Art. 128, re-
presented by PpdO. Again, as this work is equal to the
corresponding change in the kinetic energy of the body, we
have
PpdQ = im z d(^j= Ml/~ di
Hence we get
d~9 _ Pp Moment of impressed force .- -.
d? = Mtf = Moment of inertia ^ '
W ft W+jF \
V
Motion of a Rigid Body round a Fixed Axis. 145
Examples.
1. A uniform circular plate of 1 foot radius and 1 cwt. revolves round its
axis 5 times per second ; calculate its kinetic energy in foot pounds. \f
Ans. 863, approximately.
2. A bent lever ACB rests in equilibrium when AC is inclined at the angle o
to the horizontal line ; show* that when this arm is raised to the horizontal posi-
tion it will fall through the angle 2a, C being supposed fixed.
3. A homogeneous cylinder, of mass M, and radius a, turns round a hori-
zontal axis ; a fine thread is wrapped round it, and has a mass M' attached to its
extremity. Find the angular velocity of the cylinder when M' has descended
through the height h.
A 2 _ ± M '0 h
KS ' W a?{M+2M')'
4. A right cone oscillates round a horizontal axis, passing through its vertex
and perpendicular to the axis of the cone ; find the length of the equivalent
simple pendulum.
Ans. — — — , where h is the height of the cone, and b the radius of its base.
oh
5. If in the last example the cone be let fall from the position in which its
axis is horizontal, find its angular velocity when in the lowest position.
4A 2 + b 2
6. In the same case find the pressure on the fixed axis, at the lowest position
of the body, arising from centrifugal force (Art. 98).
Ans. — 7T-75 — r^, where W represents the weight of the cone.
2 4/r + 0-
7. A thin beam, whose mass is M and length 2a, moves freely about one ex-
tremity attached to a fixed point whose distance from a smooth plane is b, (b < 2a) :
the other extremity rests on the plane, the inclination of which is o. If the
beam be slightly displaced from its position of equilibrium determine the time
of its small oscillations.
Indian Civil Service Exam., 1860.
In this case the beam may be regarded as turning round the perpendicular
on the plane.
8. A bullet weighing 50 grammes is fired into the centre of a target with a
velocity of 500 metres a second. The target is supposed to weigh a kilogramme,
and to be free to move. Find, in kilogrammetres, the loss of energy in the
impact.
Lond. Univ., 1880. Ans. 635'6.
9. "When the w-eight P of the pulley is taken into account, show that equa-
tion (9), Art. 76, becomes
in which the pulley is supposed to be of uniform density and thickness.
L
146 Work and Energy.
10. If the motion of a solid body acted on by attracting forces be a pure ro-
tation, the velocity « of rotation at any instant will be given by the equation
JKF («*-»>) = 2 (F- To),
where V represents the potential of the attracting forces.
11. A hollow cylinder rolls down a perfectly rough inclined plane in 10 mi-
nutes ; find the time a uniform solid cylinder would take to roll down the same
plane. Ans. 5 \/Z minutes.
12.*The particles composing a homogeneous sphere of mass M and radius It
were originally at an infinite distance from each other : find the work done by
their mutual attraction.
Suppose the sphere in question to have been formed by the condensation of
an indefinitely diffused nebula ; and imagine the sphere divided into a number
of concentric spheres. Let M' be the mass contained in the sphere whose radius
is r ; then we have
M' = M— •
IP
Also, if dM'he the mass bounded by the spheres r and r + dr, then
Accordingly the work done in condensing dM' , in consequence of the attraction
of the interior mass M', is, by (5) Art. 126,
fx — dM' =3fi-^- r*dr.
Hence the whole work done in the condensation of If is
Jf 2
M* f* 7 3 M °~
( 147 )
CHAPTER VII.
CENTRAL FORCES.
Section I. — Rectilinear Motion.
139. Centre of Force. — We next proceed to consider
motion under the action of a force whose direction always
passes through a fixed point, and whose intensity is a func-
tion of the distance from that point. The fixed point is
called the Centre of Force; and the force is said to be attrac-
tive or repulsive according as it is directed towards or from
the centre.
If we assume that two particles of equal mass, placed at
the same distance from a centre of attractive force, are equally
attracted towards the centre, when they are conceived placed
together, the whole force acting on them — considered as one
mass — will be double that which acts on one of the particles.
Similarly, if any number (n) of equal particles be placed
together, the whole force will be n times that which acts on
a single particle. Hence it follows that in such cases the
whole attracting force is proportional to the number of par-
ticles, i. e. to the mass of the attracted body — provided the
attracted mass be of such small dimensions that the lines
drawn from its several points to the centre of force may be
regarded as equal and parallel. Accordingly the force, in
this case, is proportional to the attracted mass ; consequently
the acceleration produced by it is independent of the mass
attracted, and is a function of the distance from the centre
of force only.
140. Attraction. — The acceleration due to an attractive
force, at any distance, is called the attraction of the force,
and is, as we have seen, independent of the mass of the
attracted particle. Consequently the measure of an attractive
force at any distance is the velocity per second which the
L 2
148 Rectilinear Motion.
central force could generate in one second, in its own direc-
tion, if it were conceived to act uniformly during that time.
For instance, g, i. e. the velocity acquired in one second by
a falling body (Art. 38), measures the attractive force of the
Earth, at any place, and is, as already stated, the same for
all bodies at that place.
141. Rectilinear Motion. — If the particle acted on be
originally at rest, or be projected in the line joining its posi-
tion to the centre of force, its motion will take place in that
right line.
Taking this line for the axis of x, and the fixed centre as
origin, we have for the equation of motion (Art. 21),
£--*• (1)
where F represents the attraction at the distance #, which is
taken with the negative sign because it tends to diminish the
velocity.
We shall illustrate equation (1) by applying it to a few
elementary cases.
142. Force Varying as the Distance. — If the force
be proportional to the distance from the fixed centre, we
may assume F = fix ; then, for attractive forces, the equation
of motion becomes
d*x d 2 x .
^ = -"*' or ^ + "* = - (2)
This equation has been already considered in Art. 109,
and accordingly we have
x= C cos t yjl + C" sin t y/fi. (3)
The constants C and C are determined from the initial
circumstances of the motion.
For example, if the particle start from rest, at the distance
a from the centre of force ; then, when t = 0, we have x = a
and — = : this gies
C = a, and C"=0;
Inverse Square of Distance, 149
and consequently x = a cos t ^/ju. This determines the posi-
tion of the particle at any instant, and shows that the motion
consists of a simple harmonic vibration.
Again, if (f - t) ^//ul = 2tt, it is evident that the values of x
rfv
and of — are the same at the end of the time f as at the
dt
time t : this shows that the motion is oscillatory, and that the
time of a complete vibration is ——. (Compare Art. 111.)
y/fl
For a repulsive force the equation of motion is
w-~ (4)
Accordingly (Art. 109), we have
x = Ce u ~* + C f e~ u K
To determine the constants : suppose, as in the former
case, the particle starts from rest, at the distance a ; then
a - C + C, and C - C = 0.
Hence x = \a [e u * + e* 1 *) . (5)
143. Inverse Square of Distance. — In the case of
the law of nature, in which the attractive force varies as the
inverse square of the distance, we have F= — ; and the dif-
x
1 erential equation of motion is
df x 2
Multiplying by 2dx, and integrating, we get
'dxY 2 M
— 7 = const.
dt J x
150 Rectilinear Motion.
Hence, if the particle be supposed to start from rest, at
the distance a,
This equation determines the velocity at any distance
from the centre of force.
Again, extracting the square root, and transforming, we
get
V^tf-.-^Lr- (7)
\x a
The negative sign is taken since, in the motion towards
the centre of force, x diminishes as t increases.
To integrate this equation, assume x = a cos 2 9 ; then
= — — , and dx = - 2a sin 9 cos 9 cffl ;
consequently */%dt = 2a % cos 2 9 d9 ;
^- (9 + \ sin 29) + constant.
Again, the constant vanishes, since t and 9 vanish when
x = a ;
.:t = J^(0 + isin20). (8)
Hence the time of motion from the distance a to the
distance x is •_
* = ii ( a oos ' 1 J^" + v'* («-*))• (9)
Also the time of motion to the centre of force is
2 >J2/
Application to the Earth. 151
Again, if the body be supposed to start from an indefi-
nitely great distance we have, making a = go in (6),
*> 2 = ^. (10)
iff
144. Application to the Earth. — We have seen, in
Art. 126, that the attraction of a homogeneous sphere is the
same as if its mass were concentrated at its centre. Hence,
the results of the last Article can be readily applied to the
approximate determination of the motion of a body falling
from any height above the Earth's surface, all resistance of
the atmosphere being neglected.
In this case g measures the Earth's attraction at its sur-
face ; hence, if R denote the Earth's radius, we have fx = gR 2 >
and if this value be substituted for /u, we can readily deter-
mine the velocity and time of motion in any particular case.
For instance, the velocity Fwith which a body falling
from the height h would reach the surface of the Earth is
given by the equation
Also, by (9), the time of motion in seconds is
IB + hLR + h . , I h \h )
where R and h are expressed in feet.
If R = nh, this becomes
h (1 + n) { 1 + n . , 1 ,
sm" 1 , + 1
When n is a large number this becomes, approximately,
if (• * k\
152 Rectilinear Motion.
If the body be supposed to start from an infinite distance,
the velocity with which it would reach the Earth is given by
the equation
v* = 2gR. (13)
145. Comparison of Attraction of Different Sphe-
rical Bodies. — Let If, M' denote the masses of two spheres ;
3, £' their mean densities ; r, r their radii ; f,f their attrac-
tions at their surfaces, respectively : then we have
MM'
For example, if D be the mean density of the Earth, and
R its radius, then/, the attraction at the surface of a planet
of radius r and mean density §, is given by the equation
f=9~- (14)
If the mean densities be the same for both, we have
J = g R-
If we assume the mean density of the Sun to be one-
fourth that of the Earth, and its radius 104 times that of the
Earth, then the velocity acquired in one second by a falling
body at the Sun's surface is approximately represented by 26g.
In the case of the mutual attraction of two spheres, it is
often convenient to assume the origin at their common centre
of gravity, which remains a fixed point during the motion.
For instance, if two equal spheres, each of radius r, be placed
at a given distance apart, and left to their mutual attraction,
this method may be employed to find the time they would
take to come together.
Let 2a be the initial distance between their centres, and
assume the origin at the middle point of the line joining
the centres. If x be the distance of the centre of either
sphere from at any time ; then j-j represents the corre-
Examples. 153
sponding attraction, and the time required is, by (9), repre-
sented by the expression
where fx can be determined by the equation
r 2 J 9 B 11 '
Examples.
1. If k be the height due to the Telocity F"at the Earth's surface, supposing /
its attraction constant, and S the corresponding height when the variation of
gravity is taken into account, prove that
1 J__J_
h~ H~ r'
2. If a man weigh 10 stone on the Earth's surface, calculate, approximately, \f
his weight if he were transferred to the surface of the Sun.
Arts. 1 ton, 13 cwt.
3. Calculate, approximately, the velocity with which a body falling from an ^
indefinitely great distance would reach the surface of the Earth, neglecting all
forces besides the Earth's attraction, and assuming R = 4000 miles.
Ans. 7 miles per second.
4. Calculate, in like manner, the velocity with which a body falling from an
indefinitely great distance would reach the surface of the Sun.
Ans. 364 miles per second.
5. In a work erroneously attributed to Sir Isaac Newton, it is stated, that if
two spheres, each one foot in diameter, and of a like nature to the Earth, were
distant by but the fourth part of an inch, they would not, even in spaces void of
resistance, come together by the force of their mutual attraction in less than a
month's time.
Investigate the truth of this statement. Sch. Ex., 1883.
Equation (15) gives in this case for the time, in seconds,
sin- 1 (-)
49 . , /1\ 1
— sur 1 [ - ) -f — -
90 \7/ 8V3
This gives about 5 minutes and 38 seconds.
If the question be solved on the assumption that the attraction is constant
during the motion, and equal to that when the spheres are touching, the time
required is readily found to be, approximately, = 100 VTl = 5 m. 32 sees.
It may be observed that the former result follows from this immediately by
application of formula (12).
154 Rectilinear Motion.
6. Show that if a sphere, of the same density as the Earth, attract a particle
placed at the n th part of its radius from its surface, the time of motion to the
surface is the same as that of a particle moving to the Earth from a distance
equal to the n th part of its radius.
7. What is meant hy the Astronomical Unit of Mass ?
The astronomical unit of mass is that mass which attracts a_ particle placed at
the unit of distance so as to produce in it the unit of acceleration in the unit of
time.
8. If a foot and a second be taken as the units of length and time, calculate,
approximately, the number of pounds in the astronomical unit of mass.
Let M denote the mass of the Earth, and m that of the astronomical unit ;.
then we have
M , M
— : m = g : 1, or m = — ,
fi » gr *
where r is the radius of the Earth in feet. Now assuming D, the mean density
of tbe Earth, to be h\ tbat of water, the mass of a mean cubic foot of the Earth
is 344 lbs. approximately. If we assume the radius of the Earth to be 40 00 miles,
we get
?L = _ — x 344 = 951,000,000 lbs., approximately.
gr> 3 g
9. Taking the value of gravity as 981 in centimetres and seconds, and the
Earth's radius as 6-37 x 10 8 centimetres : find the Earth's mass in astrono-
mical units. ^-ns. 398 x 10 18 .
146. Force any Function of Distance. — If the force
be attractive, and vary inversely as the n th power of the dis-
tance, the equation of motion becomes
Multiply, as before, by 2dx, and integrate ; then
fdxY 2 in 1
— ] = — !-— — - + const.,
\dtj n-lx 71 - 1
or
2 M 1
n-1 x n ~
+ const.
If the attracted particle start from rest at the distance ct f
we have
n-\ W'- 1 a"
>-*Tfi- = )- (16)
Elastic Strings. 1,j5
This determines the velocity at any distance from the
centre.
In general, if F= fi(jS(x) 9 we have
and, proceeding as before, we get
'dx\ 2
, + 2ju J 2b. In this case x vanishes, and conse-
quently T also, when
b + (c-b) cos Jjt = 0.
The corresponding velocity is easily found to be
J
go {c - 26)
b
As the tension of the string vanishes at this instant, the
body may be regarded as projected upwards with the fore-
going velocity. The height, h, to which it would ascend is
given by the equation
*-£(«-»). (25)
The body will afterwards fall to the origin, and the subse-
quent motion will be as before.
149. Weight Dropped from a Height. — Next sup-
pose the weight attached to the string, and dropped from a
height h, vertically above the lower extremity of the string
when hanging freely and unstretched. The solution is con-
tained in the preceding investigation : for the maximum ex-
tension c of the string is given by (25), and is represented by
c = b + yb{b + 2h). (26)
In practice it is found that Hooke's law does not hold
beyond certain limits which are attained long before the
string is broken. It is interesting to consider whether in
any particular case the string will be broken or not by the
fall, assuming Hooke's law still to hold.
A given string is capable of supporting only a certain
weight, called its breaking weight. Denote this weight by B ;
Weight Dropped from a Height. 159
then e, the corresponding extension of the string, is found,
by Hooke's law, from
W
£=— e, (27)
and the string will break or not according as the maximum
extension, given by the preceding an alysis, is greater or less
than e ; that is, according as i + ^/b [b + 2h) is greater or
less than e.
Again, if b and e be both given, the least height of fall, h,
in order that the string should break, is got by substituting e
for c in (25), and is
h = e ±zm. (28)
Suppose the weight W to be the n th part of B, i. e. let
e = lib, and we have h = e [%n - 1).
Thus, for instance, a weight \ of the breaking weight,
dropped from the height e, should suffice to break the string.
The preceding analysis applies also to the vertical oscilla-
tions of rods supporting heavy weights ; and many interesting
practical questions are explained thereby — for instance, the
danger to the stability of a suspension bridge arising from
the steady march of troops over it. — See Poncelet, Mecanique
Industries, 'Arts. 332-345.
Examples.
1. A heavy particle attached to a fixed point by an elastic string is allowed
to fall freely from this point. Show that the elastic force at the lowest point is
given by the equation
m total fall-
F= 2W— : t-7-^j
extension of string
where W is the weight of the particle.
2. A heavy particle attached to a fixed point by an elastic string hangs
freely, stretching the string by a quantity e. It is drawn down by an addi-
tional distance/; determine the height to which it will rise if p - e- = iae,
a being the unstretched length of the string. Am. 2a.
3. A heavy body is attached to a fixed point by an elastic string, which
passes through a fixed ring, the natural length of the string being equal to the
distance between the ring and the fixed point.
(a) If the body receive an impulse, it will describe an ellipse round the place
it would occupy if suspended freely.
(h) When does this ellipse become a right line ?
160
Central Orbits.
4. A particle is attached by a straight elastic string to a centre of repulsive
force, the intensity of which varies as the distance ; the string is at first at its
natural length. Find the greatest distance from the centre of force to which
the particle will proceed, and the time the string takes to return to its natural
length.
5. Two bodies, TFand TV, hang at rest, being attached to the lower end of
a fine elastic string, whose upper end is fixed : supposing one of them, W , to drop
off, find the subsequent motion of the other.
Let a be the natural length of the string ; b its extension of length for the
weight W; c that for the weight W ; then, at the end of any time t, from the
commencement of the motion x, the depth of W below the fixed point is given
by the equation x = a + b + c cos t
J
6. Two particles, connected by a fine elastic string, are moving in the direc-
tion of the line joining them with equal velocities, their distance being the
natural length of the string ; if the hinder particle be suddenly stopped, find
how far the other will move before it begins to return. r ' ■ : —
Section II. — Central Orbits.
'W
150. Plane of Orbit. — If we suppose a particle acted
on by a force directed to a fixed centre to be projected in any
direction, it is easily seen that its subsequent path will lie in
the plane passing through the centre of force and the direc-
tion of its projection. For, since the force acts towards the
fixed centre, it has no tendency to withdraw the particle from
that plane at the first instant, nor at any subsequent instant
during the motion ; because the motion of the particle at each
instant is got by compounding its previous motion with that
due to the central force.
We shall accordingly take this plane, called the plane of
the orbit, as the plane of rectangular coordinate axes ; the
fixed centre of force being the origin 0.
151. Differential Equations of Motion. — Suppose
the force attractive, and P 'the y
position of the attracted particle
at the end of any time t.
Let
ON=x, PN=y, OP=r, /_XOP=0.
Suppose F to represent the
acceleration due to the attractive force
have
then, by Art. 68, we
Equation of Orbit, and Periodic Time. 161
(1)
— = -i^cos = F-
ar r
The complete determination of the motion for any law of
force depends on the solution of these simultaneous equations.
In the case of a repulsive force it is necessary to change
the sign of F.
The path described is evidently always concave to the
centre of force for attractive forces, and convex for repulsive.
152. Law of Direct Distance. — There is one case
in which the differential equations can be immediately inte-
grated, viz., when the force varies directly as the distanoe
from the fixed centre.
Let F= fir ; then, for attractive forces, we have
d 2 x _ N
(2)
dt
:jf + /«y =
The integrals of these equations, by Art. 109, may be
written
x = A cos t y a + B sin t a/ju )
,- /- • ( 3)
y =A'costyfi + B'smt^/n )
The arbitrary constants in this, as in all other cases, can
be found from knowing the position, velocity, and direction
of motion at the first instant.
153. Equation of Orbit, and Periodic Time. — If
we solve the preceding equations for cos t ^/p and sin t \Zfi>
and add the squares of the results, we get
(Ay - A'z)* + {By - B / x) 2 = (AB f - BA') 7 (4)
This equation represents an ellipse, whose oentre is at the
centre of force.
162 Central Orbits.
Again, if 2-nr + t*/ji be substituted for t^fx in equa-
tions (3), the values of x and y remain unaltered ; hence, if
(f - t)^/n = 2tt, the body will occupy the same position at the
end of the time t' which it occupied at the time t. Accord-
ingly, if The the time of a complete revolution in the orbit,
we have o
T = -—
T is called the periodic time, and is the same for all
orbits round the same centre of force, since it depends only
on ju, the intensity of the central force, i.e. the acceleration
at the unit of distance, and not on the initial conditions of
the motion.
154. Determination of the Arbitrary Constants. —
Let a, b be the coordinates of the particle at the instant
from which the time is reckoned, V the initial velocity, and
a the angle which the initial direction of motion makes with
the axis of x; then, making t = in equations (3), we get
A = a. A = b.
Again, by differentiation, we have
— = B y }x cos t ^/ju - A v/ju sin t y/fx >
ctt
■j- = B^\/ijl cos t y/fi - A'^/fx sin t »/ p.
Hence Fcos a = B ^//x, Fsin a = B'^/li ;
Fcos a ._ ~\
(5)
consequently, x - a cos t v^u + ~7=~ sin t d l
dt ~ 3 V dt
7t) = ih;
therefore A = \{ht). (9)
No constant is added since we suppose A and t to vanish
together.
If we suppose t = 1, we infer that h is double the area
described by the radius vector in the unit of time.
Conversely, if a particle move in a plane, and describe
equal areas in equal times around a fixed point in the plane,
then the entire force acting on it at each instant passes through
the fixed point (compare Art. 28).
158. Velocity at any Point,— Again (Art. 183, Biff.
Calc), we have
ds _ o d0
p dt~ r Tt 9
where ds denotes the element of the path described in the
time dt, and p is the length of the perpendicular from the
centre of force on the tangent at the point. Hence
ds ds
where v denotes the velocity at the instant ; therefore
c=-. (10)
Accordingly the velocity varies inversely as the perpen-
dicular^.
166
Central Orbits.
The constant h can be determined from (10) whenever the
velocity V, the distance R, and the direction of motion at any
point of the path of the particle, are known.
For, let $ denote the angle which the direction of motion,
at the instant, makes with the radius vector R ; then the per-
pendicular on the tangent = R sin 0, and hence
h= VRsincp. (11)
Equation (10) admits of another form; for, squaring, it
becomes
v 2
P
therefore
v 2 -
-'1**6
where u =
1
r
(W
Cede,
Art.
183).
(12)
159. Newton's Proof. — On account of the importance
of the preceding results we shall give the method by which
the equable description of areas was originally established by
Newton.
Let the whole time be divided into a number of equal in-
tervals. Then, supposing
no force to act on the body w y^ -£.
This result may be exhibited in another form by aid of
equation (18), as follows : —
The velocity at any point in an ellipse is less, in a para-
N
178
Central Orbits.
bola equal to, and in a hyperbola greater than, the velocity
which the body would acquire in moving to the point from
an infinitely great distance, under the action of the central
force.
171. Construction of Orbit. — The preceding equation
shows how to construct the orbit
when we are given the absolute
force, the initial velocity, position,
and direction of motion. For,
suppose P the initial position, PT
the direction of motion, and S the
centre of force ; let V= velocity of
projection, SP = P ; then —
(1) if V 2 < -jj the orbit is an ellipse whose semi-axis a
is given by the equation
a R fi
Again, draw PIT, making the angle TPH = L SPT,
then the second focus H lies on this line, and its position H
is found by taking PH = 2a - P. Consequently, as the two
foci and the axis major are known, the ellipse is completely
determined.
(2) When ^
V 2 the orbit is a parabola, which can be
easily determined by drawing &ZV perpendicular to the direc-
tion of motion at P, inflecting
ST= SP, and dropping NA per-
pendicular to ST.
The parabola described with S
for focus, and A for vertex, will
be the required orbit.
(3) When V 2 >\ the orbit is
AX
a hyperbola, whose semi-axis a is given by the equation
2_
B
Effect of a Sudden Change in Absolute Force. 179
The second focus, II, can be easily constructed, as in the
first case, but lies on the opposite side of the direction of
motion from the centre of force S.
Again, as the value of the semi-axis a is independent of
the direction of projection, we infer that if a number of
bodies be projected from a point with the same velocity, in
different directions, and be attracted by a common centre of
force, the mean distances, and consequently the periodic
times, will be the same for all the orbits.
It may be remarked that the orbit will be a circle, pro-
vided the angle SPTis right, and V 2 = ~ (compare Art. 91).
The formulae in this and the preceding Article are of
importance in the discussion of focal orbits. We add a few
elementary applications.
Examples.
1. Calculate, approximately, the periodic time of a planet if its mean dis- v^
tance from the Sun is double that of the Earth. Ans. 1033 days.
