2. MEC2047
In many experiments, a velocity versus position (v-s)
profile is obtained.
If we have a v-s graph for the tank truck, how can we
determine its acceleration along the trip?
Applications
3. MEC2047
The velocity of a car is recorded from an experiment. The
car starts from rest and travels along a straight track.
If we know the v-t plot, how can we determine the distance
the car traveled during the time interval 0 < t < 30 s or
15 < t < 25 s?
Applications
4. MEC2047
Erratic Motion
The approach builds on the facts that slope and
differentiation are linked and that integration can be
thought of as finding the area under a curve.
Graphing provides a good way
to handle complex motions that
would be difficult to describe
with formulas.
Graphs also provide a visual
description of motion and
reinforce the calculus concepts
of differentiation and integration
as used in dynamics.
5. MEC2047
s-t Graph
Plots of position vs. time can
be used to find velocity vs.
time curves. Finding the slope
of the line tangent to the
motion curve at any point is
the velocity at that point
(or v = ds/dt).
Therefore, the v-t graph can
be constructed by finding the
slope at various points along
the s-t graph.
6. MEC2047
Also, the distance moved
(displacement) of the particle is the area
under the v-t graph during time t.
Plots of velocity vs. time can be used
to find acceleration vs. time curves.
Finding the slope of the line tangent to
the velocity curve at any point is the
acceleration at that point (or ).
Therefore, the acceleration vs. time (or
a-t) graph can be constructed by
finding the slope at various points
along the v-t graph.
v-t Graph
7. MEC2047
Given the acceleration vs. time
or a-t curve, the change in
velocity (v) during a time
period is the area under the a-t
curve.
So we can construct a v-t graph
from an a-t graph if we know the
initial velocity of the particle.
a-t Graph
8. MEC2047
A more complex case is presented by
the acceleration versus position or a-s
graph. The area under the a-s curve
represents the change in velocity
(recall ).
This equation can be solved for v1,
allowing you to solve for the velocity
at a point. By doing this repeatedly,
you can create a plot of velocity
versus distance.
a-s Graph
= area under the a-s graph
9. MEC2047
Another complex case is presented by
the v-s graph. By reading the velocity
v at a point on the curve and
multiplying it by the slope of the
curve (dv/ds) at this same point, we
can obtain the acceleration at that
point.
Recall the formula
Thus, we can obtain an a-s plot from
the v-s curve.
v-s Graph
11. MEC2047
Example 1
A sports car is moving along a straight road with the s-t
graph shown. Find the v-t graph and a-t graph over the
time interval shown.
12. MEC2047
The v-t graph can be constructed by finding the slope of the s-t graph at key
points. What are those?
when 0 < t < 5 s; v0-5 = ds/dt = d(3t2
)/dt = 6 t m/s
when 5 < t < 10 s; v5-10 = ds/dt = d(30t75)/dt = 30 m/s
v-t graph v(m/s)
t(s)
30
5 10
Example 1
13. MEC2047
Similarly, the a-t graph can be constructed by finding the slope at various
points along the v-t graph. Using the results of the first part where the
velocity was found:
when 0 < t < 5 s; a0-5 = dv/dt = d(6t)/dt = 6 m/s2
when 5 < t < 10 s; a5-10 = dv/dt = d(30)/dt = 0 m/s2
a-t graph a(m/s2
)
t(s)
6
5 10
Example 1
14. MEC2047
For the 0 - 48 s interval on the v-t graph shown, find
a) the a-t graph,
b) the average speed,
c) and distance traveled.
Example 2
15. MEC2047
Plan: Find slopes of the v-t curve and draw the a-t graph.
Find the area under the curve. It is the distance traveled. Finally,
calculate average speed (using basic definitions!).
Find the a–t graph:
For 0 ≤ t ≤ 30 a = dv/dt = 0.2 m/s²
For 30 ≤ t ≤ 48 a = dv/dt = -0.333 m/s²
a-t graph
-0.33
0.2
a(m/s²)
30 48 t(s)
Example 2
16. MEC2047
Now find the distance traveled:
Ds0-30 = ò v dt = (1/5)(1/2) (30)2
= 90 m
Ds30-48 = ò v dt = [(-1/3) (1/2) (t – 48)2
]
= (-1/3) (1/2)(48 – 48)2
– (-1/3) (1/2)(30 – 48)2
= 54 m
s0-48 = 90 + 54 = 144 m
vavg(0-90) = total distance / time
= 144 / 48
= 3 m/s
48
30
Example 2
17. MEC2047
A particle starts from rest at x = -2 m and moves along the x-
axis with the velocity history shown. Plot the corresponding
acceleration and the displacement histories for the 2 seconds.
Find the time t when the particle crosses the origin.
Example 3
19. MEC2047
The position coordinate of a particle which is confined to
move along a straight line is given by , where s is measured
in meters from a convenient origin and t is in seconds.
Determine
(a) the time required for the particle to reach a velocity of
72 m/s from its initial condition at t = 0,
(b) the acceleration of the particle when v = 30 m/s, and
(c) the net displacement of the
particle during the interval from t = 1 s to t = 4 s.
Example 4