Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Particles and Bodies in 2D Motion from Coursera

This course is an introduction to the study of bodies in motion as applied to engineering systems and structures. We will study the dynamics of particle motion and bodies in rigid planar (2D) motion. This will consist of both the kinematics and kinetics of motion. Kinematics deals with the geometrical aspects of motion describing position, velocity, and acceleration, all as a function of time. Kinetics is the study of forces acting on these bodies and how it affects their motion.

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Recommended Background:

To be successful in the course you will need to have mastered basic engineering mechanics concepts and to have successfully completed my courses en titled an “Introduction to Engineering Mechanics” and “Applications in Engineering Mechanics.” We will apply many of the engineering fundamentals learned in those classes and you will need those skills before attempting this course.

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Syllabus

Course Introduction; Particle Kinematics; Particle Kinetics – Newton’s Laws and Euler’s Laws; Motion of Particles and Mass Centers of Bodies

In this section students will learn about particle kinematics, Newton's Laws and Euler's Laws, motion of particles and mass centers of bodies.

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Develops industry standard knowledge and tools for solving engineering problems

Focuses on engineering dynamics, which is a core topic for mechanical engineers

Materials provided by Georgia Tech Research Corporation, which has a strong reputation in engineering research

Instructor Dr. Wayne Whiteman is an experienced professor in mechanical engineering

Requires foundational knowledge in engineering mechanics, which may be a barrier for some learners

Reviews summary

Engineering dynamics: particle & rigid body motion

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in engineering dynamics, particularly for particle and rigid body motion in 2D. Many students found the lectures clear and well-explained by the instructor. The homework assignments are frequently cited as being effective for practicing the concepts and reinforcing learning. While the course is considered challenging, especially the exams, many found it a valuable prerequisite for more advanced studies or careers in engineering. Students consistently emphasize the critical importance of having a strong background in prerequisites, such as statics and calculus.

Some topics could use more detail or practice.

"Some parts felt rushed, especially towards the end."

"Could use more practice problems for certain concepts."

"I needed external resources to fully grasp some topics."

"The depth was good for an introduction, but some areas needed more."

Provides a solid base for future studies.

"This course gave me a great foundation in dynamics."

"It's a good starting point for anyone needing dynamics."

"The material provides a solid base for more advanced topics."

"I feel much more confident in dynamics after taking this course."

Assignments help solidify understanding.

"The homework problems were very helpful in applying the concepts."

"I found the assignments challenging but effective for learning."

"Working through the homework really reinforced the material."

"The homework was a good practice for the concepts taught."

Lectures are clear and easy to follow.

"The lectures are very clear and easy to understand."

"The course materials are well-structured and the explanations are clear."

"I liked the way the instructor explained the concepts."

"The lectures were easy to follow and understand the principles."

Exams are difficult and require thorough preparation.

"The exams were quite difficult and tested a deep understanding."

"I found the exams much harder than the homework."

"Be prepared for challenging exams, they are not easy."

"Passing the exams requires significant effort and study beyond lectures."

Requires a solid background in mechanics/calculus.

"Definitely requires a strong understanding of the prerequisite courses."

"Make sure you have a solid grasp of statics and calculus before starting."

"Without the recommended background, this course will be very difficult."

"I struggled because my prerequisites weren't strong enough."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Particles and Bodies in 2D Motion with these activities:

Attend an Engineering Club Meeting

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Attending an engineering club meeting can help you connect with other students who are interested in engineering and learn about opportunities in the field.

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Find an engineering club at your school.
Attend a club meeting.

Watch Video Lectures

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Watching video lectures can help you learn the concepts of engineering mechanics in a more engaging way.

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Find video lectures on engineering mechanics online.
Watch the lectures and take notes.

Review Calculus

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Reviewing calculus will help you understand the mathematical concepts used in this course.

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Review your calculus notes from previous courses.
Take practice problems on differentiation and integration.

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Read 'Engineering Mechanics: Statics and Dynamics' by Russell C. Hibbeler

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Reading this book will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of engineering mechanics.

View Engineering Mechanics on Amazon

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Read each chapter thoroughly.
Take notes on the key concepts.
Solve the practice problems at the end of each chapter.

Attend an Engineering Workshop

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Attending an engineering workshop can help you develop new skills and learn about new technologies.