2. If a body be projected with a given Telocity about a centre of force
which varies as the inverse square of distance, find the locus of the centre of
the orbit described.
Here, since the locus of the empty focus is a circle, the locus of the centre
is also a circle.
3. In the same case, show that the length of the axis-minor varies directly
as the perpendicular drawn from the centre of force to the direction of pro-
jection.
Since r and r' are each constant, p is to p in a constant ratio ; consquently
b varies as p.
4. Show that there are two directions in which a body may be projected
from a given point A, with a given velocity V, so as to pass through another
given point B.
Since the axis-major %a is given, the position of the second focus is deter-
mined by the intersection of two circles, with A and B for centres. Hence there
are two solutions — one for each point of intersection of the circles.
5. Prove that the time of describing an arc of a parabolic orbit, bounded by
a focal chord of length c, varies as c*.
172. Effect of a Sudden Change in Absolute
Force. — A body is revolving in a focal orbit ; if when it
arrives at any position the absolute force /j. be suddenly
altered, to determine the subsequent path.
N 2
180 Central Orbits.
Let R and V represent the distance and velocity at the
instant in question, and let ft be the new value of the
absolute force, and d the semi-axis major of the new orbit ;
then, as the velocity receives no sudden or instantaneous
change, we have, by (33),
2ft n 2ft ft
R~a = -R~a" (36)
The value of a\ and consequently the position of the new
orbit, can be immediately determined from this equation.
For example, suppose the original orbit a parabola, and
the central force suddenly doubled in intensity.
Here // = 2/x, and our equation becomes
2ft = 4ft _2p
R " R a''
hence a' = R; and, consequently, the new orbit is an ellipse
having the extremity of its axis major at the point.
If the change in ft be very small, and represented by Aft,
and the corresponding change in a by £a> it is plain that we
have
*—?*■ II- 3- (37)
Hence, if the central force (or the attracting mass) be in-
creased slightly, the axis major will be diminished; also, if
the force be diminished the axis major is increased.
The corresponding change in the periodic time is readily
found; for, by (31), we have
2 log T + log ft = 2 log 2tt + 3 log a ;
2&T 3Aa Aft
hence „ = ;
1 a ft
therefore — = - -^ f— - 1 J. (38)
Again, if the centre of force be supposed suddenly trans-
ferred to a new position, the subsequent path can be readily
constructed, as in Art. 171.
Application of Method of Hodograph, 181
Examples.
1- A number of bodies are projected from a point with the same velocity, but
in different directions ; prove that the centres of their orbits are situated on the
surface of a sphere.
2. A body is describing a circle under a central force in its centre ; if the V
force be suddenly reduced to one -half, find the subsequent path of the body.
Am. a parabola.
3. In the same case, if the central force be suddenly increased in the ratio of
m : 1, find the eccentricity of the subsequent path. m - 1
Am. .
m
4. Two equal perfectly elastic particles describe the same ellipse in the same
period, in opposite directions, one about each focus ; prove that the major axis
of the orbit is a harmonic mean between those of the orbits they will describe
after impact.
This result follows immediately, since the vis viva is the same after collision
as before (see Art. 81).
5. Prove that there are two initial directions for the projection of a particle
with a given velocity, so that the axis major of its orbit may coincide in direc-
tion with a given line.
6. If, when the Earth is at an end of the minor axis of its elliptic orbit, a
meteor were to fall into the Sun, whose mass is the m th part of that of the Sun ;
find the resulting change in the Earth's mean distance, and also in the length of
the year. a 2T
Am. Aa = , At = — — - .
m m
173. Application of Method of Hodograph.— The
method of the hodrograph ("Art.
26) furnishes a simple mode of
determining the law of force
in a focal ellipse. For, since
the velocity at any point P
varies inversely as the perpen-
dicular SL, it varies directly a'
as the perpendicular .fiTVdrawn
from the second focus ; since SL x HN = b°\
Consequently the hodograph is similar to the locus of JV,
when turned through a right angle. But the semicircle de-
scrihed on the axis major as diameter passes through N, con-
sequently the hodograph is a circle.
Again, to find the law of force, let Pi denote the position
of the movable at the end of an indefinitely small time At,
/
182 Central Orbits.
and Ni the corresponding position of N ; then (Art. 26)
—— is proportional to the central attractive force.
Join the centre C to N and to Ni ; then, by an elementary-
property of the ellipse, CN is parallel to SP, and CN^ to
fifPi.
Let SP = r, lCSP=9, SL=p, fflST^p;
then lNCN x =lPSP,= A0.
.' iVi^ A0 drA
Also (by 8), _ = „_ = _.
Hence the force varies inversely as the square of the dis-
tance.
Again, since v = - = — p', we have
" V ~KT = & a * r 3 '
Consequently, if ,u represent the absolute force, i. e. the
force at unit of distance, we get
_ tfa
as in (30).
Again, since the velocity at P is proportional and per-
pendicular to jBTZV; and CN, CH are constants, it follows
that the velocity at P can be resolved into two constant velo-
cities — one perpendicular to the radius vector, the other to the axis
major. _ h
Also, since the velocity at P is represented by — HN, the
component velocity perpendicular to SP is represented by
— , and that perpendicular to the axis major by — : i.e. by
j and j e, or by /— and J~ e, respectively.
That the hodograph is a circle in this case appears also at
once from (22). For if x\ tj be the coordinates of the
Lambert's Theorem. 183
point in the hodograph which corresponds to the point xy in
the orbit, we have
x' ='x, y = y ;
hence, substituting in (22). and eliminating 6, we get for the
equation of the hodograph
(/-«)' + (//-/3y- = p
which is the equation of a circle.
We may here observe that in any case of the motion of a
particle, if we can find an equation connecting the velocities
.r, //, z of the motion, with constants, that equation may be
regarded as that of the hodograph, in which x, y, z are the
current coordinates. (See Art. 26.)
Example.
A particle moving in an ellipse under the action of a force directed to a focus
has a small velocity n y impressed on it in the direction of the focus ; find the
corresponding changes in the eccentricity, and in the position of the apse.
174. Lambert's Theorem.— In Art. 140, Int. Calc, it
has been shown that the area
of the elliptic sector PSQ is
represented by
\ab J0-0'-(sin0-sin^J), ^
where are given by the equations
. 1 rfri+r 2 +c\$ . 1 , ./n + ra-cx"
sm|f/) = | , sin | (p = j '
in which SP = r lf SQ = r 2 , and PQ = c.
Accordingly, if t represent the time of describing the arc
PQ, we have
. 2areaP/SQ fa z \ h , , ,. . ,a, , oon
t = = ( - ) {^ -
As observation shows that Kepler's third law is very
nearly exact for all the planets, we conclude that the mass of
the Sun is very great in comparison with that of any of the
planets. In fact the mass of Jupiter, which is the largest of
them, is less than a thousandth part of that of the Sun.
This conclusion will appear more clearly from the follow-
ing method of comparing the mass of the Sun with that of a
planet where the planet has a satellite : —
186 Central Orbits.
177. Comparison of Hasses of Sun and Planet. —
Let S denote the mass of the satellite, $ its distance from the
planet, t its periodic time ; then, since the satellite revolves
round the planet we have, as in last Article,
P+S fSVfT
S + P \aj \t
\a
(42)
When the calculations are made, it is found that in all
cases [ - ) f — J is a very small fraction : and hence also — .
If S be supposed very small in comparison with P, as P is
in comparison with S, we can, by (42), obtain the ratio of the
planet's mass to that of the Sun, approximately.
Again, for two planets, P and P', if the masses of the
satellites be neglected, we have
p_ _ /sy (C
v ~ \$) U
178. Mass of Sun.— When applied to the Earth and
its satellite the .Moon, the preceding formula gives a means
of comparing the mass of the Sun with that of the Earth.
Let E and 31 represent the masses of the Earth and the
Moon, r their distance, then equation (42) becomes
S + E~\a) \tj
r 1
Now, as a rough approximation, we assume - = j^q »
i. e. that the Sun's distance from us is 400 times that of the
T
Moon. Also we take — = 13*4, or that the year is, approxi-
mately, 13*4 times the periodic time of the Moon.
This gives |±|- 6 Y 7 9 °56 00 = 356 > 420 approximately.
E
Moreover, as determined by tidal calculations, M = ^ >
hence we get S _ „ fi - .„~
E
Mean Demit ij of Sun. 187
This result represents very closely the ratio of the Sim's
and Earth's mass as determined by more exact investiga-
tions.
The foregoing calculation shows the enormous mass of the
Sun in comparison with that of the Earth. In like manner
the relative masses of Jupiter, Saturn, and other planets
which have satellites can be found, approximately.
Examples.
1. Prove that the mass of Jupiter is nearly 270 times the mass of the Earth
from the following observations : — Jupiter's fourth satellite is at a mean distance \^
of 25 radii of Jupiter, and its periodic time is 16 days 18 hours; Jupiter's mean
radius is 11 times the mean radius of the Earth ; the mean distance of the Moon
is 60 radii of the Earth, and a mean lunation is 28 days.
2. Prove that the mean density of Jupiter is a little greater than that of
water, and that the mean value of g on the surface of Jupiter is about 71, taking
the mean density of the Earth as 5-67.
179. Mean Bensity of Sun.— The ratio of the mean
density of the Sun to that of the Earth can be determined, as
follows : —
From (42) we have, approximately,
■m
8
E
Again, let p, p x denote the radii of the Sun and Earth,
and o- the ratio of their mean densities; then, assuming them
spherical bodies, we have
K-gi
8
E =
'($
■<)
m
or
-m-
where a denotes the Sun's mean apparent semi-diameter, and P
the Moon's mean horizontal parallax.
188 Central Orbits.
T
If we substitute 16' for «, and 57' for P, and take — as
t
before, we get «r = 0*23, i.e. the Sun's mean density is about
one-fourth that of the Earth.
It should be observed that this result does not require a
knowledge of the Sun's distance ; and, as the constants in
(43) can be obtained with great accuracy, the ratio of the
mean densities of the Sun and Earth can be determined with
great precision.
180. Planetary Perturbations. — The previous deduc-
tions respecting the planetary motions are only approximate
for another and a more important reason, namely, that in them
we have neglected the mutual actions of the planets on each
other.
However, since the Sun's mass is very great in comparison
with that of all of the planets, their attractions on any
member of the solar system may be regarded as small
disturbing forces, and the planetary orbits as approximately
ellipses.
The usual method of treatment, accordingly, is to regard
each jolanet as moving in an ellipse, in which the elements*
are subject to very slow changes, arising from the perturba-
tions or disturbing effects of the other planets.
In this manner the problem has been discussed by
Lagrange, Laplace, and other great writers on Physical
Astronomy. We shall not enter into this discussion, as it
is beyond the limits contemplated in this treatise. There
is, however, one mode of considering the effects of a disturb-
ing force, which may be here introduced. This consists in sup-
posing the disturbing force resolved into two componentsf,
* The elements by which a planet's path is determined are — (1) its mean dis-
tance from the Sun ; (2) its eccentricity; (3) the longitude of its perihelion; (4) the
inclination of its plane to a fixed plane; (5) the angle which the intersection of
these planes makes with a fixed line ; (6) its epoch, or the instant of the planet's
being in perihelion.
f There is in general a third component, perpendicular to the plane of the
orbit. It is not proposed to consider the effects of this component here. This
method of treating the disturbing forces is discussed in a masterly and lucid
manner by Sir John Herschel, in his Outlines of Astronomy, ch. 12 and 13.
Normal Disturbing Force.
189
one along the tangent, the other along the normal to the
orbit, and in treating their effects separately.
181. Tangential Disturbing Force. — Suppose P the
position of a planet, moving in the ellipse BPA, in which S and
H are the foci ; then, since a tan-
gential disturbing force alters the
velocity, but produces no effect on
the direction of motion, it is easy
to find the corresponding changes
in the elements of the path. For
the new position, H', of the second
focus will still lie on the line PH.
Again, if v denote the velocity at P, we have, as before,
2u
When the change in v 2 , caused by the tangential disturb-
ing force, is known, the corresponding change in a can be
found ; and hence the position of H\ and consequently that
of the new axis major.
Thus if Ev be the small change in v, due to the disturbing
force, we have
2vhv = — r ;
... §a = — v$v; .-. HH'=2Sa = —vSv. (44)
fx /x
If the tangential force act in the direction of the motion,
and consequently increase the velocity, a will also be in-
creased, and the perihelion A' will consequently move
towards P.
Again, the eccentricity e will be increased when 811' is
greater than SH, i.e. when P is between the perihelion A
and the extremity of the latus-rectum drawn through H.
182. Normal Disturbing Force. — Next, if a normal
190
Central Orbits.
disturbing force act at P, inwardly, it does not alter the velo-
city, but it changes the direc-
tion of motion, through a small
angle Sep. As the velocity is
unchanged, the length of the A
semi- axis major a is unaltered, a\
while the angle SPTis altered
by the quantity §<£. Therefore
the angle RPR', between PR and the corresponding line
PR' in the new orbit, is 280 ; also PR = PR'. In this
manner the position of R' is found when the angle Btp is
known. Again, join SR', and produce it at both ends, then
the line A'R' will represent the direction of the axis major
of the new orbit.
Through R draw DD' perpendicular to SR. The points
D and D' are called the quadratures of the orbit. When P
lies between D and the perihelion A, the line AB, called the
line of apsides (see next Article), moves in the same direction
as the planet, and is said to advance. The eccentricity in-
creases at the same time. If the planet be between aphelion
B and D, the eccentricity continues to increase, and the line
of apsides recedes.
Again, in moving from A to D' , the disturbing force still
acting inwards, it is easily seen that the line of apsides
advances, and the eccentricity diminishes. Hence, in the
motion from quadrature to quadrature, through perihelion,
the apse continually advances, in the case of a normal dis-
turbing force acting inwards ; the eccentricity increases during
the first half of the motion, and diminishes during the second.
The contrary effects have place for a normal disturbing
force acting outwards.
In like manner in the motion from quadrature to quad-
rature through aphelion, the apse recedes ; the eccentricity
increases during the first half and diminishes during the
second.
183. Apsides. — A position for which the moving body
is at a maximum or a minimum distance from the centre of
force is called an apse. The corresponding distance from the
centre of force is called an apsidal distance, and the line join-
ing the centre of force to an apse is called an apsidal line.
Equation for Determination of A}) sides. 191
Since r, and consequently u, attains a maximum or a
minimum value at an apse, we have at such a point
^ =
It is easily seen that the orbit is symmetrical at both sides
of an apse, provided the force is a function of the distance
only. For, if a particle be supposed projected from a point
A in a direction perpendicular to the line OA drawn to the
centre of force, it is obvious that for the same velocity of pro-
jection we must have exactly similar paths, whether it be
projected in any given direction or in that exactly opposite.
Moreover, if the velocity were reversed at any point, the body
would proceed to describe the same orbit, but in an opposite
direction. From these considerations it follows that the
central orbit must be symmetrical at both sides of an apse,
since at that point the motion is perpendicular to the central
radius vector.
184. An Orbit can have but Two Apsidal Dis-
tances. — For, suppose A and B to be two apsides, and the
body to move from A to B ; then after passing B it will, by
the preceding Article, describe a curve similar to BA ; and
so on. Hence the apsides are constantly repeated, and the
angle between two consecutive apsidal distances is the same
for all positions of the orbit. This angle is called the apsidal
angle of the orbit. It is plain that a central orbit cannot be
a closed curve unless the apsidal angle is commensurable with
a right angle.
185. Equation for Determination of Apsides. —
Let F= fi(ji(u), then we have, by (13),
r = 2fM
W& du + o,
where the value of C is determined by the initial conditions ;
f(«)
therefore h* ( u* + I — J ) = 2fj.
du + C. (45)
192 Central Orbits.
Hence, as -^ = at an apse, the equation for determining
the apsidal distances is
h'u^zJt^du+C. (46)
If we suppose F= ftu", equation (45) becomes
\\ddj ) (n-l)
and the equation for the apsides
tfu^-^rU^ + C. (48)
n - 1
The form of the latter equation shows that it cannot have
more than two positive roots, which therefore correspond to
the two apsidal distances.
For example, let the force consist of two parts, one vary-
ing as the inverse square of the distance, the other as the
inverse cube, or
F=nu* + f i'u>, (49)
then h- ir = 2fiu + p'u* + C.
Accordingly the apsidal distances are in this case deter-
mined by a quadratic equation. If ju = 0, there is but one
apsidal distance.
186. Case of Velocity due to an Infinite Distance.
— The integration of equation (47) in a finite form is in
general impossible ; there is, however, one case in which the
equation of the orbit can be readily determined, viz., when
the velocity at any point is that acquired in moving from an
infinite distance under the action of the central force.
For we have, m this case, by (17), r = - u
B-I
therefore * + (gj.-3fa«». (50)
Case of Velocity due to an Infinite Distance. 193
Hence ~jz = u y/au n ~* - 1, writing a instead of
dO ' (n-l)h 2 '
therefore =
J u yau n ~ 3 - 1
To integrate this, let au n ~ 3 = — , then — - -
du
and we
get f-
J u
u n - 3
dz
v/W 1 " 3 -! n-Z) q
.\ + (5 = — — -o cos"^, or s = cos — — (0 + j3),
where /3 is an arbitrary constant :
hence r ~ = ij ^ cos ^-? (0 + /3). (51)
If « denote the apsidal distance, and be measured from
the apsidal line, the preceding may be written
«-3 n-3 n _ 3
r 2 = « s cos _^ 0. (52)
This is the polar equation of the orbit.
For example, when n = 2, we get the parabola
rz cos i 9 = ah.
Again, when ^ = 5, it becomes
r = a cos ;
a circle having its centre on the circumference.
o
194 Central Orbits.
For n = 7 we get the lemniscate
r = « 2 cos 20,
and so on.
Equation (52) fails when n = 3 ; in this case, however,
(50) becomes
which gives £0 = log w + const., where A- = /— - 1,
or
u = Be k o.
This is the equation of a logarithmic spiral.
187. Approximately Circular Orbits.— If the orbit
described round a centre of force be nearly a circle, its equa-
tion can be found approximately, as follows : —
Assume F= fiu 2 f(u), then equation (26) becomes
+
« = &/(«).
d6* K
If the orbit were an exact circle we should have
A dh > ft
therefore a must satisfy the equation
a = £/(«). (53)
When the orbit is approximately circular we may assume
w = #, + z, where s is always very small.
Hence ^ + a + s = ^/(« + s),
or C di 2+a + Z== tf ^ + ^^ ' '
Approximately Circular Orbits. 195
By (53) this becomes, neglecting s 2 and higher powers of s,
8-(l-£/'M) = 0;
or, substituting — - for £,
If Jx = 1 - — — , this becomes
./ («)
g + fa = 0. (54)
When k is positive, the integral of this, by Art. 109, is
Z = C COS [By/li + a),
or u = a + c cos (0 y^ + a), (55)
when c and a are arbitrary constants.
The greatest value of u is a + c ; consequently, in order
that the orbit should be approximately circular, it is necessary
that c should be very small in comparison with a.
Again, supposing c positive, the greatest value of u has
place when 9 */k + a = 0, and the least when 6 x/k + a = it ;
consequently the apsidal angle is
7T IT
or
If k be negative, i.e. if — — > 1, the integral of (54) is
of the form
z = Ae e '~ k + Be- 6 ^,
and therefore z would either increase or diminish indefinitely
02
196 Central Orbits.
with ; and accordingly the orbit cannot be approximately
circular in that case.
The value of k depends on the law of force : for example, if
the force vary inversely as the n th power of the distance, then
/(«) = „«•-*, and ^W-»-2.
Accordingly, in this case, k = 3 - n.
Hence a nearly circular orbit, having the centre of force in
the centre, is impossible for laws of force which vary inversely as
a higher power than the cube of the distance.
When n is less than 3, the angle between the apsides is
y3-n
For instance, if n = 2, the angle is tt ; this agrees with
what has been already proved, as the orbit is a focal conic in
this case.
Again, if n = - 1, the angle is \ir, as it ought to be, since
the orbit is a central ellipse.
188. Movable Orbits. — If a central orbit be made to
move in its own plane with an angular velocity propor-
tional at each instant to that of the radius vector in the orbit,
we can easily show — (1) that the new orbit is also a central
orbit ; (2) that the difference between the forces in the two
orbits varies inversely as the cube of the distance from the
centre of force. (Newton, Principia, lib. i., sect. 9.)
In a central orbit we have, in general,
(of, y\ z). (4)
Hence the velocity at any point is independent of the path
described ; and, accordingly, if different curves be drawn
joining any two points, a particle starting from one of these
points with a given velocity would arrive at the other point
with the same velocity whatever path it described ; friction
being neglected.
Two of the preceding equations (1) are sufficient for a
plane curve ; for in this case N acts in the plane of the
curve, and, by taking the axes of x and y in that plane, the
third equation will disappear.
In the case of a central force, represented by ju<£'( r )> we
have, as in Art. 131, * .
i«(*-O = M(*(r)-#(r0).
Again, as in Art. 116, it is readily seen that the pressure
on the curve in any case is the resultant of the centrifugal
force and the normal component of the external forces.
The particle will leave the curve at the point for which
the normal reaction becomes zero.
Examples.
1. A particle is constrained to move in a circle under the influence of a re-
pulsive force, acting from a point on the circumference, and varying as the ^
distance : find the pressure on the curve, the initial position being at the centre
of force, and the particle starting from a state of rest.
j£ nSt J^L } where r is the distance from the centre of force, and a the radius
% a of the circle. I
2. A particle is constrained to move in a logarithmic spiral, and is attracted
to the pole of the spiral by a force varying inversely as the square of the dis-
tance. If the particle start from rest at the distance a from the pole, find the
time of describing any portion of the curve.
208 Constrained Motion,
Let ix denote the absolute force ; then, by (5), we have
ds rr x 1
Again, if r = ce* be the equation of the spiral, we have
ds dr , -,
therefore — == / — — A
dt \ 1 + k~ \ r a
Integrating, as in Art. 140, we get for the time of motion from the distance
a to the distance r,
-J*£fi(.-j2+v^)
Also the whole time of motion to the centre is - A / — •
2 \ 2yU
It is readily seen that the problem of constrained motion in a logarithmic
spiral, under the action of any central force directed to its pole, is reducible to
free rectilinear motion under the action of a corresponding central force in the
line of motion.
3. A particle under the action of gravity moves down the inner side of a
smooth ellipse whose axis major is vertical. Being given its initial velocity,
find where it will leave the ellipse.
Taking the centre as origin, and the axis major as axis of x, the value of x
at the required point is given by the equation
2d = Zx - & -4,
where d is the height above the centre of the level line to which the velocity at
each point is due.
4. In the same question find the least velocity at the lowest point of the
ellipse in order that the particle should make a complete revolution in the curve.
Am. \/(/a (5 — e 2 ).
190. Theorem of M. Ossian Bonnet. — If masses
m, m', m", &c, respectively subject to the action of forces,
F, F\ F'\ &c, and starting all in the same direction from a
point A, with velocities t? , v ', v", &c, describe the same curve
Theorem of M. Ossian Bonnet. 209
ACB ; then the same path will also be described by the mass
M, when projected from the same point in the so;me direction,
and subject to the action of all the forces, F> F', F", &c,
provided the initial vis viva MV 2 is equal to c
mv 2 + m'i\? + m"v" % + &c,
the sum of the vires vivce of the different masses. (Bonnet,
IAouville's Journal, 1844.)
For, suppose the particle M constrained to mov^e in the
curve ACB, and let iVbe the normal reaction at any point ;
then, if the components of F, parallel to a rectangular system
of axes, be respectively represented by X, F, Z, those of F\
by X\ Y\ Z\ &c. ; from (1), we have
M-£ = X + X' + X" + &c. + i^cos a.
dt~
M^ 2 = Y + Y' + Y" + &e. + iV^cos j3,
M^ = Z + Z' + Z" + &o. + i^cos 7 ,
at"
and, as in (2), we have
d(MV 2 ) = 2dx2X + 2dy^Y+2dz^Z.
But if v, v\ v'\ &c, be the velocities in the partial movements
of m, m', m\ &c, at the same point,
d(mv 2 ) = 2 (Xdx + Ydy + Zdz),
&c, &c, &c.
Hence d (MV 2 ) = d (mv 2 + mv n + m'v" z + &c.) ;
therefore MV" = 2(m# 2 ) + constant,
or M V 2 = 2w# 2 , from our hypothesis.
It is now easy to prove that the normal pressure iV is zero
at each point, and consequently that M would describe the
curve ACB freely, under the combined action of all the
forces.
p
210 Constrained Motion.
For the force N is equal and opposite to the resultant of
MV 2
the centrifugal force, , and the several normal compo-
nents of the forces, F, F\ F" , &c.
Again = — + + + &c. ; (o)
P P P P
but — , - — , &c.j are respectively equal and opposite to the
P - P
normal components of F, F\ F" 9 &c, because m, m\ &c,
describe the path A CB freely.
Hence there is equilibrium between the centrifugal force
MV 2
and the total normal component of F, F\ F r \ &c. ; and
P
consequently N = 0.
In general, if the initial velocity of M do not satisfy the
equation MV 2 = ^nv 2 , the normal pressure on the path ACB
mil vary directly as the curvature. For, from the preceding
analysis,
jsr= = . (6)
p p
Also, if one of the forces (F f suppose) be changed into
its opposite, it is readily seen that the preceding theorem still
holds, provided we change the sign of the corresponding term
(mV 2 ) in the expression S(m© 2 ).
Examples.
1 . A particle constrained to move in an ellipse is acted on by an attractive
force directed to one focus, and a repulsive force from the other, whose intensi-
ties vary as the inverse square of the distance : if the absolute intensities of the
forces be equal, find the pressure on the ellipse at any point during the motion.
2. Hence show that a particle placed at equal distances from two such centres
of force will describe a semi-ellipse, under their joint action.
3. A particle moves under the attraction of two forces directed to the fixed
points A and B, each varying according to the law of nature, and a third force,
varying directly as the distance, directed to C, the middle point of AB ; show
that the particle can be projected from any point so as to describe an ellipse
having A and B as its foci. Lagrange, Mec. Anal., t. 2, § 83.
Ans. The initial velocity v is given by the equation
t'o 2 = —z + -j, + /* J J >
Motion on a Fixed Surface. 211
where /x, /x', ll" denote the ahsolute forces for the centres A,B, C, respectively ;
/,/' the initial distances from A and B ; and a the semiaxis major of the ellipse.
The initial direction of motion must bisect the external angle formed by the
lines joining A and B to the point of projection.
4. In the same case, if the particle he constrained to move in the ellipse,
find the reaction R at any point during the motion.
Am. Rp = m (~- -f ^- + n"ff - tv j ,
where p is the radius of curvature at the point.
5. If a material particle, moving freely under the action of gravity, he dis-
turbed by the action of a central force varying inversely as the square of the
distance ; determine the circumstances of its projection from a given point, in
order that it may describe a parabola in a vertical plane having its focus at the
centre of force.
191. Motion on a Fixed Surface. — If a particle be
constrained to move on a smooth surface, the general equa-
tions of motion are plainly, as in (1),
d 2 x _ „ (Pu _ , T _. d 2 z _ __
w— = X+Jy cos a, m — = F + iV cosp, m — = Z + N cos y,
C(l~ CIL 1(0
where a, /3, y ar © the direction angles of the normal to the
surface.
It is obvious that in this case also the velocity at any
point is determined by the equation
j>mv 2 = J [Xdx + Ydy + Zdz) + const. (7)
If gravity be the sole acting force, and the axis of z be
taken in the vertical direction, our equations may be written
d ~x d^u d~z
— r ^i^cosa, -j~ = Ncos(3, — = Ncosy - g. (8)
c(t" (it" (It
When the surface is one of revolution round a vertical
axis, the normal at each point intersects that axis ; and if n
denote its length, we have
x „ II
cos a = - , cos p = - •
n n
Hence the two former equations give
dhj d'x .
P 2
212 Constrain ed Mo tion .
or, on integration,
dy dx
where c is a constant.
This equation shows that the point of projection on a
horizontal plane describes equal areas in equal times round
the point in which the axis of revolution meets the plane.
192. Motion on a Spherical Surface.— We shall
apply what precedes to the motion of a particle under the
action of gravity on a smooth sphere. This contains the
general question of the motion of a simple pendulum, and is
called the problem of the spherical pendulum. Taking the
centre as origin, and the positive direction of the axis of z
downwards, the equation of the sphere is
x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = a 2 ,
where a is the radius.
Also the general equations of motion may be written
x=N-, y = N-, z = N- + g,
a a a
adopting Newton's notation (Art. 23).
From the first two equations we get, as before,
xij -yx = c. (9)
Also, as in (7),
x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = V,?+2g(z-a),
where V represents the velocity corresponding to z = a.
Again, differentiating the equation of the sphere,
xx + yij + zz = 0, or xx + yy = - zz.
If this be squared and added to (9), when also squared,
we get
{x 2 + y 2 ) (x 2 + y 2 ) =c 2 + z 2 z 2 .
Motion on a Spherical Surface. 213
Hence (a 2 - z 2 ) { V 2 + 2g {z - a) - z 2 j = c 2 + z 2 z 2 ,
or a 2 z 2 = (a 2 - z 2 ) { V 2 + 2g(z-a))- c\ (10)
The subsequent investigation is simplified by supposing V to
correspond to the lowest point in the path of the particle ; for,
since the motion at that point is horizontal, we have z =
when z = a, and consequently
c 2 = {a 2 -a 2 )Vo 2 = 2gh{a 2 -a 2 ),
if h be the height to which the velocity V is due.
Substituting this value for c 2 in (10), we get
//
a 2 z 2 = 2g{a-z)\z 2 + h(z + a)-a 2 }.
Again, the expression z 2 + h (z + a) - a 2 may be written
(z-f5){z + y), where
a 2 -fi 2 a 2 + afi
h m __ and y . __. (11)
Accordingly
therefore a'z = a — = - s /2g{a - z) (z - [5) {z + y). (12)
a v
The negative sign must be taken since % diminishes with t,
which is reckoned from the instant the particle is in its
lowest position.
Also, when s=(3we have z = 0, and the motion is again
horizontal. It is readily seen that during the motion z must
lie between the limits a and /3 ; and consequently the path
of the particle is a tortuous curve lying between two horizon-
tal lesser circles on the sphere ; we accordingly may assume
z = a cos 2 <£ + (3 sm 2 (j), (13)
and, substituting in (12), get
2a -j~ = */2g (a cos"^ + j3 sin'^ + y),
ao
214 Constrained Motion.
Hence, since t = when a|3+a 2 )J o
V^(« 2 + 2a/3+a 2 )J o ^/i _/^ s in 2
a 2 - a 2
It may be observed that when a = ]3, we have A = — ~ — ,
and the question reduces to that of the conical pendulum,
already considered in Art. 112.
Next let \p be the angle that the vertical plane, passing
through the centre and the position of the particle at any
instant, makes with the plane of z%, then y = x tan \p ; and
consequently
dl J „ dx ^ d (V\_ ^_ 2 ., dx P
c = x-tt - y— = a? 2 — - =# 2 sec 2 i/> ,
dt J dt dt\x r dt
« + /)f-(^--D«. (15)
Also c =yw^?)= h^-aw-m . (16)
\ a + p
a W~*
\ a
/3
'^> . _ ^ •(... ) (,. i3 )(, + 7 , «,
and the angle / is represented by an elliptic function of the
third species, thus
{a 2 - a 2 )(a 2 - /3 2 ) f -JL
*-%/ ^ 1 (a
5 2 )v/(a-s)(s-/3)(i3 + 7)
(17)
Small Oscillations. 215
In the projection of the path on the horizontal plane
through the centre, the greatest and least distances from the
centre correspond to the greatest and least values of s, i. e. to
z = a and z = /3. These are called the apsidal distances, and
the corresponding angle, the apsidal angle of the path. If ¥
be the apsidal angle its value is represented by the integral
dz
| (*-«»)(*-P') p « z (18)
193. Small Oscillations.— If the particle make a small
oscillatory motion round the lowest point, we may, as a first
approximation, make a = a, j3 = a in (14). This gives
7v = 0, and*=tf> /?. (19)
Next, if z = a cos 0, a = a cos O , j3 = « cos 0i, the equa-
tion
z = a cos 2 <£ + /3 sin 2
gives 2 = o 2 cos 2 <£ + 1 2 sin 2 <£, neglecting powers of 0, O , t
beyond the second.
Also (16) gives in this case
\}a
.-. by (15), we have
dt = '' 2 \a 0o 2 oos 8 + 0i 8 sinV\a
Consequently, by (19),
# _ 0Q0i
<:/<£ O 2 cos 2 <£ + 0i 2 smV
Hence, by integration,
. 0i.
tan \p = 7j- tan 0,
"o
216 Constrained Motion.
sin \L 0, sin (v) , the equation of motion becomes
where Fis the external force acting along the right line.
It is usual to assume, with Newton, that (p (r) = ^v 2 ,
where ju is a constant depending on the density of the me-
dium and on the area (8) of the greatest section of the body
taken perpendicular to the direction of motion.
Hence we get
do
m Tt
= F-fiv\
If we suppose
F constant,
and make
F
= nV\
we get
dv
m— =
dt
M (F 3 -^;
(1)
(2)
If the initial velocity be less than V, it is obvious that the
velocity increases so long as it is less than V : this gives V
220 Constrained Motion.
as the limit to which the velocity approaches. For this rea-
son V is called the terminal velocity of the body.
Also, since 1 1(1 1 )
V 2 -v z 2V\ V+v V-vY
the preceding equation gives
, mV, fV+v\ ._.
t= W l0 %(v^v)' ^
No constant is added since we suppose t reckoned from
the position of rest.
Equation (3) shows that, while v increases with t, yet
when v = V we should have t = oo . Accordingly the body
requires an infinite time before arriving at its terminal ve-
locity.
195. Vertical Motion. — One of the most important cases
is that of a body falling vertically in a resisting medium.
In this case F = mg, and equation (3) becomes
(4)
~TT . .. lot
This gives
Hence
Again, since
we get
when x is measured from the position of rest.
I'
V+v
r-v"
2yt
V
V
at gt
e v - e v
ft _ st ~
e v + e' v
dx
v = Tt>
Ranh
gt
V
X
= 7 l0 < 2
gt
z >
Vertical Motion. 221
This may be written in the form
x - — log cosh — (6)
Again we may write /ul = AS, where A is a constant de-
pending on the density of the medium.
Hence from (1) we get
£-J
-£-, (7)
AS' K }
where W denotes the weight of the body.
This shows that, W remaining the same, the value of V
can be increased by diminishing the area of the transverse
section.
In the case of a homogeneous sphere of radius r, we have
W= iirr^p, where;; is the weight of a unit of volume; also
S = wr* ; therefore
4pr
SA
I
Hence we see that for spheres of the same density that of the
greater radius has the greater terminal velocity, and we can
readily compare the vertical motions of different spheres in
the same resisting medium.
Next, for a body projected vertically upwards in a resist-
ing medium the equation of motion is
V 2 civ
whence at =
Accordingly, if V be the initial velocity, we find
t = — tan -1 -77 - tan l —
g\ V V
222 Constrained Motion.
From this equation the velocity at any instant can be de-
termined.
Also, since v = at the highest point, the time of ascent
to that point is represented by — tan -1 — .
V 2 vdv
Again dx = ~Y^TV 2 '
Hence, if x be measured upwards from the point of projec-
tion, we have
_ F% Fo 2 + V 2
X ~2g g v* + V 2 '
If h be the height of ascent, we get
^Yg^K—V 2 -)- (8)
If the time t be reckoned from the instant at which the '
body is at its highest point, we have
*=Ftan^. (9)
The downward motion is given by the former investigation.
Examples. 223
Examples.
1. Find a vertical curve such that the time of describing any arc, measured
from a fixed point, shall he equal to that of describing the chord of the arc.
Taking the origin at the fixed point, the time down a chord r, whose incli-
nation to the vertical is 0, as in Art. 46, is
J:
•lr
g cos0
Also the time of descending: the arc is
V2g
where O is the value of when r = 0.
Hence, since the times are the same for all chords, we get, by differentiation,
dr
r sm + cos —
(19
cos 9
J~£)
1 dr
This gives - — = cot 26 ;
° r tf0
hence we get r 2 = a 2 sin 20,
where a is a constant. Accordingly the curve is a Lemniscate.
2. Investigate the corresponding problem when the acting force is propor-
tional to the distance from a fixed point.
Let A be the position of the fixed point, the point of departure of the par-
ticle, P its position at any instant, 6 — L POA, OA = a ; then we find, without
difficulty, that the time h, of describing OP, when the absolute force is taken as
unity, is given by
. , r — a cos 9 ir
h = sm- 1 — + - •
a cos 9 2
Also the time of describing the arc OP is
2
*2 = J
Hence, since t\ = h, we have
W-®
V2ar cos
tf0.
i = d I . ,r-acos9\ 9 (dry
224 Rectilinear Motion in a Resisting Medium.
therefore (- r tan 9
-J**©'
from which we get r 2 = a 2 sin 20. This represents a lemniscate also, as in the
previous question.
3. If the motion of a conical pendulum be slightly disturbed, prove that the
period of a vibration is —=■ /-, and the corresponding apsidal angle
a
it , where b is the distance from the centre to the plane of the conical
Vtf 3 + Zb 2 r
pendulum.
4. A particle is projected from a given point in a horizontal direction along
the surface of a smooth sphere ; find the velocity of projection in order that the
particle should rise to a given height on the surface before commencing to
descend.
5. A particle is constrained to move in a smooth circle, under the action of a
central force which varies directly as the distance. If the time of describing
any arc be constant, prove that its chord envelops a circle.
Townsend, Eduo. Times, 1875.
6. If a particle describe a curve freely under the combined action of the
forces F, F', &c, where F, F\ &c, act along r, r', &c, prove that the
equation
must be satisfied at every point of the curve, where
This theorem plainly contains as a particular case that given in Art. 190.
Examples. 225
7. Apply the preceding to the case of a conic described under the action of
forces, F, F', directed to its foci.
TT A* » A 4 '
Here $=-?> 7 = 7 ;
r- r -
therefore — — ( Fr 2 ) dr + -~ — IF' / 2 ) dr = ,
r 2 f/r r* dr
or, since rfr + dr' = 0,
-4 £(Ft*) = 4/r (^"2).
r 2 ^/- r 2 dr '
This is satisfied by the equations
^^ (i? ' ; ' 2)=/l(r)+/2( ^-" ) '
^/^-.(F'r' 2 )=Mr')+ma-r'),
where /1 and /a are both arbitrary functions.
If we assign the same form (/) to /1 and / 2 , we obtain as a particular
solution
F =^-Sr 2 {f{r) +f(2a - r)} dr, &e.
If any particular form be assigned to/, a corresponding form of F y as also
of F', will result.
8. As an example of the preceding, show that a particle can be made to de-
scribe an ellipse freely under the action of forces,
A 4 , A 4 '
Ar + ~, Ar + — ,
r- r -
directed to its foci.
The student is referred to Professor Curtis' Paper for additional applications.
9. A spherical particle moves within a smooth rectilinear tube, which re-
volves about one extremity with a uniform angular velocity in a horizontal
plane ; find the motion of the particle.
Let w be the angular velocity of the tube, and r the distance of the particle,
at any time t, from the fixed extremity of the tube ; then, since the force acting
on the particle is always perpendicular to r, we have (Art. 28),
d-r I
lc-- r \
d0\ 2 n d-r
— 1 = 0, or -rw- <»' r = °-
dt ) ' df-
226 Rectilinear Motion in a Resisting Medium.
dr
Hence r = ce^ { + c'e-^K If r = a, and — = b, when £ = 0, we get
2wr = (aa> + b) c"* + (ctca - b) e-"*.
10. Consider the same prohlem if the tuhe he supposed to revolve uniformly
in a vertical plane.
Here, if the time he reckoned from the instant that the tuhe was horizontal,
the equation of motion is
— - - dP-r = - g sin at.
air
The integral of this is
r = Ce^t + CV W < + -/-z sin at,
and the constants can he determined from the initial conditions.
11. Two spheres of the same diameter, hut of different weights, fall freely
in air ; find the ratio of the maximum velocities they will attain, stating clearly
what assumptions you make. Lond. Univ., 1881.
12. Explain what is meant hy the terminal velocity of a hody in a resisting
medium.
If the resistance vary as the square of the velocity and the hody move in a
vertical line, prove that at the time t, reckoned from the instant at which the
hody is at its highest position, its depth x helow this position is given hy
rhen ascending, and by
co*. gt
x = — log sec — ,
x — — log cosh — ,
when descending ; u> denoting the terminal velocity in the medium.
Lond. Univ., 1883.
13. If a hody be projected vertically upwards in a resisting medium with its
terminal velocity for the medium, determine the height of its ascent, and the
time of reaching the highest point.
Prove that, if an engine can pull a train of W tons at a velocity V on the
level, against resistances varying as the square of the velocity, the engine exert-
ing a constant pull of P tons : then up an incline o to the horizon the maximum
velocity will fall to FV(1 - W sin a I P), and that down the incline without
steam the terminal velocity is FV( JFsina / P).
Prove that, if on a long railway journey, performed with average velocity V,
the actual velocity v varies from its mean value by a periodic function of the
time, say v = V+ Usinnt, the average horse-power and consumption of fuel is
to that required to take the train with uniform velocity V as
1 + | Z7 2 / V°- : 1.
Lond. Univ., 1887.
( 227 )
CHAPTER IX.
THE GENERAL DYNAMICAL PRINCIPLES.
196. D'Alembert's Principle. — If a system of mate-
rial points connected together in any way, and subject to any
constraints, be in motion under the influence of any forces,
each point of the system has at any instant a certain accele-
ration. If now to each point an acceleration were applied
equal and opposite to its actual acceleration, the velocities of
all the points of the system would become constant — in other
words, each point would move as if free and unacted on by
any force whatever ; that is, the applied accelerations, the
external forces, and the constraints and mutual or internal
forces of the system, would equilibrate each other.
Stated in algebraical language, the principle which is
given above may be enunciated as follows : — If the coordi-
nates of any particle m of a material system be a?, //, z, and
the external forces there applied X, Y, Z; the system of
forces,
d 2 x x d~y, d 2 z,
Xl " Wl ^' Y '~ nh -dF> Zl - mi ~df>
d 2 x 2 d 2 y 2 d 2 z %
x *- nh HF> Y *- ,)h liF> ^->^> &c ->
acting at the points %it/iZ u x 2 y 2 z : , &c, will be in equili-
brium, in virtue of the constraints and mutual reactions of
the system.
d 2 x d 2 t/ (Pz
The force whose components are - m — , - m ,
1 dt? 9 dt
2>
m
d
is called the force of inertia of the mass m, and D'Alembert's
Principle (as stated in Article 71) simply expresses that —
The applied forces and the forces of inertia in any system are
in equilibrium.
q2
228 The General Dynamical Principles.
In applying D'Alembert's Principle, we may, as in Statics,
consider the constraints of the system either as geometrical
conditions, or else substitute for them unknown forces. In
the algebraical statement just given, the former plan has
been adopted ; but if we choose to adopt the latter, we have
merely to make X, Y, Z, &c, include not only the applied
forces, but also the stresses arising from the constraints.
If the Statical Principle of Yirtual Yelocities be employed,
we have for D'Alembert's Principle the concise mode of
expression given by Lagrange in his Mecanique Analytique,
viz. : —
s j(x-.g)fc + (p:-«S)*r + ^-S)fcJ-o. (1)
This equation may also be written
Sw [xlx + j/By + zBz) = S {XSx + YSy + Z$z), (2)
a form which is often more convenient than (1).
If the forces X, Y, Z, &c, constitute a conservative
system, Art. 124, we may write
2(X&-+ YSy + ZSz) =SY,
and (2) becomes in this case
Sw2 (£& + ydy + zh) = SY. (3)
197. D'Alembert's Principle for Impulses. — As
has been stated already in Article 66, an Impulsive or In-
stantaneous Force is a force which produces a finite change
of velocity in a time so short that in it no sensible change
of velocity is produced by the action of the forces which are
not impulsive. If the constraints and connections of a system
be regarded as giving rise to forces, these forces may be im-
pulsive or not, according to the nature of the constraint. For
example, a blow given to a body which is resting on an im-
movable surface produces an impulsive reaction, provided the
blow is not tangential to the surface ; but a sudden jerk to a
body attached to the end of an extensible elastic string pro-
duces no impulsive reaction. It is important to observe that
D'AIembert's Principle for Impulses. 229
each point of the system may be regarded as occupying the
same position in space at the end as at the beginning of the
time during which the impulsive forces have acted. In other
words, the velocities of the various points may change by a
finite amount, but the positions can only change by an infi-
nitely small amount during the time under consideration.
If u, v', w be the components of the velocity of any
point, whose coordinates are a?, y, s, before the action of the
impulsive forces; and u, v, w the corresponding velocities
after their action ; and X, F, Z be the components of the im-
pulse which has acted at this point, D'AIembert's Principle
as applied to impulsive forces may be expressed in the form —
Sm ( [u - u') Sx + [v - v') hj + (w - w) Ss) = 2 [XBx + Ydy + ZSz).
(4)
The truth of the Principle in the present case can be
established by reasoning similar to that employed in the
preceding Article.
It may also be derived from the Principle applied to
continuous forces, by considering the impulsive forces as
continuous forces of great magnitude acting for a very short
time. In fact, if we multiply >the equation
-S)a. + .(r-^^ + (*-«S)*|-°
by dt 9 and integrate between the limits t and f; if the interval
t-t'he sufficiently short, the system has not sensibly altered
its position, and therefore Sa>, &c, are the same at the end of
the time as at the beginning, and we have
V
(dx _ fdx\\]
_jt
Xdt - m \Tt-{jt njfc+M-o-
Now, if X be the component of a continuous force, ^ Xdt
is insensible ; and if Xbe the component of an impulsive force,
it
Xdt is the component of the impulse along the axis of x,
230 The General Dynamical Principles.
which may be denoted by X ; hence, as
dx fdxY ,
we immediately obtain equation (4).
198. Initial Motion. — If a system start from rest
under the action of given impulses, equation (4), Art. 197,
becomes
2w {uSx + v$y + wdz) = 2 (XSx + Tdy + Zdz), (5)
where u, v, w are the components of the initial velocity of the
point xyz. Now as Bx, Sy, $z are any arbitrary displacements
of this point, consistent with the conditions of the system, we
may, if the equations of condition do not involve the time
explicitly, substitute for 8x, Sy, §z the actual displacements of
the point (see Art. 200). Hence, as actual displacements
when divided by the element of time become velocities, we
may substitute for Bx, By, Bz the components u' , v', w', of the
velocity of xyz in any actual motion of the system. Thus we
obtain
2m {uu + vv + ww) = S (Xu' + Yv' + Zw'). (6)
Examples.
1. If the same system be set in motion successively by two different im-
pulses applied at the same point, each impulse is proportional to the velocity in
the direction of the other which it imparts to its point of application.
Let these velocities be q and jt/, and let X, Y, Z; X', Y', Z' be the compo-
nents of the impulses P arid Q, and u, v, w ; u', v', w' the components of the
initial velocities of the point of application, then,
Xu' + Yv' + Zw' = ~Zm{uu + vv' + ww) = X'u + Y'v + Z'w ;
but Fp = Xu' + Yv' + Zw', and Qq = X'u + Y'v + Z'w,
whence P : Q::g : p'.
2. In any system at rest, if we suppose an impulse P applied at a point A,
and an impulse P' applied at a point B ; prove that
P: P' = v :v\
where v is the component, in the direction of P', of the velocity of the point B
due to the impulse P ; and v' is the similar component of velocity of the
point A.
Energy of Initial Motion. 231
199. Energy of Initial Motion.— If T be the initial
kinetic energy of a system set in motion by given impulses,
by substituting u, v, w for &r, hj, $z (in 5) we obtain
2T = Sw O 2 + v 2 + w 2 ) = 2 (Xu + Yd + Zw). (7)
BertramVs Theorem* — If a system start from rest under
the action of given impulses, every additional constraint
diminishes the initial kinetic energy.
Let ii ', v\ w be the initial velocities of the point xyz under
the action of the given impulses when the additional con-
straints are imposed ; and u, v, w the initial velocities when
the system is free from these constraints, then, u'dt, v'dt, w'dt
are possible displacements in the unconstrained as well as in
the constrained system. Hence, substituting u', v, w for
&r, $y, cz in equation (5) we obtain
2w (uu + vv + ww') = 2 (Xu' + Yd' + Zw').