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Find an engineering workshop that interests you.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.

Create a Study Guide

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Creating a study guide will help you organize and review the course material.

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Identify the key concepts from each chapter.
Create summaries of the key concepts.
Include practice problems and solutions.

Solve Practice Problems

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Solving practice problems will help you develop your problem-solving skills and apply the concepts of engineering mechanics.

Browse courses on Problem Solving

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Find practice problems from your textbook or online.
Solve the problems on your own.
Check your answers against the solutions.

Build a Simple Machine

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Building a simple machine will help you apply the concepts of engineering mechanics to a practical project.

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Choose a simple machine to build.
Design the machine.
Build the machine.
Test the machine.

Career center

Learners who complete Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Particles and Bodies in 2D Motion will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers research, design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal devices, including tools, engines, and machines. This course, Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Particles and Bodies in 2D Motion, is a solid foundation for a Mechanical Engineer as it teaches the dynamics of particle motion and bodies in rigid planar (2D) motion. This type of knowledge is crucial to understanding how mechanical systems work and how to design them to be efficient and effective.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design, develop, test, and operate aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites. This course would be helpful for an Aerospace Engineer as it teaches the dynamics of bodies in 2D motion. This knowledge is important for understanding how aircraft and spacecraft move and how to design them to be safe and efficient.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain the physical and naturally built environment, including works like roads, bridges, canals, dams, and buildings. This course would be helpful for a Civil Engineer as it teaches the dynamics of bodies in 2D motion. This type of knowledge is helpful for understanding how structures are built and how to design them to be safe and efficient.

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Materials Engineer

Materials Engineers research, develop, and test new materials, and improve existing ones. This course, Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Particles and Bodies in 2D Motion, would be helpful for a Materials Engineer as it teaches the dynamics of bodies in 2D motion. This knowledge could be helpful when designing new materials that can better withstand dynamic forces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Engineer

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers apply engineering principles to solve healthcare problems and improve patient outcomes. This course, Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Particles and Bodies in 2D Motion, teaches the dynamics of bodies in 2D motion. This knowledge can be applied to the design of medical devices and prosthetics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers improve production and efficiency in workplaces by designing better systems and processes. This course would be helpful for an Industrial Engineer as it teaches the dynamics of bodies in 2D motion. This knowledge is helpful for understanding how to design efficient production systems.

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Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers research, design, develop, operate, and maintain nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. This course would be helpful for a Nuclear Engineer as it teaches the dynamics of bodies in 2D motion. This knowledge is important for understanding how nuclear power plants operate and how to design them to be safe and efficient.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Engineer

Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum Engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from the earth. This course would be helpful for a Petroleum Engineer as it teaches the dynamics of bodies in 2D motion. This knowledge is helpful for understanding how to design oil and gas extraction systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Petroleum Engineer

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design, build, and operate chemical plants and other facilities that produce chemicals, fuels, and other products. This course, Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Particles and Bodies in 2D Motion, would be helpful for a Chemical Engineer as it teaches the dynamics of bodies in 2D motion. This knowledge could be helpful when designing chemical plants and other facilities.

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Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, build, and maintain robots. This course would be helpful for a Robotics Engineer as it teaches the dynamics of bodies in 2D motion. This knowledge is important for understanding how to design robots that can move efficiently and effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain electrical systems and equipment. This course would be helpful for an Electrical Engineer as it teaches the dynamics of bodies in 2D motion. This knowledge is helpful for understanding how electrical systems work and how to design them to be safe and efficient.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Computer Engineer

Computer Engineers design, develop, and maintain computer systems and software. This course would be helpful for a Computer Engineer as it teaches the dynamics of bodies in 2D motion. This knowledge is helpful for understanding how computer systems work and how to design them to be efficient and effective.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course may be somewhat helpful for a Software Engineer, as it teaches the dynamics of bodies in 2D motion. This knowledge could be helpful when designing software that simulates physical systems.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course may be somewhat helpful for a Data Scientist, as it teaches the dynamics of bodies in 2D motion. This knowledge could be helpful when analyzing data that involves physical systems.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide advice to businesses and individuals on financial matters. This course is unlikely to be useful for a Financial Analyst, as it teaches the dynamics of bodies in 2D motion. This knowledge is not directly relevant to the work of a Financial Analyst.

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