But, by (7), 2w (u'°~ + v' 2 + w' 2 ) = 2 [Xu* + Yv' + Zw) ;
thus we have
Sm { (u - it)" + (v - v'y ■¥ (to - w'Y\ = "2m (u 2 + v 2 + iv 2 )
- 22w (uu' + vv' + ww') + "2m (it 2 + v' 2 + w 2 )
= 2T- 4T' + 2T' = 2T- 2T'. (8)
Hence, we see that the energy of the unconstrained
exceeds that of the constrained motion by the energy of the
motion which must be combined with either to produce the
other.
Thomson's Theorem. f — If impulses are applied only at
points where the velocities are prescribed, additional con-
straints increase the initial kinetic energy.
Here, when additional constraints are imposed, the im-
pulses are supposed to be altered in such a manner as still
to produce the prescribed velocities in the assigned points ;
then, u', v\ w being, as before, the velocities belonging to the
constrained motion, we have, since in the present case the
* Liouville, tome septieme (1842), p. 165.
t Proceedings of Royal Society of Edinburgh, April, 1863.
232 The General Dynamical Principles.
velocity of every point at which an impulse acts is sup-
posed to remain unaltered,
S {Xu' + IV + Ziv) = S [Xu +Yv+ Zw) = 2T.
Hence by (6) we obtain
Sm { [ii - uf + {v f - vf + (to' - ivf } =2T'-2T, (9)
and therefore T exceeds T by the energy of the additional
motion.
Examples.
1. A system is set in motion by an impulse which is measured by the
momentum of a mass of 60 lbs. moving with a velocity of 24 feet per second.
The impulse imparts to its point of application a velocity of 8 feet per second in
a direction inclined to that of the impulse at an angle of 60°. Find in foot
pounds the initial kinetic energy of the system. Ans. 90.
2. If the initial velocities of certain points of a system be given, prove that
its initial kinetic energy is least when tbe system is set in motion by impulses
passing through these points.
200. Equation of Vis Viva.— A first integral of the
equations of motion can very frequently be obtained directly
from D'Alembert's Principle, as follows : —
where &r, hj, Bz, &c. are arbitrary displacements consistent
with the conditions of the system. If the equations of con-
dition do not contain the time explicitly, dx (the actual
movement of the point along the axis of x during an infinitely
short time) is always a value which may be legitimately
assigned to Sa? ; for the fact that it is an actual displacement
shows that it is consistent with the equations of condition,
and therefore possible, provided these equations do not alter
with the time ; that is, do not contain the time explicitly. If
they contain the time explicitly, dx is not in general a
possible value of &e. In fact, IT = being an equation of
condition, if U is a function of the coordinates simply, &r
and dx must satisfy the same equation, viz.,
dx dy
Equation of Vis Viva. 233
If, however, TJ contains t explicitly, $x has to satisfy the
equation
4?&e + &o. = 0,
ax
where t is treated as constant; but dx has to satisfy the
equation
-7- dx + &c. + — - at = 0.
dx at
This is so, because dx is the interval between two successive
positions of a point, at consecutive instants of time ; whereas
he is the interval between two simultaneous infinitely near
possible positions of the point.
In the great majority of problems dx is a possible value
of Sx ; and the same holds for the other displacements.
Assuming then that the transformation is legitimate, let us
assign to Sx, 8y, &c. the values dx, dp, &c. ; D'Alembert's
equation becomes then
2ra (~ dx + ^ 2 = OC. o) ; hence — = -— . — — (Thomson a.xdTait).
«2 AB CO -
10. A bar AB moves in one plane with given angular velocity rounds,
while at B it is freely jointed to another bar BC, whose extremity Cis con-
strained to move along a fixed straight groove passing through A ; find the
velocity of C in any position.
Examples.
265
Draw a perpendicular to AC at C, and let it meet AB in ; then is the
instantaneous centre of rotation of BC. If v he the velocity of C, and w the
t9C
angular velocity of AB, v = AB . — . a> = AP. w, where ^P is drawn at right
OB
angles to AC to meet PC in P. For the further discussion of this question the
reader is referred to Minchin, Uniplanar Kinematics, p. 47, or Goodeve,
Elements of Mechanism, Chap. i. The arrangement of machinery mentioned in
this example is called the crank and connecting rod.
11. A har moves in a horizontal plane with uniform angular velocity round
one extremity. To the other extremity a horizontal circle is attached. If the
circle he regarded as rotating round its centre, what additional motion must it be
considered to have ?
A velocity of translation at right angles to the har, and equal to aw, where a
is the distance of the centre of the circle from the fixed end of the har, and co the
angular velocity.
12. If two definite points of a plane figure are constrained to move along
two straight lines in its plane, which are fixed in space, the space centrode and
the body centrode are circles, the former being double the latter {Differential
Calculus, Art. 295).
13. In Peaucellier's arrangement find the relation between the velocity of
the point describing the straight line and that of one of the adjacent corners of
the parallelogram.
M. Peaucellier, in 1864, first succeeded in transforming circular into recti-
linear motion by the following arrangement : — A and B are fixed points ; AP
and AQ are two equal bars which can turn freely round A ; BR is another bar
turning freely round P, and equal in length 'to AB ; QRPX is a jointed
parallelogram composed of four equal bars turning freely round their points of
intersection. If a motion be imparted to the system, the points P, Q, P describe
circles. That the point X describes a straight line may be shown as follows : —
In any position of the system, since L PRX = L QRX, and L PEA = L QRA,
XR and RA are in one straight line ; then XPR being an isosceles triangle, and
PA a line drawn from the vertex to the base, AR . AX = AP*-RP 2 = const. ;
wherefore X describes a curve which is the inverse, with respect to A as origin,
266 Kinematics of Rigid Body Moving Parallel to Fixed Plane.
of that described by\R. Now the point R describes a circle which passes through
A ; hence X describes a straight line, perpendicular to AB at the point 8, where
AS.AD = AP* - RPK
We proceed to find the relation between the velocities of P and X. Draw
XO at right angles to SX ; then is the instantaneous centre of rotation of the
bar PX.
Let AP = a, PX = b, BR (in former figure) = c ; then « being the angular
velocity of AP, a' that of PX, and v the velocity of X ; we have, since is the
instantaneous centre,
v = OX . «', and OP . io' = AP . w ;
therefore
= °*.AP.
OP
AT. w.
ur
Again, if
PAT=B, PTA = cp, we have AT = a sin 6 (cot 6 + cot ) o>,
where (p is given by the equation
a cos 6 + b cos
2c
14. A plane area is moving in its own plane ; determine the accelerations of
any point in it parallel to the tangent and the normal to the space centrode at
the instantaneous centre of rotation.
Let xo, yo be the coordinates of a point fixed in the lamina, |, 77 those of
any point in it referred to xo, yo as origin, and to axes parallel to those of x, y ;
then
d£ drj
It
w being the angular velocity of the body ; whence
dx dxo
■ Tt = *°>
dt dt
-7JW,
dy dy
dT = -dT + ^
Examples. 267
d-x d 2 %o o du>
d 2 y d 2 y dot
— = A t — CD" 7).
Call the centrode fixed in space C, that fixed in the body, r. The velocity
of the point of the body which coincides at any instant with the instantaneous
centre of rotation is zero. At the next instant the instantaneous centre of rota-
tion has moved to the consecutive position on each of the curves C and r. At
the end of this instant Ohas a velocity in the normal to C equal to FIco, where I, T
are consecutive positions of the instantaneous centre on the tangent to C. Hence
the acceleration of along the tangent to C is zero, and along the normal to C
is w 2 * if we pu t /' /= dff, and w = — . Xow if p and p be the radii of cur-
dO dt
1 l l -. • -i a 4. dd 1
vature of C and I\ and, if we put = -, it is easily seen that — = -.
p p jk aa it
Hence, if xqi/q coincide with 0, and we take as axes the tangent and normal
to C, we have
d 2 x
dt 2 =
— co'-
1
doi
~d7 v
d 2 y
dt 2
oP~R
+
dca
~di*~
0T7J.
15. Determine the points of the body which have at any instant (I) no
acceleration parallel to the tangent to C at the instantaneous centre of rotation ;
(2) no acceleration parallel to the normal.
These points consist of two straight lines in the body at right angles to each
other, the first of which passes through the instantaneous centre of rotation.
16. Determine at any instant the position of the point in the body having
no acceleration.
It is the intersection of the two lines mentioned in the last example.
If a be the angle which the line of non-tangential acceleration (Ex. 15)
makes with the axis of x, the coordinates of this point may be expressed in the
form
| = R sin a cos a, 77 = R sin 2 a.
These expressions readily follow from the equations of Ex. 14. This point is
called the acceleration-centre.
17. The acceleration of any point of the body is the same as if the body were
turning round the acceleration-centre as an absolutely fixed point.
18. All points of the body which have a common acceleration lie on a circle
having the acceleration-centre as centre.
19. Find the points of the body for which the acceleration normal to the
path described by the point is zero.
Take the centre of rotation as origin of £77 ; any point is describing a circle
round it ; hence the line joining the origin to £tj is the normal to the path of
268 Kinematics of Rigid Body Moving Parallel to Fixed Plane,
the latter; and if N be the normal acceleration, and r the distance from the in-
stantaneous centre of rotation,
'-H-^-ff') + r(-" + ?«-")-
£ 2 + 7T 7?
•r f- - a/ it.
r r
Hence, at any instant, the points for which N = lie on the circle
e + t = R-n-
This circle passes through the instantaneous centre of rotation, touches the
curve C, and has a radius = Ji?. For the reason stated in Ex. 21 it is called
the circle of inflexions. — Differential Calculus, Art. 290.
20. Determine the points of the system for which the acceleration along the
path is zero.
They lie on a circle whose equation, referred to the centre of rotation as
origin, is
and which passes through the instantaneous centre of rotation and cuts the
curve C orthogonally.
The theorems of the last two examples are due to Bresse {Journal de Vecole
poly technique, t. xx.).
21. Determine at any instant the points of the body which are passing over
points of inflexion on their respective paths.
v 2 .
They are the points having no normal acceleration (Ex. 19) ; for, as is
then zero, and v not zero, p must he infinite.
22. Determine the coordinates of the acceleration centre referred — (1) to axes
fixed in space ; (2) to axes fixed in the body (see Article 223).
Let x\, y\, |i, t?i be the coordinates in question, then, %' , y' being the space-
coordinates of the point of intersection of the body-axes, we have
{co 2 + co 4 } [x\ — x') = - co y' + oj 2 x',
{or + co 4 } (yi —y') = obx' + co 2 y,
{or + co 4 } |i = co (if sin i// - y* cos ij/) + a 2 (x" cos if/ -f y' snuj/),
{c6 2 + co 4 } ?ji = ci (if cos -if + y sin \p) — co 2 (x sin \p - y cos \p).
Section II. — Kinetics. — Constrained Motion.
227. Special Cases of Motion. Degrees of
Freedom. — In order to transform the general equations of
motion in such a way as to be of use in particular problems,
it is necessary to know something of the special conditions of
the problem which it is required to solve.
We have seen in Article 214 that six conditions are re-
quired to fix the position of a rigid body, and we have found
Kinetics, Constrained Motion. 269
accordingly six equations of motion for a body perfectly free.
Such a body is said to have six degrees of freedom (Art. 215).
We have obtained the equations for this case in their most
general form (Art. 204), but we shall now adopt the reverse
method of procedure, and consider the special equations to be
employed for a body having one degree of freedom.
228. One Degree of Freedom. — A body is said to
have one degree of freedom when its position is limited in
such a way as to depend on a single indeterminate quantity.
It will be shown subsequently that the variations of the co-
ordinates of any point of a body entirely free are linear func-
tions of six undetermined quantities. If these six quantities
are connected together in such a way that one being given
all the rest are determined, the body has one degree of
freedom.
The simplest cases of one degree of freedom occur when
some of the six undetermined displacements are zero. We
shall consider here only two cases.
(1). If the motion of the body be limited to a series of
pure translations, and the path of one of its points be as-
signed.
(2) If the motion of the body be limited to a rotation
round an axis fixed in space.
In the first case the problem is readily reducible to that
of the constrained motion of a particle.
This reduction is most easily effected by employing
D'Alembert's Principle as expressed by Lagrange. In fact
we have
*-4>"(r-'"S'K(*-'''SH- -
Now, by the conditions of the question, $x, c^ Sz must be
the same for every point of the body, and ds being the arc
of the curve described by the centre of inertia,
ds ds ds
270 Constrained Motion of Rigid Body Parallel to Fixed Plane.
Making these substitutions, we obtain the single equation of
motion,
d % x\dx ( d 2 i/\dy / d 2 z\dz
= ( S X)| + ( S F)| + (^)| ;
or, as ds z = da? + dy~ + dz*,
we have finally, if we put tyfl for the whole mass of the body,
3»S - a, (i)
where # is the sum of the components of all the applied
forces along the tangent to the path of the centre of inertia ;
but this is obviously the equation required for determining
the constrained motion of a particle.
229. Hotion of a Body round an Axis fixed in
Space. — The condition of equilibrium of a rigid body having
a fixed axis is, that the moment of the forces round this axis
should be zero. Take the fixed axis as axis of x, then the
single equation of motion is the first of equations (18) or
(16), Art. 204, according as the forces acting on the body
are impulsive or continuous. Adopting the notation of Art.
210, the equation of motion is thus :
Let p be the perpendicular on the axis from any point P of
the body, a> its angular velocity at any instant, and / its
moment of inertia round the axis; then, since pu) is the
velocity of the particle P, its moment of momentum is mp 2 w,
and H y = wSmp 2 = Iw. Substituting this value for Hi, and
remembering that / is constant, we obtain as the equation of
motion in the case of impulses
J(w - w) = L, (2)
Examples. 271
and in the case of continuous forces
Equation (3) was obtained before in Art. 138 by a different
method.
230. Equation of Vis Viva for a Body moving
round a Fixed Axis.. — The expression for the vis viva of a
body moving round a fixed axis has been given already,
Art. 133. If we take the fixed axis for the axis of a?, we
have, as the equation of vis viva,
Lo 2 = 22j(Fd> + Zdz) + c. (4)
Examples.
1 . To the ends of a thin light piece of wood are fastened spheres of lead
•whose masses are P and P'. The piece of wood turns on a horizontal axis
through its middle point. Its length being 21, and its mass negligible, deter-
mine the time of a small oscillation, the spheres being so small that the squares
of their radii are negligible as compared with /.
A \l JP+ P'
Ans.
'^At=
P'
By changing P, and comparing the times of oscillation, an apparatus of the kind
mentioned can be used to verify the Laws of Motion.
2. A heavy pendulum, capable^ of revolving round a horizontal axis, is
struck when at rest by a bullet moving in a horizontal direction at right angles
to the fixed axis. The bullet remains in the pendulum. If b be the distance
of the extremity of the pendulum from the axis, c the distance traversed by that
extremity under the influence of the shot, a the distance from the axis at
which the bullet penetrates, v the velocity of the bullet at impact, m its mass,
M that of the pendulum, k its radius of gyration round the fixed axis, and p the
distance of the latter from the centre of inertia ; prove that
v = — ^J{g{MTc 1 + ma?)(Mp + ma)}.
A pendulum such as that described above is called a Ballistic Pendulum. It
has been employed by numerous Physicists to determine the velocity of bullets.
3. A plane area is made to rotate with an angular velocity w' round a fixed
axis in its own plane by the expenditure of a given amount of work. When
rotating it strikes a sphere of mass m, at a distance a from the fixed axis, whose
272 Constrained Motion of Rigid Body Parallel to Fixed Plan e.
velocity at the instant of impact is zero. Determine the moment of inertia of
the plane area round the fixed axis in order that the velocity imparted to the
sphere should be a maximum.
If R be the impulse on the sphere in the first period of impact, v its velocity,
and oj the angular velocity of the lamina at the end of this period,
mv = R, I(u) -«')=— aR, aw - v,
lalca'
whence R =
/+ ma 2
Tbe whole impulse given to the sphere is (1 + e)R. Hence R is to be a maxi-
y/l
mum ; but Iio' 2 = given constant ; therefore = maximum ; and therefore
1+ ma 1
I = ma 2 .
4. In Atwood's machine, if the pulley be not perfectly rougb, and slipping
takes place, determine the motion : the weight of the rope and the friction of
the pulley on the axle being neglected.
If an acceleration equal and opposite to that by which it is actually animated
were applied to each element of the string it would be in equilibrium ; but the
mass of the string being negligible, the force corresponding to this acceleration
is zero g.p. Hence the other forces acting on the element of the string are in
equilibrium, and fj. being the coefficient of friction, and T, T' the tensions of
the two ends of the rope (Minchin, Statics), T = Te'^ =\T.
If z be the height from the ground of the ascending weight W, M the mass
of the pulley, A' its radius of gyration, a its radius, the angle through which it
has turned, we have also
T - W"
W 9
_d 2 z
"dt 2
W-T
- W 9
a(T-
T).
a 2
If the pulley be homogeneous, k 2 = — , and we have finally,
a
2 WW d 2 z KW - W
-9,
\W+ W 1 dt 2 \W+ W"
d-0 .., . WW'
dt 2 v 'M{\W+ W'Y
5. Taking into account the friction on the axle, and supposing the outside of
the pulley to be perfectly rough, and the inside to slip on the axle, determine
the motion.
The mass of the string being neglected, we may, as in the last example,
regard it as acted on by a system of forces in equilibrium. Hence (as this
equilibrium would not be disturbed if the string were rigid) the tensions ^and
T at its extremities must equilibrate the pressure and friction exerted by the
pulley against the string ; and, conversely, T and T must be equivalent to the
Moments of Momentum. 273
pressure aud friction exerted by the string against the pulley. Hence we may
consider the pulley as acted on by the forces T, T 1 , and its own weight ; and if
jPbe the horizontal, and Q the vertical, pressure on the axle, and fx the coefficient
of friction, since the centre of inertia of the pulley is at rest, we have (Art. 206),
P = fiQ, Q = T 4 T' + Mg — /xP. The moment of the couple resulting from
the friction is /x(P + Q)a, where o is the radius of the axle, and may therefore
be written in the form &(T+ T + Mg), where (1 + fj 2 ) = fi(l + fi) a.
d 2 9
Substituting for the equation 31k 2 — = a(T-T') of Ex. 4,
the equation Mk 2 — = a(T- T) - &(T+ T + Mg);
nd remembering that as the pulley is perfectly rough, a — - = — , we obtain, if
j8 a 2
we put v = - and assume that k 2 = — ,
a 2
(l+2u)Mg + 4(l + u)W
Mg + 2(1 - v )W+2{l + v)W s
(l-2p)Mg + ±(l- v )W
Mg+2(\-v)W+2{\-rv)W' '
&z _ (1 - v) W- (1 + v) W - vMg
dP ~ (1 - v) JF+ (1 + v) W + \Mg* 9 '
6. If the pulley be not perfectly rough, and slipping of the string on the
pulley takes place, determine the motion, taking into account the friction on the
axle, and supposing the inside of the pulley to slip as before.
In this case, as in Ex. 4, the acceleration of the weights is quite independent
of the mass and size of the pulley, and we have
T= ^WW ffiz _ \W- w
\W+ W' ' dt* \W+ W' 9 '
d 2 9 U{\-v-A(\ + v)WW>
d€~ ( Mg(\W+W)
231. ^loiuents of Moineutuiu of Body having iixed
Axis. — The expression for the moment of momentum of a
rigid body round an axis fixed in space was found in Art.
229. Adopting the notation of that article, we shall now, by
a more general method, obtain expressions for the moments
of momentum round each of the three coordinate axes.
T
274 Constrained Motion of Rigid Body Parallel to Fixed Plane.
We have (Art. 222), since the body is supposed to be
rotating round the axis of x,
x = o, y = -sw, s = ycv ;
whence by (22), Art. 210,
H x = w2m [y 2 + z 2 ), H 2 = - to^mxy, H z = - w2«s. (5)
Also, by differentiation, and substitution of their values for
x, y, and s, we obtain
tfJ^ du
-tt = - it Swa^ + co 2 Zmxz, I . (6)
dt dt J
If the axis of rotation be a principal axis for the origin,
equations (5) and (6) become g
where ^4 is the moment of inertia of the body round the
fixed axis.
232. Acceleration of any Point of a Body having
a Fixed Axis. — If we differentiate the expression for x, y,
and z given in Art. 231, and then substitute in the results
thus obtained the values of x, y, z already employed, we get
x = 0, y = - > m jt = »*ff - T sin = -n - / = -Zd9, dz = r } d9;
d(p round y would give
dz = - %d(p, dx = Z>d p.
Hence the most general infinitely small displacement the
body can take, remaining fixed, is equivalent to rotations
round any three rectangular axes through 0.
Moreover, from the values of dx, dy, dz, given above, it
appears that for a point whose coordinates fulfil the condi-
tions -tq = — = — the displacements are zero.
Hence the three rotations dO, dcp, d\p, round the axis x,y,z,
are equivalent to a single rotation round an axis whose posi-
tion is defined by these equations. If we put
dO = dx cos A, d(p = d% cos fx, dip = dx cos v,
where dx = V^dO 2 + d§~ + dip 2 ,
the equations of the fixed axis are
cos A cos fi cos v
Also, for any point of the body,
dx 2 + dy 2 + dz 2 = [(»? cos v - Z cos /m) 2 + (£ cos A - £ cos v) 2
+ (£ cos f.i - ?j cos A) 2 ] dx 2 =P 2 dx 2 y
if p be the perpendicular from the point on the fixed axis.
Hence d\ is the magnitude of the resultant rotation.
Y2
324 Kinematics of a Rigid Body.
Whence infinitely small rotations, and therefore velocities
of rotation, are compounded like forces meeting at a point.
254. Motion of a Body entirely Free. — If the point
of intersection of the axes fixed in the body be itself in
motion, and if its coordinates, referred to axes fixed in space,
be x\ y, z' ; then, for any point xyz of the body,
x = x + «!$ + bit) + dZ, y = y + a.£ + b 2 ri + c 2 Z,
s = z + a 3 £ + b z r\ + CzZ;
whence
dx = dx + 5 da x + r}db i . + Z dc h dy = dy' + % da 2 + rj db 2 + Z dc 2y
dz = dz + %da z + ridbs + Zdc 3 .
If we suppose the axes of £, n, Z parallel to those of x, y, z
at the beginning of the motion, we get, as in the last Article,
dx = dx' - y\d\p + Zd(j) = dx' - (y - y) dij/ + (z - z') d(p
dy = dy--ZdO + &ty = dy'-{z-z)dd+{x-x')dil, L (2)
!
dz = dz' -Z,d ' = dtf ' .
In like manner dd' = dQ"; hence the rotation remains un-
altered in magnitude and direction.
255. Velocity of any Point of a Body. — Infinitely
small displacements divided by the element of time during
which they are effected become velocities. If the axes of
x, y, z be three rectangular axes fixed in space, and if the
velocities of rotation round parallel axes meeting at the point
x'y'z\ be w x , w y , w 2 , we have, from equations (2),
dx dx / /\ 1
dt dt
dy
dt
dy
~dt
{y-y)<*>* + (*-
(S - JO €* + (*-
X )(i)r
dz _dz__
~dt~~di~^ X
) »>y + (y - y')
X )o>.
(3)
If the point x f yz be fixed in space, and be taken for
the origin, we have
dx
dy
w z y
w x z y-
dz
7t
= W x y - (t)yX
(4)
If we suppose the axes fixed in space to coincide at the
instant under consideration with axes fixed in the body, and
if the angular velocities round the latter be wi, wz, a*, we
have o) x = m, <*> v = w 2 , w z = w,. Consequently, if S, v, 2 be the
coordinates of any point, referred to axes fixed in the body,
326
Kinematics of a Rigid Body.
and if u, v, w be the components of its velocity parallel to these
axes, we have
u
v = u)£
W = Wit]
(I)
K
(5)
Equations (3), (4), and (5) hold good for every instant,
whereas the equations x = £, &e., w x = w„ &e., — = u, &c,
(it
hold good only for one particular instant.
If A, jjl, v be the direction cosines of a definite line in the
body referred to axes parallel to fixed directions in space, we
have, as an immediate consequence of (4),
tfA
dt
(DyV -
W 2 jU
dn
dt
=
w z X -
w r v
i
dv
dt
=
WxjU -
U)y\
>■ (6)
The motion of a body relative to the space in which it is
moving is unaltered if we attribute to the latter the motion
of the body reversed, and suppose the body itself to be at rest.
Hence, if /, m, n be the direction cosines of a line fixed in
space referred to body axes, we may regard the latter as fixed
in space, and the line Imn as moving round them with
angular velocities - an, - a> 2 , - a> 3 . Accordingly, from (6),
we have
dl -\
= — him. 4- num.
dt
= — u) z n + oj-jn
dm
dt
dn
Jt
= - h) Z l + d)\n y •
-— = - wim + w 2 /
(7)
Acceleration of Rotation. 327
\ 256. Acceleration of Rotation. — If w l5 w 2 , w 3 , be the
angular velocities round three rectangular axes, OA, OB,
00 fixed in the body, and w x , w y , w z the velocities round axes
OX, OY, OZ fixed in space ; and if at any instant we suppose
OX, OY, OZ to coincide with the positions occupied at the
instant by OA, OB, OC, then not only is on equal to w x , w*
to wu, and o> 3 to w z , but also
du>\
dw x
dw z
d(M)y
dwz dw%
"dt
= Ht 9
dt
^Hf'
lit = ~di
This may be proved as follows : —
Let w be the velocity of rotation round a line fixed in the
body, which passes through 0, and makes angles with the
axes OX, OY, OZ, whose direction cosines are A, ju, v ; then
(A) = W z \ + WyfJ. + U) Z V ',
. . da) dw x A dwy du) z
therefore — - = — A + — n + — v
dt dt dt dt
dX dfx dv
+ Ux-77 + WyTT + ^3 -JT •
dt dt dt
Hence, by (6), = A — + ^ — + v — . (8)
This equation shows that the acceleration of rotation
round a line is the differential coefficient, with respect to the
time, of the angular velocity round the same line even though
it is in motion, provided it be fixed in the body.
Thus, in particular, we have in the case supposed above,
du)i d(x) x du) 2 dwy dw 3 ^ diD z ,qv
lU = Hi' dt == It' lit "~~~ lit' ^ '
The same may be proved geometrically as follows : —
The body at any instant is rotating round a certain axis
with an angular velocity w. Draw a line through the fixed
origin in the direction of the instantaneous axis, and measure
off on it a portion 01, proportional to o) ; then the projec-
328 Kinematics of a Rigid Body.
tions of this line on the axes fixed in space represent w Xi w yf w z ;
and its projections on the axes fixed in the body represent
&>i, w 2 , ws- At the next instant the body is rotating round
another line with a velocity &>', represented by OT, and the
projections of OT represent w/, w/, «/; oj/, oj 2 ', w 3 '. But the
projection of 01' is equal to the sum of the projections of
01 and IT. Hence
dw x = w x ' - h) x = projection of IT on axis of x fixed in space,
d(t>i = wi - (1)1 = projection of IT on axis of ? fixed in the body.
At the first instant the axes of x
and S coincide ; and at the next the
two projections of IT differ only by a
quantity infinitely small compared with
IT y which is itself infinitely small of
the first order. Hence du x and dw v
differ by an infinitely small quantity
of the second order ;
dwi dw x dwz dd) y dw%
~dt == ~aT' ~dt = ~di i ~dt
A line passing through parallel to IT is called the axis
of angular acceleration. If we put — — = y 2 + d>~ 2 ),
as it is the resultant of the three accelerations w x , w y , and cb z .
257. Accelerations of a Point, parallel to three
Axes fixed in the Body. — If u, v, w be the velocities of a
point parallel to axes fixed in the body, its velocity-component
V y along a line whose direction cosines referred to these axes
are /, m, n, is ul + vm + ten.
If we suppose this latter line fixed in space, the accelera-
dV
tion of the point parallel to it is — -, and we have
at
dV 7 du dv dw dl dm dn
-jr = I -77 + m— + n — + u — + v — + w -—.
dt dt dt dt dt dt dt
Complete Determination of the Motion of a Body. 329
„ dl dm , dn , .
Substituting the values of — , — , and — , given by (7),
we obtain .
at
df df df
dV
du \ fdv \ fdw \
" > 2 + Vl*>\. ).
-- / 1 — - Vw 3 + Wb) 2 ) + m \-T, ~ w *»i + li(J) o j + ni — - ?/w.
Let us now suppose OX to be the fixed line, then
dV du
/ = 1 m = n = 0, and therefore -r— = — - £w 3 + ww 2 ; but
dt dt
— is now the acceleration of the point parallel to one of
dt
the axes fixed in the body ; hence we have, for the accele-
rations of a point parallel to three rectangular axes fixed
in the body, the expressions
du dv dw
— - I'lVz + t€Uf 2 , -T. ~ U'toi + «W:i, -TT
dt dt at
where it, v, iv are the velocities of the point parallel to the
axes fixed in the body.
258. Complete Determination of the Motion of a
Body. — Every motion which a rigid body can take is re-
ducible to a motion of translation and a motion of rotation.
In order then to determine the motion of the body, a point
in it is selected (usually the centre of inertia), and the motion
of the body is reduced to the motion of this point, together
with the rotatory motion of the body round it.
Geometrically the motion may be represented by the
rolling of a cone, fixed in the body, on a cone unattached
to the body, except at one point (the common vertex of
the cones), the latter cone undergoing a motion of trans-
lation. If the two cones and the rate at which the one
rolls on the other are known, as well as the position in the
body of their common vertex, its velocity at each instant,
and the path which it describes, then the motion of the body
is completely determined.
330 Kinematics of a Rigid Body.
It is usually most convenient to consider the motion of
translation and the motion of rotation separately. The in-
vestigation of the former motion is, as we have seen (Art.
205), reducible to the problem of the motion of a particle.
The latter motion is completely determined if we can assign
at each instant the position of the body and its velocities of
rotation in reference to axes, through the centre of inertia,
whose directions are fixed in space.
The equations of Kinetics usually give the velocities of
rotation round axes fixed in the body ; but in order fully
to determine the motion, it is necessary to ascertain the
effect of these velocities when the position of the body is
referred to axes whose directions are fixed in space. As the
points of intersection of these two sets of axes coincide, the
velocities of rotation have no effect on the motion of this
point ; and therefore, so far as the angular velocities are
concerned, we may regard as fixed, not only in the body,
but also in space.
Call the space-axes OX, OY, OZ; the body-axes OA,
OB, OC, each set being rectangular.
Round the point as centre describe a sphere, and let
the axes meet it at the points X, Y, Z, A, B, C.
Three independent angles are required to determine the
position of the body in space.
Those which are probably the best adapted for the solu-
tion of the problem are the angular coordinates of the point
C, or of the line OC, and the angle 0, which the plane CO A
makes with the plane ZOC. It is obvious that the position
of OC fixes the plane A OB, but does not determine the
position of the lines OA and OB in this plane. Hence,
when C is fixed, if the angle $ which the plane CO A makes
with the plane ZOC be given, the position of the body is
completely determined. The angular coordinates of OC are
0, the angle which it makes with OZ, and \p, the angle
which the plane COZ makes with the plane XOZ.
Suppose now that the body has three velocities of rota-
Complete Determination of the Motion of a Body. 331
tion : wx, round OA ; w 2 round 01? ; and w 3 round OC, in
the direction of the arrow heads. We have to express
— , ^, and ^ in terms of these velocities, remembering that
dt dt dt
the changes of 0, <£, and \jj are caused solely by w„ w 2 , w 3 .
The motion of the point C on the sphere is unaffected by w 3 .
If the radius of the sphere be unity, the point C has two
velocities, wi and w 2 , along the tangents to the great circles
BC and CA. Eesolving these velocities along the great
circle ZC, and at right angles to it, we have
dO
dt
o)-> cos 2, »3 have the same significations as in Art. 258, show
that
de . „ d*
Q}\ = smd> sin cos d> ~.
Y dt r dt '
de d\b
o> 2 = cos - L ,
dd> d\L
at at
6. A body is rotating round a fixed point 0. If OX, OY, OZ he rectangular
axes fixed in space, and OA, OB, OC rectangular axes fixed in the body ; and
if the direction cosines of the latter referred to the former be, respectively,
o\, <*2> «3 ; bit i>i, bz ; 0i, ci, cz ; show that
dai
— =b\0)z — Ci<»2,
dt
db x
— -=Cl«l-0lft>3,
dt
dc\
at
dai ,
— - = Or, 0>3 - C-i, 0>z,
at
db 2
-j~ — C21,
dt
where «i, a>2, (oz are the angular velocities of the body round OA, OB, OC.
7. Deduce equations (10), (11), (12), Art. 258, from equations (7), Art. 255.
8. A body receives in a given order rotations of finite magnitude round
two axes fixed in space, or in the body, and meeting in a point. Find the posi-
tion of the axis, a single rotation round which would bring the body into the
same position, and determine the magnitude of the resultant rotation.
336
Kinematics of a Rigid Body.
This question is solved in a manner similar to that employed in Examples 3
and 4, Art. 226 ; the construction in the present case being on the surface of a
sphere instead of a plane.
When the rotations round the given axes are in the same direction, the
resultant rotation is double the supplement of the vertical angle of a spherical
triangle, whose base and base angles are the angle between the axes and the
semi- amplitudes of the rotations round them.
9. A rigid body receives a motion of translation, whose components, parallel
to the axes, are a, b, c, and a rotation round an axis fixed in the body, which,
at the beginning of the motion, coincides with the axis of z. Determine the
position and pitch of the screw, a twist round which would bring the body into
the same position ; and find the amplitude of the twist.
The screw passes through a point whose coordinates are
a sin h9
b sin \-d + a cos hd
Pitch of screw =
2 sin %d
Amplitude of twist
10. A body receives, in succession, rotations of finite magnitude round two
non-intersecting axes a, b, either fixed in space or fixed in the body : if d be the
shortest distance between the lines a and b ; Q and Q' the amplitudes of the
rotations round them ; e the angle between them ; tp the amplitude of the twist
equivalent to the motion ; and p the pitch of its screw ; prove that
\p§ sin^ sin |0 = d sin |0 sin ZB sin \ z x -j- w y y + w, z) - (a z x + z — y —
dt- at
d 2 y
— - = w y (ux x + a>y y + ws z) - co 2 y + x —
dt z <*t
dt
dco x
) d 2/
v/9J?#
W 2 , S
yms
U>3«
(29)
Hence, in terms of 0, we have
JUB0
(.1 -if) (-4-0)
= y\2-\3t+ 2, W3 at any time are given by the equations
u\ = u sin 1 cos
(A- C \ . . . (A-G _ \
f — a>3 1 + x J 1 «2 = - » sm t sin I — — mi + XJ
. (A+ C) S- 3°-
o>3 = o) cos », a» 2 = - , where x is an arbitrary constant.
AG
270. Conjugate Ellipsoid and Conjugate line-
When a body on which no external force is acting is in
motion round a fixed point, the squares of the angular
364 Kinetics of a Rigid Body.
velocities of the body round its principal axes at the point
must fulfil the two independent linear equations
An? + B(o 2 2 + CV - S = = |
Any other linear equation, 0' = 0, between these variables
must be of the form aQ + (3 ' = y (^0 - = -g,, r = /-£,- w, p =—-g, —
The perpendicular to the tangent plane to i?'at the extremity
366 Kinetics of a Rigid Body.
of r corresponds to the momentum axis in the momental
ellipsoid, and is called the conjugate line.
This Article and the following Examples are taken from
a Paper by Dr. Eouth in the Quarterly Journal of Pure and
Applied Mathematics for 1888.
Examples.
1. If a body on which no external force is acting be moving round a fixed
point 0, and a quadric, having as axes the principal axes of the body at 0, be
such that the intercept which it makes on the instantaneous axis of rotation at
any time is proportional to the angular velocity, and that the perpendicular
from on the tangent plane at the extremity of this intercept is constant, the
quadric must be either the momental or the conjugate ellipsoid.
2. If P be ? point on the conjugate line at a constant distance R from the
fixed point 0, and Q the point of the body which coincides at the instant with
P, prove that the velocity of P is double that of Q, and that the directions of
these two velocities coincide.
Let x, y, z be the coordinates of Preferred to the principal axes at 0; u, v, to
its space' velocities parallel to these axes ; and u', v , w' those of Q ; then
ll' = (02 Z - 0)3]/, v' — <*z% — WlZ, W' = (till/ — (02%,
a = x+ ?/, v = y + v', tv = z + to'.
Now,
H'x = RA'wi, R'y = P£'w2, H'z = PC'w 2 ;
hence, by (41), we have
x = ^ r ,A(B + C-A)d, u
iR
and W = — (B - C) (B + C- A) co 2 o> 3 ;
whence, by Euler's equations, Art. 267, we obtain x = u', and therefore u = 2u ;
and in like manner v = 2v' } w = 2iv'.
3. Determine the motion of the conjugate line in space.
Let 9 be the angle between the conjugate line OP and the invariable line or
momentum axis OZ, \|/ the angle which the plane ZOP makes with a fixed
plane passing through OZ, (p and sin «£', we have, by Ex. 2,
\ (sin 2 6ip + 6°-) = co 3 sin 2 3 2 ).
Hence we get
H H '
A* «i 2 + 2? 3 a> 2 2 + C 3 m 2 =\E — cos 9.
If we combine this equation with (33), and solve for 2 2 and a> 3 2 we get
TTTT'
ABCar = S{AB + BC+ CA) -±E Z (A + B+ C) — cos 6.
Substituting the value for or given by this equation in (b), we obtain
sin 2 0i^+ 6*=-^--{S(AB + BC+CA)-±E 2 (A + B+C)}
From (a) and this equation and \p can be obtained by quadratures.
271. Stress Exerted by a Body on a Fixed Point.
— In order to determine the force exerted by a fixed point on
a body we have only to consider the point as replaced by
a force, whose components are X , T , Z , passing through it.
We may then consider the body as free, and we have, by
Article 268,
dr
with two similar equations.
But as the body is rotating round the origin, if we sup-
pose the axes fixed in space to coincide at the instant under
368
Kinetics of a Rigid Body.
consideration with the principal axes through the origin, we
have
d 2 x _ dioz _ d(jj z ._ k , 2 2 v .
= - y — + z -jj- + wi (yah + S(u 3 ) - (wz + ivs ) x.
df
dt
dt
Substituting for ~ and -£r f rom Euler's Equations, we
dt
dt
n _M
+ Wl (5 + C-A) U~ + S ^)" K + "a 2 ) x
get,
<# 2 =
Now, let ft, ft, ft be the components of the stress on the
fixed point at any time, in the directions occupied at the
instant by the principal axes of the body, then ft = - X ,
and therefore
^ = 2r-3Ti[-?j+i^+co 2 (C+^- J B)^ + l9-)-(c 3 2 +^)^ >,(42>
^ = 2^-^[-|f+^+ W3 ^ + ^-^)(^ + ^ 2 )" (&,l2 + &,22) ^l
where £, »?, X are the coordinates of the centre of inertia
referred to the principal axes through the fixed point, and
are absolute constants : 2X is the sum of the components
of the applied forces parallel to one of these axes, and L the
moment round it of the same forces. 2X, S F, SZ, L, M, N
are in general variable with the time.
In like manner if ft, ft, ft be the impulses arising from
the instantaneous stresses "exerted by a body on a fixed point,
in consequence of the action on the body of any system of
impulses, we obtain, by Arts. 255 and 265,
Centrifugal Couple, 369
272. Centrifugal Couple. — If a body have a fixed
point 0, the change produced in its angular velocity round
one of its principal axes at in the element of time dt is
given, (18), Art. 267, by the equation
Adu>i = (B - C) (Diaz dt + Ldt.
The first term on the right-hand side of this equation
results from the angular velocities already existing round the
other two axes. In consequence of these velocities each point
of the body, in virtue of its connexions with the other points,
exerts a force on the entire body. These forces are in fact
the centrifugal forces resulting from the motion of the body,
and their moments L\ M\ N' round axes fixed in space may
be determined directly as follows : —
Let a, j3, y be the angles which the instantaneous axis of
rotation makes with the axes of coordinates ; p the perpen-
dicular distance from this axis to any point xy% of the body ;
q the intercept between the origin and the foot of p ; r the
radius vector to the point xyz ; and w the angular velocity of
the body round the instantaneous axis. The centrifugal
force at the point xyz is mpu> 2 acting along p ; and the
component of this force along the axis of x is mco 2 multiplied
by the projection of p.
If we project the triangle formed by rpq on the axis of
x f we have
projection of p = projection of r - projection of q = x - q cos a,
and q = x cos a + y cos f5 + z cos y ;
hence the centrifugal force along axis of x
= mco 2 [x - (x cos a + y cos /3 + z cos y) cos a)
= mia* {x (cos 2 3 + cos 2 y) - y cos a cos/3 -z cos a cos y J
= m{X ((Dy* + (D Z 2 ) - yW X il)y - Z(D X (1) Z ),
remembering that
w x = <»> COS a, (i)y = (i) COS ]3, w z = u) COS y.
2 B
370 Kinetics of a Rigid Body.
In like manner for the force along the axis of y, we have
m \y (u) z 2 + tax) ~ z <*> y w z — xiiiytox} j
and for that along the axis of s,
in \z w x 2 + w y ~) - xw z iv x - yiD Z (jjy) ;
whence, taking moments round the axis of x, and integrating
through the entire body, we obtain
L' = [wy - id z 2 ) jyzdm + m v w z J (z* - y 1 ) dm -w z w z j xydm
+ d) x w y jxzdm. (44)
If we now suppose the axes to coincide with the instan-
taneous positions of the principal axes of the body, every
term in 11 vanishes except w y w z j (z 2 - y % ) dm, and we get
L f = {B-C) 2 &>3, (0— A) 0>3 COl, (j4 — B) £01 C02,
or w« 2 (b 2 — c-) cos /3 cos 7, wco 2 (c 2 — a 2 ) cos 7 cos a, mca 2 (a 2 — b 2 ) cos a cos /3 ;
where a, )8, 7 are the angles made by the instantaneous axis of rotation with the
principal axes of the body, and a, b, e are the semi- axes of the ellipsoid of
gyration. Jf ;; be the perpendicular from the origin on the tangent plane to
the ellipsoid of gyration at the point x'y'z' where it is met by the momentum
axis B, double the projection of the triangle formed by the origin, x'y'z, and
the foot of jo, is
p (x' cos £ - y' cos a) , or (a 2 — b 2 ) cos a cos (3,
and double the area of the same triangle is Bp sin c/> ; therefore by Ex. 5, 7, 8,
Art. 264, we have the required result.
13. If a tangent plane be drawn to the ellipsoid of gyration at the point
where it is met by the axis of the centrifugal couple, the perpendicular on this
tangent plane is the axis of the rotation produced by the centrifugal couple.
L', M'y N' being the components of the centrifugal couple, and 5coi, 5«2,
S0.3, the rotations produced by it considered alone, we have, from Euler's equa-
tions,
A5m = L'dt, B8w2 = M'dt, C5« 3 = K'dt ;
but these equations are of the same form as those connecting the instantaneous
axis with the components of the couple of principal moments ; therefore, &c.
It follows from this, that the axis of rotation produced by the centrifugal
couple is at right angles to the momentum axis ; for {see Fig., Ex. 16) if OB be
the momentum axis ; OP the instantaneous axis of rotation ; OB' the axis of
the centrifugal couple, and OB' the axis of the centrifugal couple rotation ; OR'
being at right angles to OB (Ex. 12), is conjugate to OB : hence OB is parallel
to the tangent plane through B' , and therefore at right angles to OB' . Also, OB
and OBJ are the principal axes of the section of the ellipsoid made by their
plane.
14. The intercept on the momentum axis cut off by the ellipsoid of gyration
is of constant length (Ex. 8, Art. 264).
15. The motion of the momentum axis in the body consists of a series of
rotations, the axis of each rotation being at right angles both to the momentum
axis and the centrifugal couple axis, and the magnitude of the rotation being
equal and opposite to the rotation of the body round the same axis.
The centrifugal couple tends at each instant to alter the position of the
momentum axis, since the new moment of momentum is the resultant of the
principal couple at the beginning of the instant and the momentum produced by
the centrifugal couple during the instant. The former component is H, the latter
Hoc sin '
but
whence, finally,
r cos (p' } and p = R cos <\> ;
r 2 dv = ooR? cos ' S tan cos for — , P- for — , and mar for A, mP for B. mc- for C,
R mS
the equation given above is reduced to
— = co cos , p = _ (Art. 2o4), and — = — ^1 +/* ^ J
where M - ^^
(AS_-IP)( BS-B*){CS-IP ) (Ex 19)
Impact.
379
If we express co in terms of p, on substituting in equation (24), Art. 269,
we get
i-s-^Ji[-4^^][-^^]
A 3
7,(P 2 + P")
]l-
274. Impact, — When two smooth bodies moving in
any way collide, the results of the impact are obtained in
a manner precisely similar to that employed in Article 243.
When the motion is wholly unrestricted there are thirteen
unknown quantities and thirteen equations.
If A, ju, v be the angles made by the common normal at the
point of contact with axes fixed in space ; R the whole impulse
of the mutual normal action during the first period of impact ;
p and p the perpendiculars on its line of action from the
centres of inertia of the two bodies ; a, /3, y, a, /3', y the
angles made with the principal axes of the bodies by the axes
of the couples produced by R round these points ; twelve of
the equations mentioned above are
SDct* = R cos A,
9Jte = R cos p.,
yjliv = R cos V,
Wu ' = - R cos A,
Wv =-Rcosp,
Wl'tv' = - R cos v,
Azji = Rp cos a
Btu 2 = Rp cos j3
C-& z = Rp cos 7
A'zs{ = - Rp cos a
J BV = -ify , cos/3 /
O'W = - ify>' COS y'
>, (46)
where ««, &c, are the changes of the components of the velo-
city of the centre of inertia of the first body, parallel to axes
fixed in space, produced during the first period cf impact ; _ zs x +
&c, the changes of the angular velocities round the principal
axes through the centre of inertia produced during the same
period ; and u, &c, have similar significations for the second
hody.
At the end of the first period the actual components of
the velocity of the centre of inertia of the first body are
u + k , &c., where 4 represents the component of this
380 Kinetics of a Rigid Body.
velocity immediately before the impact. In like manner, ts x + Q, x
is the actual angular velocity round the first principal axis.
"We can then write down, in terms of t# + x 0i - ts l + £2 b &c,
the relative normal velocity of the points of the two bodies
which are in contact. Equating this relative normal velocity
to zero gives a thirteenth equation ; so that te , zs i9 &c, become
completely known.
If x be the component of the final velocity of the
centre of inertia of the first body at the end of the second
period of impact, and wi the final angular velocity round
the first principal axis, &c, the values of the velocities at
the end of the impact can now be determined, by aid of the
following equations —
x - x = (1 + e) t«, on - Qi = (1 + e) zj u &c, )
. (47)
x' - x '= (1 + e) u, u){- Q,i- (1 + e) ot/, &c. )
Since the positions of the two bodies are not sensibly
altered during the whole period of impact, it is to be ob-
served that throughout this period any lines fixed in either
body coincide with lines fixed in space.
275. Impulsive Friction. — When collision takes place
between two rough surfaces we can investigate the motion
according to the principles laid down in Article 247.
The elementary impulse dF of friction, at each instant of
the impact, is to be resolved into two components, dP and dQ,
along two tangents through the point of contact at right
angles to each other. At any instant during the impact, P
represents the entire impulse in a given direction due to the
action of friction up to that instant. A similar remark
applies to Q, and R is the corresponding impulse due to
the normal reaction.
If at any instant during the impact u, v, w be the com-
ponents, along the two tangents and the normal, of the
relative tangential and normal velocities of the points of the
two surfaces which are in contact, u, v, w can be expressed in
terms of the velocities of the two centres of inertia and of
the angular velocities of the bodies at that instant ; they are
Collision of Rough Spheres.
381
therefore linear functions of P, Q, R. If slipping take place
its direction coincides with that of the elementary impulse of
friction, and therefore
dQ = v ' als ° ^ ^ dF * + d ®) = fxdR '
Initially R is zero, and therefore so likewise are P and Q,
except the colliding surfaces be perfectly rough. When
R = R l9 at the end of the first period of impact, w = ; and
if R 2 be the value of R at the end of the whole impact,
P 2 = (1 + e) R,.
If the surfaces which collide be perfectly rough., the equa-
tions u = 0, v = 0, w = enable us to determine P l9 Q l9 R { .
Knowing the value of R z we can find P 2 and Q 2 from the
equations u = 0, v = 0, which hold good throughout the
impact.
If the bodies slip on each other in the same direction
during the whole of the impact, the direction of clF is con-
stant, and we may take clQ = 0, clP = /mdR. Hence P, =/uR u
Qi = : these equations, with w = 0, determine R x ; then
P 2 = fi (1 + e) Rl
276. Collision of Rough Spheres. — If a homogeneous
sphere impinge against a fixed surface, or two homogeneous
spheres collide with each other, by taking as axes of + 2 C$^ cos0.
6. If T be the kinetic energy of a body having a fixed point, and 2 ) = 2gm (z - z).
Hence, if h be the initial height of the centre of the cylinder, and a> its
angular velocity when it reaches the horizontal plane,
or = ; — , x - Xo = — ■ ; (h — a) cot x.
{m + m sin 2 i) a 4 + (m + m) k" 1 m + m
10. Show that the velocity v with which a fluid, under a uniform pressure
p, escapes from a small orifice is given by the equation v 2 = 2gh, where h is the
height of a column of the fluid which would produce the pressure p.
Suppose a small mass m of fluid forced through an orifice, whose section is nu- cos 2 >, describe a sphere of unit
radius, and draw from its centre lines parallel to the directions of motion of the
various particles at the beginning of the interval of time 0. Since the number
of particles is very great and the direction of the motion of any one undeter-
mined, we may assume that the energy of those particles whose directions of
motion make an angle and $ + clef) is to the whole surface. If The the total energy
of the moving particles, we have then
fTT 2
2»*w- cos 2 dzdx + jjzdxdy} = %pv.
1 fix
Hence n = f pv — „ 2r<£ (r) dt.
6Jt
18. Determine the pressure of a gas in terms of its volume and the mean
kinetic energy of translation of its molecules.
A gas may be regarded as composed of a number of molecules which exert
no action on each other except when in contact. If the gas be enclosed in an
envelope, and its condition remain unaltered, its molecules must be in stationary
motion. Hence, if T' be the mean value of that part of the kinetic energy
which results from the velocities of the centres of inertia of the molecules, and
n the corresponding virial, we have T' = U; but n = \pv (Ex. 17), since the
time during which a particle is in contact with other particles is negligible
compared with the interval between two such contacts, and therefore the other
term of n may in this case be neglected. Accordingly pv — §T\
Section II. — The General Equations of Dynamics.
289. General Equations of Motion for any System.
— The general equations of motion for any system are ob-
tained in precisely the same manner as the general equations
of equilibrium.
If F= 0, G = 0, H= 0, &c, are the equations of condition
representing the connexions and constraints, we have
dF- dF„ dF. dF„
— 6x x + — - tii/i + —£% + -— &r 2 + &c. = 0.
axi dy x dz x dx>
^ &* + &c. = 0, ~^x x + &o. = 0, &o.
dx x dx x
Multiply the first by A, the second by /u, the third by v,
&c, and add to D'Alembert's Equation, and we obtain
v d 2 x x .dF dG dH g \. - M . /1N
Xi - nh W + X ^ + ^aV L +V a^ + &C ')^ + &G ' = °' W
If there be n equations of condition we can assign to
A, ju, v, &c, such values as to make the coefficients of the first
n displacements in the above equation vanish. By means of
General Equations of Motion.
413
these displacements we can satisfy the n equations $F = 0,
S6r = 0, &c. The remaining* displacements are then entirely
unrestricted, and their coefficients in (1) must therefore be
each zero, and we have for the equations of motion
ffix x _ .dF clG dE _ "|
mi 7F =Xl + X d7 + fX d7 + v aV + &c '
(It tlXx LlJLi tlJbi
dh,x _ A dF dG dH
dt 2 dy x dy x dy x
L -r^r = Z x + X
i
dF
1 dt
dG dE p
dz x r d% x dz x
m 2
d 2 x 2
w
&c,
_ .dF dG dH
X 2 + A — + fl-r— +V-j- + &C.
dx % dx 2 dXi
&c,
&c.
(2)
From these equations we can obtain the Equation of
Energy, if we multiply the first by dx Xi the second by dy x ,
&c, and add. In this manner we obtain
(dF dF \
dT = 2 {Xdx + Ydy + Zdz) + X f — dx x + — dy x + &c. J + &c.
Now, if the equation F = involve only the coordinates
of the various points,
dF _ dF - 7Z:7 n
— - dx x + — c/yi + &c. = dF = 5
flfoi dy x
and the condition expressed by the equation F = has no
effect on the kinetic energy.
This result was obtained from first principles in Art. 284,
and by its means the Equation of Virtual Velocities in its
usual form was deduced from the Equation of Energy.
290. Equation of Energy when Equations of Con-
dition Involve the Time Explicitly. — If the equation
414 The General Equations of Dynamics.
F=0 involve the time explicitly, the work done in any actual
motion of the system by the forces capable of replacing the
condition F = need not be zero. In a virtual displacement
the work done by these forces must still be zero, because in
such a displacement no lapse of time is supposed to take
place. So far, therefore, as the equation of virtual velocities
is concerned, t must be considered constant in the equation
F= 0, and as in Art. 200 the virtual displacements must
fulfil the condition
dF rfF dF s dF.
-t-COHi + -r-Oth + — OSi + -7— bx 2 + &c. = 0.
dxi ay 1 dz v dx t
The actual displacements on the other hand fulfil the
condition
dF. dF , dF dF j _ (dF\ M .
— - dxi + -7- di/i + -— dzi + —- dx % + &c. + — - )dt = 0.
dx x diji dz x dxo \dt J
Hence in this case the Equation of Energy becomes
dT = 2 (Xdx + Ydy + Zdz) - \ f^\ dt- ^ {^\ dt - &c. (3)
291. Similar Mechanical Systems. — Two systems are
geometrically similar when each line of the one is equal to
the corresponding line of the other multiplied by the same
constant.
Similar Mechanical systems are not only geometrically
similar, but have also a similar distribution of mass, and a
similar distribution of force, and work in a similar manner ;
i. e. each mass of the one is equal to the corresponding mass
of the other multiplied by a constant, each force of the one
is equal to the corresponding force of the other multiplied by
a constant ; and the systems are always geometrically similar
at instants of time whose intervals from two fixed epochs are
in a constant ratio.
Let x be a coordinate of a point in the first system, m a
mass, X a force, and t an interval of time ; and x', m\ X', t'
Generalized Coordinates. 415
the corresponding quantities for the second system ; we have
then the equations %' = Ix, ml = \xm, X' = AX, t' = vt.
Hence, Sm'^S* + JfW+ ^§* J
and 2 (X'&u' + F'S/ + Z'&O = A/s ( x ^ + F ^/ + zgs )«
In order, therefore, that D'Alembert's equation should
hold good for each system, we must have fil = \v~.
This equation of condition may be put into another form
by expressing v in terms of the ratio of the corresponding
velocities in the two systems. If we denote this ratio by a,
dx dx - . , dx I dx ,, « , j
we have —7 = a — , but also, — - = - — ; therefore I = av, and
do do do v do
the equation of condition becomes XI = /ma*.
If, as is generally the case, gravity be one of the moving
forces in both systems, we must have A = ^ ; hence a 2 = /, or
the velocity in each system must be proportional to the
square root of its linear dimensions.
292. Generalized Coordinates. — If a system have n
degrees of freedom its position is completely determined at
each instant by the values of n independent variables, which
may be termed coordinates, and be denoted by £1, £ 2 , ? 3 , . . . £».
The Cartesian coordinates x, ?/, z of any point of the system
are expressible in terms of these new coordinates, and are
therefore functions of the n variables £1, ? 2 , &c., these latter
being functions of the time.
If we differentiate the equation x = /(?!, £ 2 , £ 3 > • • « ?n)
with respect to the time we obtain
, CtX A. CIX L, 11 X y. f A\
d£x a£ t d% n
This equation shows that x is a function of the velocities fi,
416 The Genera! Equations of Dynamics.
&c, and of the coordinates ? l5 &c, and is linear with respect
to the velocities. From (4) we have
dx dx dx dx /Jrx
*"£ -S-3&* 8 - (5)
dx
Again, if we differentiate —, ■? with respect to t, we get
dgi
d dx d 2 x £ d 2 x £ d 2 x £
dttiZ = W? dfd& d^a%J n ;
but by (4) this is the expression for the partial differential
coefficient — ■ . Hence we have
d dx dx d dx dx . f
dtWi^dZi' dtd& = dQ {)
Any set of n independent variables which completely deter-
mine the position of a system may be taken as the generalized
coordinates of the system. The number of these coordinates
is fixed, bnt the actual coordinates are in general to a great
extent arbitrary.
293. Kinetic Energy and Generalized Coordinates.
— The kinetic energy T of any system in motion is given by
the equation 2T = Hm(x 2 + if + z~) If we substitute for x,
if &c, their values given by (4) and the corresponding equa-
tions, we obtain a homogeneous quadratic function of the n
velocities f i, § 2 , • • . ?», the coefficients of £ i 2 , ji ? 2 , &c.,
being functions of the coordinates £i> £ 2 , &c, and of the con-
stants of the system. If we denote these coefficients by &i,
23£i2, &c, we have the equation
2T = H x & + %& + &c. + 23kf if, + 23£j£i£. + &c. (7)
294. Equations of Motion for Impulses. — If a
system start from rest under the action of any set of impulses
X, F, Z, &c, the initial velocities are determined from
D'Alembert's equation by equating to zero the coefficient of
Equations of Motion for Impulses. 417
each independent variation. Now, if ?i, £>, &c. be the
generalized coordinates,
where 2£i, S£ 2 , &c. are independent arbitrary variations.
Hence, substituting for §#, Sy, &c. in D'Alembert's equation,
we obtain as the equation of motion corresponding to the
variation S£i,
( . dx . dy . dz\ „ / _ 2 J = Pr, m - {r 2 sin 2 9$) = Qr sin 9,
Examples. 425
where i?, P, and Q are the components of the force acting on the particle, along
the radius vector from the origin, perpendicular to the radius vector in the
meridian of the particle, and at right angles to these two directions.
3. Prove Euler's equations for a body having a fixed point.
The body-axes being the principal axes at the fixed point, the expression for
Tin terms of 0, ) 0^ = *.
If we substitute u>z for
aoo-2
and we have
d (dT\ dTl dT
— ( J — C02 + COl = 4> =
dt \dcoz/ dan dwo
= N.
5. Two particles m and m are connected by an inextensible string passing
through a smooth hole at the edge of a smooth horizontal table on which m rests ;
determine the equations of motion of the particles, and the tension of the string.
Let r and 6 be the polar coordinates of m with respect to the hole as origin ;
then
IT = (m + m) r 3 + mr 2 2 ,
and the equations of motion are
d
(m + tri) r — mr 6~ = - m'g, — {mr 2 6) = 0.
If t be the tension of the string, and h the value of mr 2 9, we have
mr — mrd 2 = - r (Ex. 1),
whence
mm ( h 2 \
= — : — ; Iff+TZ)'
m + m \ m i r a /
6. A smooth particle descends the upper edge of a thin vertical lamina
which is capable of sliding freely down a smooth inclined plane with which
426 The General Equations of Dynamics.
its whole lower ledge is in contact. If the plane of the lamina he perpendicular
to the intersection of the inclined plane with the horizon, and the particle and
lamina start from rest, determine their position at any time.
Let x he the distance at any time of a point in the hase of the lamina from
its initial position, | the distance which the particle has moved along the edge of
the lamina, a the angle which this edge makes with the inclined plane, & the
inclination of the latter, m the mass of the particle, and M that of the lamina.
The kinetic energy of the lamina at any time is ^ Mx 2 , and that of the
particle is
\m { (x + £ cos a) 2 + £ 2 sin 2 a} .
Hence
2T= (M + m) x- + m£ + 2mx £ cos a.
Again, — V = Mgx sin /3 + mg { (x sin £ + | sin (a + j8) } ,
and therefore the equations of motion are
(M + m) x + m'( cos a = (M + m) g sin j8, m (£+ x cos a) = mg sin (a + &),
whence
( . m sin a cos a cos £ ) . j9 (M -4- m) sin a cos £
2 J \ M+m sm ? - a ) a Jf + w sin 2 a
300. Ignoration of Coordinates. — If there be no force
tending to alter one or more of the independent variables
by which the position of a system is defined ; if moreover
the expression for the kinetic energy of the system does not
contain these variables, bnt only their differential coefficients ;
and if the system start from rest ; then T may be expressed
as a function of the other independent variables and their
differential coefficients, and be treated as if these latter vari-
ables completely denned the position of the system.
Let & be one of the independent variables satisfying the
conditions supposed ; then, as there is no force tending to
alter &,
dT
; and therefore -r- = constant ;
d\ x
also as the system starts from rest, and T is a homogeneous
quadratic function of f 1, £ 2 . . . tm this constant must be zero ;
dT
hence — - = 0. In like manner, if £> be another variable
d%x
dT
satisfying the same conditions, we have —r- = 0, and so on.
dc,^
d dT
dt df,
Ignoration of Coordinates. 427
dT dT • •
From the linear equations —r- = 0, -r = 0, &c, £1, £ 2 , &c, can
be found in terms of the remaining differential coefficients
2^, . . . % n . Thus T becomes a function of if g . . . £ n , and of
their differential coefficients, that is
r = i?(5 fi ,? ?+1 ,&c., ?„&c).
If now we regard f ? , £ ff+1 , &c. as completely defining the
position of the system, Lagrange's equations are
d dF dF_
It d$ q ~ « c " S *' &C * ;
but these equations are true, for
dF dT dT d& dT d& '
—r = —7- + — r — - + — - — ~ + &C,
rf? f di t d& d% q di> di q
clF _dT_ dT dt f^4i + &c .
d% q d% q d% x d% q d% % d£ q
whence, as — - = 0, — r = 0, &c, we have
clF_dT clF_dT
dtq d\q d%q ^ q
The proposition proved above is given by Thomson and
Tait {Natural Philosophy), and is the simplest case of what
they have termed Ignoration of Coordinates.
Examples.
1 . A particle descends from rest along one face of a smooth triangular prism
which is supported by a smooth horizontal plane. The initial position of the
particle lies in the vertical plane containing the centre of inertia of the prism
and perpendicular to its edge ; determine the motion.
Let x be the horizontal coordinate, in the vertical plane in which the particle
moves, of the centre of inertia of the prism, M its mass, m that of the particle,
428 The General Equations of Dynamics.
I the distance it has moved at any time along the face of the prism, and o the
angle which this face makes with the horizontal plane ; then
2T=(M+ m) x 2 + mi? + 2mx\ cos a, V—— mgl sin a ;
and the equations of motion are
(If + m) x + mi cos a = 0, m\ + mx cos a = mg sin a.
Hence, as the particle starts from rest,
(M + m) x = ~mi, cos a, (M + m sin 2 o) f = (M + m) g sin a.
The student will observe that if T were expressed by means of the first of
these equations as a function of £ alone, and treated as such, the second equation
would be obtained directly as Lagrange's equation.
2. In the preceding example, if the face of the prism down which the par-
ticle descends be rough, determine the equations of motion.
The force of friction tends merely to stop the relative motion of the particle
and prism ; hence, F being this force, F8f= - juP5|, where P is the perpen-
dicular pressure of the particle on the face of the prism. Now P = m(g cos a
+ x sin a), and therefore the equations of motion are
(M + m) x + m\ cos a = 0,
m\ + mx cos a = mg (sin a — ft cos a) — ixmx sin a.
The latter of these equations can be reduced to the form
£ cos X + x cos (a - A) = g sin (a - A),
where tan x = [x.
3. A sphere, having no motion of rotation, and under the action of a force
passing through its centre of inertia, moves through a liquid extending indefi-
nitely in all directions on one side of an infinite plane : the liquid being origi-
nally at rest, and not acted on by any force, determine the form of the equations
of motion of the sphere.
Let the origin be anywhere in the fixed plane, the axis of x being at right
angles to that plane ; and let x, y, z be the coordinates of the centre of the
sphere at any time, and £ a coordinate of any particle of the liquid, which may
be defined as matter which is incompressible, devoid of resistance to change of
shape, and incapable of exercising any friction against a surface with which it
is in contact.
dT
If T be the kinetic energy of the whole system, we have —p = C, since
there is no force acting on the liquid ; but as the liquid was originally at
rest, and no impulse was imparted to it, C = 0. Hence_ T is a function of
x, y, z, x, y, z. Again, the motion of the system at any instant could be pro-
duced from rest by placing the sphere in its actual position, and giving it an
impulse sufficient to impart to it its actual velocity, since the impulses which
should be given to the liquid particles are zero (10), Art. 294. Hence, asthe
initial circumstances are unaltered by changing the values of y and z, I 7 is a
function of x, x, y, z. Again, a change in the sign of y or z can make no change
Components of Momentum and Velocities. 429
in the value of T, which must therefore he of the form ^{Px 2 + Q (y 2 + i 3 )},
since the coefficients of xy, yz, zx must he zero.
The equations of motion are then
Qu +■ -f *y = 1, Qz + -^xz = ^,
4. Prove that a sphere projected through a liquid perpendicularly from an
infinite plane boundary is at first accelerated, and then tends towards a con-
stant velocity. Show also that if projected parallel to the boundary it moves as
if it were attracted towards the boundary.
Initial circumstances in Ex. 3 are altered in the same manner, whether we
suppose introduced into the liquid a second bounding- plane parallel to the
first, and between it and the sphere, or suppose the sphere placed initially
nearer the original bounding plane. Hence a diminution of the initial value
of x is equivalent to the introduction of additional geometrical constraints
into the system. From this it follows by Bertrand's Theorem, Art. 296, that
if x' < x, and P'x' = Px, the value of Px 2 must exceed that of P'x' 2 , and there-
fore x < x, and P" > P, or P decreases as x increases. Similar reasoning can be
applied to Q. If x be infinite, or the liquid unbounded in every direction, P
and Q are constants.
The statements made in the enunciation of this example follow then imme-
diately from the equations of Ex. 3, by making X and Y zero.
Examples 3 and 4 are taken, with some slight modifications, from Thomson
and Tait {Natural Philosophy).
301. Components of Momentum and Velocities. —
Equations (10), Art. 293, enable us to express the velocities
Ei, &c. as linear functions of the components of momentum
Pi, &c. If these values be substituted for Ei? &c. in T, as
given by equation (7), a new expression for T is obtained
which is a homogeneous quadratic function oip ly p 2 , . . . p n .
We shall represent the two expressions for T by T* and T p .
Equation (7), Art. 293 gives jT>, and the corresponding
equation for T p is of the form
T p = Pnpc + P22P2 2 + &c. + 2P 12 p 1 p 2 + &c. (28)
In this equation P n , P 22 , &o. are functions of Ei> fe> &o.
Thus Tz and T p are each functions of Ei, ?2, &c. ; but these
coordinates, so far as they appear explicitly, do not enter in
the same manner into the two expressions for T. Equation
430 The General Equations of Dynamics.
(14) gives an expression for T which is symmetrical in £1 and
pi, &c, and which becomes T$ or T p according as we express
p h &c. in terms of % Vl &c, or &, &c. in terms of p„ &c.
If we seek for — from equation (14) we obtain
dpi
2-r-= gi + S^ — . (29)
> Again, if we seek for — from (7) we have
dT dTdt dT df, o v 4 ,o ft v
= — — + — ; + &C. = 2^ • (OO)
dpi d% x dp x f/? 2 dpx dp,
dT
Substituting this value for — in (29) we get
n dT * dT dT t
2 -—=?! + — , whence — = \\\
dp x dp' dp x
and as a similar result holds good for each component of
momentum, we have
dT g f^ t dT *
The partial differential coefficients of T with respect to
£ l5 &c. are different according as T is expressed by T^ or T p .
dT
If we seek for -~ from equation (14) or (7) we must m
each case regard &, &c. as functions of #, ^ 2 , &c. ; &, ? 2 , &c.
In this way we get from (14),
*%-»%**%***- (32)
Hamilton' '$ Equations of Motion. 431
and from (7)
alTp dTi dTi dt dT t d% %
— = — - + -4 — + —4 — + &c.
d& d& rff, rff, d& rff,
+ Pi -Tg- + i? 2 -r=- + &c. (33)
iff, J d& " <%
Hence, by (32), * = _f + 2 _£,
and therefore £ + I _ q
We have then the system of equations
dT p dT, clT p dT, dT p dT,
It is plain that the reciprocal relations between compo-
nents of velocity and momentum are analogous to the polar
properties of curves and surfaces.
302. Hamilton's Equations of Motion. — If we put
T p + V - U, we obtain a function 27" of Pi,pz, &c, £u ? 2 , &&.,
which represents the total energy kinetic and potential of the
system, and whose value is constant. By the employment
of U Lagrange's equations of motion may be expressed in
another very symmetrical form due to Hamilton.
-d /ian a l nnA d dT dpi dT dTp
By (10), Art. 294, -^ = g, and by (34) - ^ = -g.
Hence Lagrange's equations (22) become
f + ^0,f + § = o,...% + ^-0. (35)
dt d% x dt d%i dt d% n v '
Equations (35) have been termed The Equations of
Motion of a system expressed in the Canonical Form.
432 The General Equations of Dynamics.
It is easy to see that tlie equations which give the motion
of the centre of inertia and the changes in the moments of
momentum for any system are particular cases of equa-
tions (35).
Examples.
1 . In a moving system the total elementary change of momentum corre-
sponding to one of the generalized coordinates is made up of two parts, one
resulting from the forces acting on the system, the other from the previously
dT
existing motion. Show that — - dt expresses the latter, | being the generalized
d\
coordinate.
If », &c. be tha impulses which would give the existing velocities at any
dT . (dTV ,
instant, — = p. At the next instant ( —v- ) =p .
d£ \«| /
From these equations it appears that the total elementary change of mo-
mentum p' — p corresponding to £ is
dT\' dT d dT J
at.
fdT\ ' dT d_dl
Ui / «*£ or * 4
Now, by Lagrange's equations
d dT
, dT ,
— —dt =
s.dt + — dt
dt dt,
di
whence, as s.dt represents the change of momentum resulting from the applied
dT
forces, — dt must represent that due to the previous motion.
d\
2. Apply the method of the last example to determine the components of the
centrifugal couple in the case of a body having a fixed point.
Here IT - Aai 2 + Bootf + Cwi 1 . If now m, wz, a>3 be expressed in terms of
e, doo2 d %.
d(j>
3. If the Cartesian and generalized coordinates be connected by linear
equations with constant coefficients, show that there are no terms in the equations
of motion resulting from the previous motion.
Calculus of Variations. 433
303. Calculus of Variations. — In the Calculus of
Variations the form of the function which determines the
dependent variable y in terms of the independent variable x
is supposed to vary, and zs being the symbol of a given
operation or set of operations, the fundamental problem of
the Calculus is to determine the variation of zsy.
If y =/(,r), a change whose magnitude is infinitely small
in the function / (x) must be of the form i\p (x) , where i is an
infinitely small constant. We have then By = ty (x). In
consequence of y becoming f(x) + i\p{x), the differential co-
m ■ 4. ^ \> d>[f \d>^
efficient — - becomes — - + i -—■.
dx n dx n dx n
Hence we have o -r-= = —j-r- U>b)
dx n dx n
If Q =
i*ȣ-2i
the variation £12 is the change in £2 in consequence of y
changing from/(.r) to f(x) + i\p (a?). As the result of this
change of y the function F becomes F + SF, where
sw- dF x dFdSy dF d n $u
~dy J+ ~JW\ dx "" + d (d»y\ dx» '
\dx)
and 12 becomes j Fdx + f SFdx. Hence we see that
$Q = d$Fdx = fSFdx. (37)
In the case of a definite integral whose limits are
variable the complete variation is the sum of two parts, one
resulting from the variation of the limits, the other from the
variation of the expression under the integral sign. Hence
if 12 = Fdx, and if D£2 be the complete variation of 12, we
X
have DQ = F"dx" - F'dx' +
SFdx. (38)
In general the complete variation Du of a dependent
variable u is the sum of two parts, one resulting from a
change of the independent variable x, the other from a
2F
434 The General Equations of Dynamics.
change in the form of the relation connecting u with x. In
the Calculus of Variations the symbol 8 is restricted to varia-
tions of the latter kind. Hence, in general,
Da = C ^dx + hi. (39)
ax
Examples.
1. A particle under the action of gravity is constrained to move from one
given point A to another B along a smooth plane curve ; determine the nature
of the curve so that the time of descent may be the least possible.
The curve obviously lies in a vertical plane passing through the points
A and B.
Let the axes of x and y be a vertical and horizontal line in this plane, the
positive direction of x being downwards, and let v be the velocity of the particle
in any position, then, if the origin be properly selected,
d s
v 2 = 2y x, and therefore dt = .
yflg*
dy
ax
Hence, if a = j * J~^f dx > wnere
we have to determine y as a function of x so that n may be a minimum, and
therefore 5n = for all possible variations of y. Now
8n= p p ■ «r fc
hence, integrating by parts, and neglecting the terms outside the integral sign ,
since y\ and yo are given, and therefore 5yi = dy = 0, we have
p d_t P ) 5ijdx = ,
ho dx W'2gx(l+p~)/
but 8y being arbitrary, this equation cannot be true for all values of Sy, except
^ ,- * =0.
dx N-lgx (1 + pf
Integrating, we have p 1 = 2yc 2 x (1 + i^ 2 ).
1 • o dy
If we put — -„ = a. and p = tan 0, we get x - a sm 2 0, — - = tan 0.
2gc~ dx
Aeain — = — — = 2a sin'-0 ; hence we obtain, as the equations of the
° dO dx dd
curve, x = a sin 2 tf, y = a (0 — sin 6 cos 0) + b, where a and b are arbitrary
constants.
The curve is therefore a cycloid {Differential Calculus, Art. 272).
This problem is one of great interest in the history of Mathematics, as its
proposal by John Bernoulli in 1696 led to the invention of the Calculus of
Variations.
Examples. 435
2. Prove that for any system of coplanar forces the curve of quickest descent
is such that at each point the pressure on the curve due to the forces is equal to
that due to the motion.
Here n = j ,. dx ; hence, putting 5n = 0,
have, after integrating hy parts,
dx\v\/l+p 2 J v 2 dy
T£ « A v L - i d /sinfl\ 1 dv
It we put p = tan 0, this equation becomes — I ]
1 dsind sin (dv dv\
that is, — ( — + tan —
v dx v- \dx dy J
cos 9 dy
^sin0 sin (dv dv\ 1 dv
— =0,
COS f/y
tf0 1 (dv . dv \
whence cos — = - ( — - sin — — cos .
vr a dx ■ n (h J wu x ^ (dv dy dv dx\
jy ow cos = — , sin = — , and therefore v 2 — = v ( — — — 1 ;
ds ds ds \dx ds dy ds J
dd
also — - = p, where p is the radius of curvature, and mv~ = 2 $(Xdx +Ydy) ;
hence, substituting, we obtain
mv~ dy dx
— = X l —
p ds ds
which proves the theorem in question.
The curve of quickest descent is called the Brachystochrone. The propo-
sition here proved is a case of a more general theorem in the Calculus of Varia-
tions, for the discussion of which the reader is referred to Jellett's Calculus
of Variations, p. 140, or to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, vol. 24, p. 86.
3. Deduce Lagrange's equations of motion in generalized coordinates and
the corresponding equations for impulses from D' Alembert's Principle by means
of the Calculus of Variations.
If x, y, z be the coordinates of any particle m, T is given by the equation
T = 2/« {x 2 4- y- 4- z 1 ) ; but T can also be expressed as a function of the gene-
ralized coordinates |i, &c., and velocities £i, &c. As these two expressions for
T are always identical, so also are the expressions for jdTdt derived from them ;
we have therefore
f / dZx . dZy . ddz\ , f (dT dT dlh „ \
f 5 "> (• Tt + »* ' + -" * ) dt = j (se 5fl + W> ^ + &c ') "'■
If we integrate by parts each side of this equation, the terms remaining
under the integral sign on one side must be equal to those remaining under that
sign on the other, and a similar equality must hold good for the terms outside
the integral sign at each limit. Hence we have
Id dT dT\ Id dT dT\
dT' dT'
and -t-t S£i' 4- -rs-r 5£ 2 ' 4- &c. = 2w (%' 5x' 4- y 5y' 4 z'5z').
«|i a| 2
2 F 2
436 The General Equations of Dynamics.
Since the limits are arbitrary the latter equation may be written
dT dT
7T 5 £i + -JT 5 £a + &c. = %m (x5x + y$y + zSz).
«£i d\i
If we now employ D'Alembert's Principle, the equations of motion are
immediately obtained.
304. Iieast Action. — The integral J" 2 Tdt taken between
two given configurations of a system is termed the Action of
the system in passing from one of these configurations to the
other. If we denote the action by A, we have the equation
A = 2
Tdt, (40)
where f and t" correspond to the initial and final configura-
tions of the system.
If v be the velocity, m the mass, and s the path of any
particle of the system, it is plain that A may be expressed
also by the equation
A = S/rc vds = Sm
(xdx + ydy + zdz), (41)
where s and s" are in any individual motion the values of s
for the particle m in the initial and final configurations.
The Principle of Least Action asserts, that subject to the
condition imposed by the equation of energy the mode in
which a conservative system passes from one configuration to
another is such that the action is a minimum.
The equation of energy is T + V = E, where E is con-
stant, and V a given function of the coordinates. This
equation determines T as a function of the coordinates, but
not v the velocity of an individual particle. Hence the value
f s "
of vds depends not only on the initial and final positions of
the particle, but also on the relation which in any individual
actual motion exists between v and s. If we consider the ex-
pression for A given by (40) it is plain that the value of A
depends on the equations which are supposed to determine
the coordinates in terms of t in any individual motion of the
system, and the Principle of Least Action asserts that in
the actual motion of the system these equations are such as
to render A a minimum. The student should observe that
Least Action. 437
in (40) the limiting values of t are not given. In fact, when
the initial and final configurations are given the correspond-
ing values of t depend upon the actual motion of the system.
To show that A is a minimum in the actual motion we
must suppose the forms of the functions by which cc, &c, are
expressed in terms of t to vary, and prove that the consequent
variation of A is zero.
We have then by (38)
DA = 2T"dt" - 2T'dt' + j2STdt.
Now ST + $V= 0, and therefore we get
DA = 2T"dt" - 2T'dt' + J (ST - dV) dt;
also, since 2 T = 'Em (dr + if + s 2 ) ,
we have $r= 2m (i£i + y§y + z$z),
hence
STdt
. .d$x . dh/ . dSi .
- + my J Sy + f^?+ miA &s J «. (43)
If we integrate each term by parts, and substitute in the
expression for DA, we obtain
DA = 2T"dt"-2T'dt'
+ 2w(i"&*>" + jTW+ *"&") - 2f»@W + y V + s'&0
Now by D'Alembert's equation the part under the inte-
gral sign must be zero, and therefore if the part outside
that sign be likewise zero, we have DA = 0.
But 2T'dt" + 2/rc {x" Ix" + y'ltf + z" Ss")
= 2m{x" (x'dt" + &*>') + y" (fdt" + Bf) + z"\z"df + $z") J ,
and df'dt" + dx", &c. are by (39) the complete variations of
%", &c, and therefore must each be zero, since x'\ y\ s", &c.
are invariable, being the coordinates of the particles of the
system in its final configuration, which is given. Hence, as
similar results hold good for the other limit, we obtain
DA = 0, and therefore may conclude that A is a minimum
or a maximum.
438
The General Equations of Dynamics.
If the potential energy of a system be given as a function
of the generalized coordinates, the Principle of Least Action
enables us to arrive at its equations of motion.
To obtain the equations of motion in this manner we must
seek to determine the generalized coordinates as functions of
t in such a way as to make A a, minimum, subject to the
condition that T + V = constant. This condition gives
ST + SV= 0, and therefore if A be an indeterminate quantity
we must have, when A is a minimum,
DA+j\($T+SV)dt = 0. (44)
In this equation the variations £|i, &c. may be regarded
as independent and arbitrary, provided we can determine A
so as to satisfy the equation T + V = constant.
If we substitute ^ ^ + — S& + &c. for ST and
d£ x dt d|i
-rs- Sgi + &c. for SV in (44), we get, after integrating by
parts, for the terms under the sign of integration,
, Q V r/T .dV d
(2 + A } — + A
d& d& dt
(2 + A)
(IT
dt
S& + &o.
<#.
Hence, as the part under the integral sign must vanish
independently of the terms outside that sign, and as <5£i, &o.
are independent and arbitrary, we have the system of equa-
tions
/0 (dT d dT\ dV
(2 + A) — ■ + A —
\rf£i dt dlJ dKi 4i dt
dT d\ _ ~\
(2 + A)(^
1 !*?
&c.
dV (IT dX
+ A— -^-— =0 |
d% 2 dt dt
>
(45)
If we multiply the first of these equations by fi, the
second by £>, &c. and add, we have
Wit
d_dT\t
dt 4 /
AS
IT
(46)
Hamilton's Characteristic Function. 439
Hence, by (25) and (13), we obtain
,<> + K dT + \ dV 9T (/X -0
- [2 + 1) Tt +X lf' 2T dt-°'
thatls ' rfF - 2— V It " 27a It = °- < 4 '>
This equation becomes the same as the equation of con-
dition T + V - constant, provided A = - (2 + A), or A = - 1.
Equations (45) then become the same as Lagrange's Equa-
tions (22). It is easy to see that if A =- 1, the terms outside
the sign of integration in (44), after integrating by parts,
vanish of themselves when the limiting values of £u £ 2 , &c
are given.
Some eminent mathematicians have deduced the equa-
tions of motion from the Principle of Least Action in a
strangely illogical manner.
305. Hamilton's Characteristic Function. — The
motion of a given system having n degrees of freedom whose
potential energy is a given function of the coordinates is
completely determined if the initial values of the generalized
coordinates and velocities be given. At any subsequent un-
determined time t we have n equations connecting t with the
corresponding values of the coordinates and the 2n quantities
previously assigned. If t be eliminated from these equations
n — 1 remain. Again, the kinetic and potential energies are
at any time connected by the equation T + V = E, which
gives another relation between the 2n assigned quantities.
Hence we conclude, that if the initial values of the coordi-
nates be given, and also their values at any subsequent
undetermined time, along with the total energy E of the
system, the motion is completely determined.
It follows from what has been said that the action A of a
system in passing from one configuration to another is a
determinate function of the initial and final values of the
coordinates and of the total energy. This function is called
by Hamilton the Characteristic Function. Whenever it can
be assigned it furnishes us with the first and second integrals
of the equations of motion, as we proceed to show.
440 The General Equations of Dynamics.
Suppose each of the initial and final coordinates, as well
as the total energy of the system, to be slightly altered, then
each coordinate, at any intermediate time, receives a corre-
sponding variation, and so likewise does T, the kinetic energy
of the system. Now A = 2 J Tdt, and therefore 8 A = J" 28TM ;
but BT+SV= Whence
$A=j(ST+$E-$V)dt. (48)
If in this we substitute for jSTdt its value given by (42)
and integrate by parts, we find, as in (43), that the part
under the sign of integration must, in virtue of D'Alembert's
equation, be zero. Hence $A must consist entirely of the
terms outside the sign of integration. To ascertain what
these are when T is expressed as a function of the generalized
velocities and coordinates, we must put for ST in (48) the
expression
^IT dTd 3
\d% d% dt
Since SA as shown above consists entirely of the terms
outside the sign of integration, if % l9 g 2 , &c, ?/, £ 2 ', &c, be
the final and initial coordinates, we obtain thus
8A=(t-t')$E+~ S& + ^8g, + & ._f!*£sEi / + ^8&'+&o.\
dt d^ U/ dli J
dT •
Now DA = 2Tdt - 2T'dt' + BA, and 2T = S -4 ?,
d%
hence by (39) we get
DA = {t- if) $E + pMi +P-M, + &o. - (pi'DE/ +P2D& + &o.)
where ^1, &c. have the same meaning as in (10).
Again, A being supposed to be expressed as a function of
the initial and final coordinates and total energy of the
system, we have
_. dA y dA y B dA y , dA r , p dA ~ -,
DA= — Dgi+— DL+&0.+ — D?i + — i>s2 +&c.+ — S-#.
arbitrary, we get
dA
dA
dA
d&
«-*•■
' dl n ~
dA
dA
dA
wr~ Pi >
dE~ t t '
Hamilton' 's Characteristic Function. 441
Comparing the two expressions fori) A, and remembering
that Z)£n Dt, 2 , &o. D?/, Df/, &c. and BE are independent and
ft; (49)
--*.'; (50)
(51)
Equations (49) and (51), if E be eliminated, furnish ex-
pressions for |i, £ 2 , &c, in terms of the coordinates and the
time, in other words, the first integrals of the equations of
motion. Equations (50) and (51), if E be eliminated, enable
us to express the coordinates themselves as functions of the
time, and so furnish the second integrals of the equations of
motion. In each case the initial coordinates £/, &c, and
components of momentum pi, &c, are supposed to be given.
It is to be observed that if we desire to have the first inte-
grals in their usual form, in which the arbitrary constants are
determined from the initial velocities, we must employ all the
equations (49), (50), and (51), and eliminate £i, &c, as well
as E.
In the case of a set of free particles, equations (49) and
(50) become
dA . dA . dA . dA . Q /tox
* = '"'*" fe = myi > 25 - " hZl > dT 2 = mH ' &0 - ; (52)
dA ., dA ., dA ., dA .
J2 = -"* - ^ = -»* . s> = -«•* . sj = - «* . &0 - («»)
The function ^1 satisfies certain partial differential equa-
tions by which it may sometimes be determined. These
equations are obtained thus : — Multiply the first of equations
(49) by &, the second by £», &c, and add, and we have
J A . rl A .
~ s. + 4- & + &o - = 2T= 2 c* - n- (s*)
«S1 "S2
442 The General Equations of Dynamics.
In like manner, from (50) we get
rl A • rl A •
^ ^ + «£ & , + &c# = _ 2 r = 2 ( r - ^). (55)
o%( dl %
In equation (54) we must remember that £i, ? 2 , &c. are
supposed to be expressed as functions otpi 9 p t9 &c, and thus,
finally, as functions of
clA clA
~o%? d&
A similar remark holds good for (55).
In the case of free unconnected particles, equations (54)
and (55) take the simple forms,
2-
m
MQHfMS)]-^-' '• m
4PH£M»)'}- 3 <^ 157 >
Examples.
1 . Find the characteristic function, and the initial and final integrals in the
case of a hody falling vertically.
Here there is only one coordinate, z the height of the hody from the
ground. Since gravity tends to diminish z, the potential energy V = mgz>
and E = T + mgz. We have, then,
=(£)■-•<■-- >• =(»)->«»-^
where z is the initial height. If we attribute the negative sign to the square
root in the first of these equations, we get, by integrating,
2,cj \ m j
In this equation C is a function of z, and is to be determined from the second
differential equation for A. Remembering that A must vanish when z = z\
we get finally
Examples. 443
We have, then,
dA \2{E-mgz) ., , dA J2(E
ms=Pl = -d7 = - m V— iT - ' "" = Pl = - H = ~ m <~
mgz')
dA I ( ( 2(E- mgz) \ \ _ / 2(E-mgz') \ § |
~d~E~g\ \ m / ~ \ w / i '
If we eliminate E and z from these three equations, and put z" = - v', we
get the ordinary first integral of the equation of motion in which the initial
velocity is supposed to he given. If we merely eliminate E between the last
two of the above equations, and put z' = — v' , we get the ordinary final
integral.
t~
The resulting equations are £ = — {gt + v). z — — g — - v't + z'.
The signs which we have attributed to the square roots correspond to the
motion of a falling body projected vertically downwards. The results which
hold good in the other cases of the motion of a body falling vertically are
deduced from the general equations by giving the proper signs to the square
roots.
2. A material particle is acted on by an attractive force passing through a
fixed point, and varying directly as the distance ; find the characteristic
function.
Let m be the mass of the particle, and fir the magnitude of the force at the
distance r, then
dV 3 rr A*, o
~~ ~dx = ~ ftX ' 2 * + r ) '
Hence we have
(a , +(S) , - tM, -^ + ^ > - w
If we assume
the equation (a) is satisfied, provided
ci + c 2 = IE. (e)
Since the differential equation to be satisfied bv 77 and -— is similar to (a),
' dx dij
and since A must vanish when x = x' and y = y', we have
444 The General Equations of Dynamics.
In this expression for A the constants c x and c% are subject to the condition
ci + c% = 2E. In order that A should he expressed as a function of x, y, x\ y\
and JE, a second equation connecting c\ and c* with these quantities is required.
This equation is, in fact,
x A— — sin- 1 x'l—= sin- 1 y J sin -1 y'J-
\ 1 \ Ci ^ Co * Co
(•)
Its truth may he proved as follows : —
By equation (d) A is expressed as a function of x, y, x', y', ci, Co, so that
we may write A =
Again, dc\ + dc% - 0, since c\ +C2 = 2.E', and therefore we have — = — .
aci aC2
Hence the required relation between c\ and c 2 must, in virtue of (c), be capable
dd> deb _, „ ffo , ^>
of being expressed in the form, -f- = - z . The expressions for — and — -
are found most easily from (b). From these equations we have
dA /- / c?L4 a/w
— = Y m \/ ci — /j. x £ , whence
Integrating, we have
dA ,- [ x dx \m / U . . , Ifi \
In like manner
dA \m I . , L . , , lju.\ .
— =7 A - sin m/. - — sin l y \ - ) >
dco 2 \^ V >^2 y >c 2 /
, . 80),
450 Small Oscillations.
thus we may neglect z, and have
Sdmr- {6 56 + 0* = #0 sin (t Va + x), &c.
where A- and x are arbitrary constants, we get to determine a, )8, 7, &c, and \
the equations
(?«i + w 2 + &c.)(aiA-5')o + (w2 + W3 + &c.)a2A)8+ (w3 + &c.)a 3 A7+&c. = 0,
(W2 + W3 +&c.)aiAa+ (»»2 + »«3 + &c.)(«2A.-5')i8+ (mz + &c.) a 3 \y + &c. = 0.
(flio + «2)8 + «37 + &c. + fl n w) A - ga> = 0.
This problem can also be treated by the general method of Art. 310. For,
since the vertical motion of each ball is very small in comparison with its hori-
zontal motion, the velocities si, Z2 f &c. may be neglected ; and we readily find
2T- mi <7r 0r + w 2 (tfi 0i + a 2 2 ) 2 + m z (a x 0i + a 2 02 + «3 03) 2
. . . + m» (ai 01 + « 2 02 + • • • + d n 0„) 2 .
Also, if the potential energy be estimated from the position of equilibiium of
the system,
2 V = mi ga\ 0r + W20 («i Or + «2 02 2 ) + . . . + »M ( a i #i 2 + #2 02 2 + • • • + «« 0n 2 ) •
The preceding differential equations immediately follow from these equa-
tions by the method of Art. 310.
472 Small Oscillations.
2. The system of balls suspended as in the last example are displaced in
different vertical planes.
In this case, 0i and cpi being the angular displacements of «i towards the
axes of y and x, B 2 and + 533^ = 0.
Assuming
= Jc a sin (* Va + x)i ^ = &7 sin (* l 7 * + x ),
we have, for the detennination of a, £, 7, A, the equations
AXa = g-no + 512)8 + ?i37>
-#Aj8 = £i 2 a + 522)8 + 5-237,
C\y = qua + 523)8 + 5337-
If 01, 02, &c. be the values of a, &c. corresponding to Ai and A 2 , two of
the roots of the cubic for A, it is easy to see that
(Ai - A 2 ) {Aaiaz + Bfafa + C7172) = ;
hence Actio.* + Bfiifiz + C7172 = 0,
and therefore also
02 (51101 + 512)81 + 51371) + )82 (5i2«i + 522^1 + 52371)
+ 72 (51301 + 523)81 + 5337O = °-
Accordingly the lines whose direction cosines are proportional to 01, £1, 71 ;
02, /32, 72; 03, £3, 73 ; are conjugate diameters of the momental ellipsoid, and
likewise of the quadric E, whose equation referred to the principal axes of the
body at the fixed point is
511 #- + 522^ + 533Z 2 + 2512 xy + 2qi 3 xz + 2q 2 *yz = K.
Since the initial position is one of stable equilibrium, E must be an ellipsoid
(Art. 315).
Examples.
475
An angular displacement are supposed to be expressed in mechanical units.
490 Thermodynamics.
333. Energy and Entropy. — For every reversible
transformation in which the external work done by the body
is due to its own expansion we have, if Q be expressed in
work units, the two equations
dQ = dU + pdv)
(24)
dQ = Td , p; T, p ; T, v ; and v, p ; and express in
each case the condition that dU should be a perfect diffe-
rential, we obtain a system of equations which hold good in
any reversible transformation in which the external work
done by a body is due to its expansion against the pressure
on its surface, and which are as follows : —
dvh~ WA' WA"WV VpJt" \dT)p\ ....
d±\ = (dp\ (d_T\ (dj\ _ (clT\ (d£\ m
dv) T \dT)J \dpJ v \dvj P \dv) p \dp) v J
Elasticity and Expansion. 491
Briot remarks that from the first of these equations the
three succeeding can be obtained by interchanging p and i\
or T and but d * = {d- v ) P dv+ [dp) v d *>
/#\ ldT\
and therefore 1&L = - { ±) . In like manner iftil = - (±) ;
\dp) v \dv) p
idp\
hence £ = A*l2± = f» (Art . 334) .
\dv J t
Examples. 493
4. Prove that dQ = c p dT - cvTdp.
"- ®."*(S),*
"*" + '(8)r*
but by (26) -we have (— ) =— ( t^,) , an d hence by substitution we obtain
from (28) the required result.
5. Assuming that the square of the velocity of the propagation of sound is
proportional to the elasticity of the medium divided by its density, show that in
a gas the velocity of sound varies as \ZkBT.
Since the compression of the air during the passage of a wave of sound is
very sudden, the compression may be regarded as adiabatic. Hence the velocity
of sound varies as ^ E^v, but E$ — JcE T (Ex. 3), and E T = P, therefore, &c.
By means of the results obtained in this Example and in Ex. 1, Art. 324,
if the velocity of sound be determined by experiment, C p and C v can be calculated.
Conversely, if C p be known by experiment, C v can be found from the velocity
of sound, and hence the value of / can be determined.
6. Show that bodies which expand by heating are heated by compression ;
those which contract by heating are cooled by compression ; and, if the tempera-
ture be maintained constant, determine the rate at which heat is given out or
absorbed according as the pressure is increased.
If Q be the heat required to keep the temperature constant, the rate of ab-
sorption is ( — J ; but
(S)'-*(2),--*S),- : -- E *-«-»>■
Hence 8Q is negative if e be positive, and conversely.
7. Prove that in water not far from its maximum density the rise of tem-
perature produced by an increase of pressure is given approximately by the
formula,
2950000 *'
where t is expressed in degrees centigrade, and p in atmospheres.
If vo be the volume of the unit mass of water at 4°, when the density is a
maximum, the empirical formula v = vq f 1 + ) represents, according
to Kopp and Tait, the results of numerous experiments. From this formula we
have approximately e = --^qqq-
Hence, assuming the pressure of the atmosphere to be 1033 grammes on the
square centimetre, we obtain the required result.
8. If the internal energy of a body be a function of its temperature alone
determine the relation which must exist between v, p, and T.
494 Thermodynamics.
In this case (25) becomes Td = adT + (b + p) dv, whence b + p = Tf(v). If by means
of this last equation we express dv in terms of dp and dT, we have
dQ
= { a -7) iT +h- Now *-Gf),
P
and therefore, if n be the constant value of c p , we obtain a-'— = n. From this
we have [a - n) ■£■ = dv, and integrating we get (v + C) f= (n - a), where
is the constant of integration. Hence we have as the required relation
(b+p){v+ C) = {n-a)T.
10. If the specific heats of a body at constant pressure and at constant
volume be each constant, show that the energy is a linear function of the volume
and absolute temperature.
~Letc v = m, c P = n, then Ijj,) = % and therefore U = mT + f (v).
Ah0C *={§) P +p (is),- whence " - •" + (/ ' +p) (%)„■ (a)
Again, from (25) we have
Td , _ ^ = / ( C v \og-+ C p log -) =J(C P - C v ) log - = R log -.
Since vz >v\, the entropy is increased by the supposed transformation. This
transformation, it should be observed, is non-reversible, and therefore not adia-
batic, though no heat is lost or gained. '
3. A vertical cylinder, whose horizontal section is S, is filled with gas at the
atmospheric pressure p\ and temperature 1\, and closed by a piston on which
is placed a weight w which pushes it down. Supposing no external heatto
pass into or out of the gas, determine the temperature when equilibrium is
established.
The transformation here is non- reversible, since the external pressure ex-
ceeds that due to the state of the body by a finite amount. Since no heat is lost
or gained the external work done on the gas must be equal to the change of
energy.
Let pz, Ti, V2 be the final pressure, temperature, and specific volume, the
w
initial specific volume being vi, then pi = p\ + -, and the work done on the unit
of mass is pz {v\ - vz). Hence from (10) we have
c„ (r 2 - Ti) =p 2 {vi - vz) = P2V1 - R T 2 ,
and therefore
{fin + R) T 2 = c v T x 4 (px + ^\ vi,
4. In Ex. 3 determine the increase of the entropy of a unit mass of the gas.
Tz „ ,. , vi)
Tz = c p T\ + — v\, which determines Tz
increase of the
Am. o = -~ 1 {alog(l-y)-log(l-yo)};
and since a > 1 , we readily see that the quantity inside the bracket is positive.
336. Absolute Scale of Temperature. — The result
obtained in Art. 330 may be arrived at by a different method
independent of the properties of any particular substance.
We have seen in Art. 329 that if Q be the heat drawn from
2 K
498 Thermodynamics.
the source, and W the heat converted into work in Carnot's
cycle, — i s a function of the extreme temperatures only, and
is independent of the suhstance employed. In order, then, to
construct a scale of temperature independent of any parti-
cular body we may proceed as follows : —
Draw the isothermal AB of a sub-
stance chosen at random, corresponding
to any arbitrary temperature, which may
be indicated by T, and draw the adiabatics
AA and BR corresponding to the con-
dition of the body before and after a
certain arbitrary amount of heat Q has
been imparted to it.
Draw another isothermal at a tem-
perature T' less than T, so that the area
ABB' A' may be of given magnitude or
correspond to a given amount of heat w. Now draw a series
of isothermals T" , T" ', &c, at intervals such that
ABBA = AB'B" A' = A'B"B!"A" = &c. ;
then \IT-T be the unit of temperature, T- T" is two units,
T- T" three units, &c.
Since T, Q, and w are fixed quantities, and W correspond-
ing to T^ is nw, Equation (18) shows that two bodies are at
the same temperature if each indicates in the manner described
n degrees of temperature below T. This method of estimat-
ing temperature is, therefore, independent of the body em-
Again, if T be any temperature lower than T estimated in
this manner, and W the heat converted into work in the cor-
responding cyclical process, we have W = (T- T') w, and in
like manner for another temperature T" lower than T we
have W"={T-T")w.
If we now suppose a cyclical process between the tem-
peratures T and T", indicated by the points A', B% B" , A\
the heat converted into work is W" - W\ and we get
JT»- W'={T'-T") w (31)
Absolute Zero. 499
Again, the heat Q / drawn from the source at T f , is equal
to that given to the condenser in the process in which T and
T' are the extreme temperatures ; hence
Q . q = W' = (T- T) w, that is, Q' = Q - (T- T') w. (32)
337. Efficiency of a Heat Engine. — A system work-
ing in the manner required by Camot's cycle may be termed
a reversible heat engine, and the ratio of the heat converted
into work to the heat drawn from the source is called the
efficiency of the engine.
It appears by the reasoning of Art. 329 that the extreme
temperatures being given, the efficiency of a non-reversible engine
cannot exceed that of a reversible, and that the efficiency of all
reversible engines is the same.
338. Absolute Zero. — From Art. 337 it appears that
the efficiency of a reversible engine working between the
temperatures T and T" is j- f . By (31) and (32) this
H
rpr _ /xt//
becomes -. -^ •
r \ T -l)
As T" decreases, the efficiency increases, but the limit
which it can never exceed is unity, since the mechanical work
done by an engine can never exceed the equivalent of the
heat drawn from the source. Hence, if we make the effi-
ciency unity, we obtain for T" the smallest possible value,
which is T This temperature T" , since it is the lowest
which can be attained by any body, must be the absolute
zero. Hence
'-!-"• - 14
The expression for the efficiency of a reversible engine
working between any two temperatures T r and T" becomes
2 K 2
500 Thermodynamics.
rpr _ rprr
then — ^7 — , and for the cyclical process described in Art.
Q - Qo T —To
329 we have — -jz — - = — ^= — -. Carnot's function has thus
H\ J- i
been determined independently of the properties of any
particular substance.
Again, this mode of determining Carnot's function shows
that the existence of an absolute zero of temperature, sug-
gested and rendered probable by the known properties of
what are called permanent gases, follows necessarily from
the two fundamental Principles of Thermodynamics.
The experiments of Joule and Thomson have shown that
the absolute zero is 273*7 below zero on the Centigrade
scale, or 460*66 below zero on the Fahrenheit. This is very
nearly the same result as that of Article 324.
Examples.
1. The entropy = — - -f B — . Hence -dU must
be a perfect differential, whence U= F(T).
2. Gas is made to pass uniformly through a tube in which a porous plug,
such as cotton-wool, is placed. No heat is permitted to leave the gas or enter it
from any external source ; determine the connexion between the variations of
pressure and temperature caused by the plug.
Since the density of the gas at any particular cross section of the tube does
not vary during the experiment, equal masses of gas pass through each section
in the same time, or the velocity of the unit of mass is constant. Again, any
energy which is lost by frictien is restored as heat. We are therefore entitled
to assume that any change in the energy of the gas as it passes through diffe-
rent parts of the tube is due to the work done on it or to the work which it
Suppose two cross sections A and B of the tube, one on each side of the
plug, the pressures at which are p\ and p 2 . As a small quantity dm of gas
passes A the pressure driving it forward does work on it whose amount is
pividm. At the same time dm does work on the next layer of gas which is
equal to the work done on dm when passing the section consecutive to A. Thus,
in going from A to B tbe work done by dm and the work done on dm compen-
sate each other, with the exception of pwidm done on dm, and p 2 v 2 dm done by
dm. In other words, in the passage from A to B the whole external work done
by dm is (p 2 v 2 - pwi) dm, and therefore, since no heat is lost or gained, we have
U 2 - U\ + P2V2. - p\V\ = 0.
Now U=jTd(j>- J pdv =$Td , fj. = m sin § ', and its direction cosines I', m', ri ; <£>' - i sm 2 ^P — ^— , — g= m 1 - J 2 ) cot J tf>,
eft smid> *
Again
2 — = wi sin ^P sm PP— r— r — = «i (w - fo» cot f 0),
o)i sin AP sin CP
sini(/>
cos CPP
BOO. ftp
\ i, «2, a>3,
round three rectangular axes OA, OB, 00 fixed in the body. Determine the
differential coefficients of Rodrigues' coordinates with respect to the time.
By means of the last example we can write down the changes produced on
>, I, m, n by each of the rotations co\dt, w^dt, oizdt.
Adding, and dividing by dt, we get
2 — = — (aon + W3«J 4- COt|(J>{a>i - l(lw\ + w«2 + nooz)},
dt
2 — = - wil + w\n + eoth 2 1 + cot |0{«3 - n(lu)\ + ma>2 + na>z)},
dt
d 3 ;
dt
whence, also, we obtain
n dv n d\
2 — = - <)>l\ - W2H - WiV, Z— = CCIV — C02V + 003 fJ.,
dt dt
du . dv
2 = OJOV — CCZ\ + OJ\V, 2 — = 0>3U - Wljll + o>oA,
«£ at
where v, A, /*, v have the same meaning as before.
30. A rigid body is moving in any manner ; one point is suddenly arrested ;
determine the impulse exerted on the body.
Let u, v, w be the components of the velocity of the point immediately before
it is arrested, x, y, z its coordinates, and X, Y, Zthe components of the impulse,
the axes being the principal axes of the body at the centre of inertia, then X is
given by the equation
- [^- + A(B + C)x> + B(C+A)y°- + C(A + J5)z 2 + mir^X
= {ABC + ®l[A{B + C)x i + BC(y 2 + z 2 ) + BtIt*sP\}«
+ Tl{AB + Wilr°~)xyv + Wl(AC + 2)llr 2 )xzw,
where i" is the moment of inertia of the body round the line joining the arrested
point to the centre of inertia, r the distance between these points, and A, B, C,
the principal moments of inertia of the body.
31. A sphere is projected in any way along an imperfectly rough inclined
plane. Investigate the motion.
(This investigation, with some slight modifications, is taken from Routh,
Rigid Dynamics.)
520 Miscellaneous Examples,
Here the equations of motion are
Mx = X 4- Mg sin i, My = Y,
§ Mr-wi = rY, %Mr 2 d>o = - rX,
whence, eliminating X and Y, we obtain, on integrating,
z + %r (|, r,) = R,
G y =tia$ItdS-fl%dS;
therefore J B£dS = iimga.
Assume R = K+ eA, where iT and e are constants, then
fimya = K j £dS + e f Af«fe, but f&S = ;
therefore 6 must be small ; also
mg = KS + e J AdS.
522 Miscellaneous Exercises.
Again, &» = J" Bi\dS - jua f V -^- KdS ;
and, since the second member of G x is zero, q.p.,vre have J" iSrj^/S = 0. Hence
the resultant normal reaction passes through a, point on the axis of x.
To determine the motion of the centre of inertia,
m— = 2X = - n J" BdS = - \tmg ;
therefore w= JT-figt.
dv v f f v
Again »» — = 2F = - ^ - \ RdS - n - \ R£dS = - \nmg -, q.p.
° dt u] u J w
hence = cu ; and since » = when u= U, c = 0, therefore v = 0.
To find the angular velocity,
mk 2
3F--^J«"--ii, and o> 2 . Hence
dt dt
X = — yu9% cos a, Y = - ^9% sin a.
These are the components of a constant force in a fixed direction. Hence in
general the centre of the sphere describes a parabola. If, however, the initial
axis of rotation be perpendicular to the direction of the initial motion of the
centre, i.e. if V\Cl\ + VzQz—O, the centre of the sphere continues to move in
the direction of its initial motion.
Substituting the values of X and Y in the equations of motion, we find that
2 ( Vi - ra-)
slipping ceases along the axis of x when t = „ - , and along the axis of >/
** ° 7 /iff cos a ' ° J
, 2(V2+rQi) ..Vz+rQi Fi - ril 3 .
when t = — : ; but — : = , hence, slipping along each axis
7 /x.ff sin a sin « cos a irr o o
ceases at the same time, to, where
t g V{(ri-m 2 ) 2 +(r 2 + rfli) a }
to = t '
H-ff
After pure rolling begins it will continue, since the values which X and Y
must take in order to maintain it are zero ; the components of the velocity of
the centre are then given by the equations
dx _ 5 Vi + 2>-n 2 dy _ 5 Vi- 2rHi
¥ " 7 ' ?/ 2 + &c) Z 1 + ( m V + ihV + &o.) Z% + &c. }
It can be shown in a similar manner that
~jy- = A 2 (17 1" 3 + if*" 8 . . . + W 2 ) £ 3 , and so on.
If then we assume, as is allowable,
»7i + Vz + Vi ...+ Ti n .= L, rii + rjo + jj s • • • + »y» = 1, &0.,
we have the equations
d<& dh v\\ + m Vz • • . + tin Tt\ n = 0,
whilst the other still remains arbitrary. Hence the transfor-
mation is complete, but one of the ratios which is determined
in the case of unequal roots remains arbitrary in the case of
equal.
464 Small Oscillations.
The results obtained above for the determinants An, A 22 ,
&c. may be extended, as in Art. 314, to the first minors of A
in its most general form. We may then assert, in general,
that when A is a double root of the equation A = 0, the
system of n linear equations (19) can be satisfied by (n - 2)
of the quantities a l9 a 2 , . . . a n , the other two remaining
arbitrary.
The conditions to be fulfilled in the case of equal roots
might have been deduced at once from the consideration that
the roots of the equation An = separate those of A = 0, as
shown in Art 314.
If, on the other hand, some method different from that
of Art. 314 be adopted to prove the reality of the roots of the
equation A = 0, then the method of the present Article may
be employed to investigate, as above, the case of equal roots,
and also to show that the roots of the equation An = separate
those of the equation A = 0.
317. General solution of the Differential Equa-
tions in the case of Equal Roots. — When the roots of
the equation A = are all unequal and positive, equations
(21) may be written
(40)
|i = #n sin t VAi + flt'n cos t Vai + #12 sin t VA2 + #'12 cos t Va 2 + &0.
I2 = #21 sin t Vai + rt'21 cos t Vai + o.2% sin t VA2 + #'22 cos t Va 2 + &c.
&c. = &c.
where the 2n constants a u , a' u , a 12 , a m &c, in the expression
for £1 are all arbitrary, and the corresponding constants in
g 2 , &c. may be found in terms of these arbitrary constants
by the solution of linear equations, the equations connecting
a n , #21, «3i? • • • a n\ being the same as those connecting a' Ui
a 21, ft 3i» • • • (i m.'
If now two roots Ai and A 2 of the equation A = become
equal, equations (40) are reduced to the form
£1 = «n sin t\/\i + «'n cos ^Ai + #13 sin t\/\3 + a n cos t\/\z + &c.\
£2 = #21 sin t\/^i + a 21 cos<-\/ai + #23 sin t\/te + a'23 cos t V A3 + &c. \.. (41)
In - «n\ sin t \/x\ + a'ni cos ty'xi + a»3 sin ty A3 + #'»3 cos t v A3 + &c./
Principal Coordinates § Directions of Harmonic Vibration. 465
In this case there are only 2(^-1) arbitrary constants in gij
but since the system of n linear equations corresponding to
A t can (Art. 316) be satisfied by (n - 2) of the unknown quan-
tities, the other two remaining arbitrary, we may in the
present case, in addition to the (2n - 2) constants in £ l5 con-
sider a 2l and a- n ' also as arbitrary. We thus have still 2n
arbitrary constants altogether, and the solution of the diffe-
rential equations (18) is therefore complete. A particular
case of this has been already considered in Art. 308. It is
easy to see that we may still, if we please, express the values
of ?!, &c. by equations (21), but when A x = A 2 the constants
tf 2 i and a 22 are arbitrary, as well as K X a ll9 K 2 a l2y xu and x^ and
in terms of these six we can express the four arbitrary
constants which belong to the solution of the differential
equations.
If there be several distinct double roots similar considera-
tions apply to each of them, and in general, corresponding
to each doable factor of A there are four arbitrary constants
in the solution of the differential equations.
The preceding investigation can be readily extended to
the case in which the equation A = has r equal roots.
In this case 2r constants a n , a 21 , . . . a rl , a n ', a 2l ', . . . a r {
are arbitrary, and the n linear equations corresponding to the
multiple root, which in general determine (n - 1) quantities
in terms of the remaining one, are equivalent to only (n - r)
independent equations.
In fact, from what has been proved above, it appears that
every double root of the equation A = must be a root of
An = 0. Hence if the former equation have r equal roots
the latter must have (r - 1). Again, it is plain that A n is
related to An 22 in the same way in which A is related to An,
and so on. "We may therefore conclude that if the equation
A = have r roots equal to A x , then (r - 1) successive minors
of A must vanish for that value of A.
318. Principal Coordinates and Directions of
Harmonic Vibration. — Since in the present case the
equations are linear which connect different sets of co-
ordinates, the generalized components of velocity are ex-
pressed in terms of each other by the same equations as
those which connect the corresponding coordinates. Hence
2H
466 Small Oscillations.
the transformation of coordinates by which 2& becomes
Si 2 + V . . . + In, reduces 2 T to the form ^ + £ 2 3 . . . &. Now,
Art. 315, 2© is in this case of the form A^ 2 + X 2 ? 2 2 . . . + X„?» 2 ,
and therefore by the solution of the differential equations for
this particular set of generalized coordinates we have
Ci = h sin *(Va! + xi), & = *a sin (' Va 8 + %*), . . . f» = *« sin (* V\^ + X »)> ( 42 )
where Xi, &c. are the roots of the equation A = 0, and
hi, k 2 , . . . k m xi» X2» • • • X» are arbitrary constants, 2w in
number.
The coordinates f u J 2 , &c. are called the Principal Co-
ordinates of the oscillating system.
The Cartesian coordinates a?, y, s of any point of the
system are given in terms of the principal coordinates by
equations of the form
x = x + A£i + A£ 2 . . . + A n Z n \
y = y. + B£i + B& . .. + £„£»{,
z = s + C\£i + C 2 ? 2 . . . + „?„
where x , y Q , s are the values of x, y, z respectively for the
position of equilibrium, and A lt B lt d, A 2 , B 2 , C 2y &c. are
constants depending (Arts. 310, 315) on the coefficients
/ u ,/ 12 , &c, gii, q i2 , &c, that is on the connexions between the
several particles, and on the forces acting on the system.
From (42) it appears that the motion of each particle is
in general resolvable into n simple vibrations whose periods
are
2tt 2tt 2tt
v Ai *y X 2 v X n
The motion of any one particle being determined, that of any
other consists of simple vibrations having the same periods,
i. e. harmonic, with the former.
The direction of motion for the particle xi/z, arising from
the simple vibration whose period is - — — , is found by suppos-
v Xi
ing £ 2 , ?3, • • • £n to be each zero, and depends upon the
Principal Coordinates. 467
constants A Xi B u d. Hence the directions of the several
component vibrations, as well as the ratios of their amplitudes
for the different particles in any one harmonic set, depend on
the particulars of the system, i.e. on the connexions and
forces ; and are independent of the particulars of the motion,
i. e. of the initial positions and velocities.
The several systems of directions
MAft, A(B{GU A{'B('C{\ &c),
(a 2 b 2 c 2 , a:b:c 2 \ A: f B: f c 2 ", &c),
&G.
along the constituents of any one of which if the particles
xyz 9 x'yz, x'lj'z^ &c. were simultaneously displaced they
would all vibrate in the same period or harmonically, are
termed the directions of harmonic vibration.
The simple harmonic functions of the time which occur
in the expressions for £ 1} &o. given by equations (21) differ
in general only by constant multipliers from the values of
ZlS ?2, &C.
If we put ki sin (t */\ x + Xl ) = ^, Ka sin (t ^\ 2 + X2 ) = ^ 2 ,
&c, we may express ^ 1} ip 2 , &c. in terms of ?i, $2, &c, as
follows : —
Let 2^ =f 11 a 11 2 +f 22 a 3l 2 +f 33 a 31 t + 2f 12 a n a 2l + 2f 13 a 11 a n + &c.
2«7 2 "=/ii«i 2 2 +/ 22 «22 2 +/ 3 3« 32 2 + 2f l2 a 12 a 22 + 2f lz a l2 a i2 + &c.
&U = /ll«11^12 +/ 2 2«21^22 +/33« , 3lrt r 32 +/l2(«ll«22 + «12«2l) + &0.
&c &c. &c. &c.
and let @i, 62, 612, &c. denote the expressions obtained by
the substitution of q u , q 12 , &c. for/n,/^ &c. in #, % £ia, &c.
We have, then,
2&i = a u — + a 21 — . . . + a nl - — , (44)
da n da 21 da nl ' v '
ney d$r n d$r % dST 2
2y 2 = a 12 -j— + ajB -r— . . . + a„2 -7—, (45)
0#12 "«22 rffl«2 V ^
«7i2 = «i2 -7— + «a -7— + &c. = « n — + a 2l — — + &c. ; 46
da n achi da l2 da 22
&c. &c. &c. &c
2 H 2
468
Small Oscillations.
and similar equations hold good for © 1? © 2 , ©12, &c. It is
easy to see that ^1 2 , #i3j &c., @i 2 , ©13, &c. are each zero. In
fact by (22) we have
Xi 3— = - 7 — , Ai-t- = -j— , Ar j— = -7—, &C. (47)
from which by multiplication and addition we get Xi^w = © 12 .
In like manner, X a £'i 2 = ©12, and therefore in general ,9i 2 = 0,
and ©12 = 0.
From (47) we have also © x = A^i, and in a similar
manner © 2 = X 2 ^ 2 , &c ,, ^
If now we multiply the first of equations (21) by -— , the
d& dS?i
second bv — -, the third by - — , and so on, and add, all the
J d(h? d(hi
simple harmonic functions of the time except \p 1 disappear.
In like manner we can find \p 2j t// 3 , &c. and thus we obtain
da u da 21
da nl
nrr , d$r M d& d&
da n da 2i da nZ
da ln da 2n
dP n ~
da nn
(48)
Since <9"i is a homogeneous quadratic function of a n , (hi,
&c, and 57 the same function of % l9 g 2 , &c., it is plain that the
first of equations (48) may be written
d$ d? d9
d£i d& d% n
now from (21) we have -7^ = a n , -r^- = a 2 u &c, and there-
d\pi dxpi
fore we obtain 2S r np 1
d$r_
#1
dS?
In like manner 2#>i£«» = -77-, &c ; hence we have
dxpi
(49)
Effect of Increase of Inertia. 469
In a precisely similar manner we can show that
@ = @^r- + e,^, 2 . . . + @„^ n s = \i^i 8 + x a #^ a a . • • + x«#^v (so)
If we select the constants a n , a 12 , a 1? „ . . . a ln so as to
satisfy the equations ft = 1, & = 1, . . . #» = 1, the simple
harmonic functions ip l9 ip 2 , &c. express the values of the
principal coordinates of the system.
When the harmonic determinant equation has equal roots
the orthogonal transformation which reduces (5 to its canoni-
cal form though valid is no longer determinate Art. (316),
and there are an indefinite numher of sets of principal coordi-
nates.
319. Effect of Increase of Inertia.— If the mass or
inertia of any part of a moving system be increased, the
expression for the kinetic energy receives thereby the addition
of one or more terms of the form vQ\ where v is a positive
constant, and 6 is a linear function of the generalized com-
ponents of velocity. The coordinates may be transformed
in such a way as to make the linear functions 0, &c. identical
with an equal number of the generalized coordinates \ X9 &c.
If the forces acting on the system remain unaltered, and
if there be only one additional term in the expression for the
kinetic energy, the harmonic determinant A' of the system
in which there has been an increase of mass or inertia, is
given then by the equation
X(/ n + v) - q ll9 X/12 - qu •
X/l2 - 012
A' =
A + v\ An,
where A is the harmonic determinant of the original system.
If the original position be one of stable equilibrium all
the roots Xi, . . . \ n of the equation A = are positive, and
are separated by the roots fii 9 . . . fi n -\ of the equation An = 0.
Hence A r is positive for X = Xi, negative for X = /ui, negative
for X = X 2 , positive for X = ju 2 , and so on. Consequently the
roots of the equation A' = are each less than the correspond-
ing root of the equation A = 0, but are all positive and are
separated by the roots of the equation An = 0.
470 Small Oscillations.
It follows from what has been said, that when the forces
remain unaltered an increase of mass increases the several
periods of vibration.
If the generalized coordinate or & were rendered
invariable the system would have only [n - 1) degrees of
freedom, and the harmonic determinant would become An.
Hence no root of the equation A = is diminished by an
increase of inertia as much as it would be by rendering the
corresponding coordinate invariable.
It follows that if any period of oscillation belong to a
system both before and after a certain coordinate has been
rendered invariable this period belongs also to the system
when the mass corresponding to this coordinate is increased.
The substance of this Article is taken from Eouth's
Rigid Dynamics.
320. Energy of an Oscillating System. — If we put
t ^/Ai + Xl = 0U t \/^2 + X2 = 02, &C,
and substitute in T the values of £i, £ 2 , &c. obtained by dif-
ferentiating equations (42) we have
2T = XJcS cos 2 0! + A 2 & 2 2 cos 2 2 + &c. (51)
Again, substituting in V the values of &, £ 2 , &c we have
2 V = 2 Vo + Xifc" sin 2 fa + A 2 & 2 2 sin 2