VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Mechanics III
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:30:22
Abstract
Dynamics of particles, rigid bodies, and deformable bodies: Motion of a single particle, motion of systems of particles, 2D and 3D motion of rigid bodies, vibrations, waves.
Objective
This course enables students to apply the concepts and laws governing the kinematics and kinetics of particles, rigid bodies, and elastic bodies in order to identify, formulate, and solve dynamical engineering problems. Specifically, students will be able to describe, analyze, and predict the motion of particles and bodies in space over time and to relate their motion to the applied forces for applications in (not only) mechanical and civil engineering.
Content
Students of mechanical and civil engineering learn the fundamental concepts of the dynamics of mechanical systems. By studying the motion of a single particle, systems of particles, of rigid bodies, and of deformable bodies, we introduce essential concepts such as kinematics, kinetics, work and energy, equations of motion, and forces and torques. Further topics include the stability of equilibria and vibrations as well as an introduction to the dynamics of deformable bodies and waves in elastic rods. Throughout the course, application-oriented examples help students acquire a proficient background in engineering dynamics, further to learn and embrace problem-solving techniques for dynamical engineering problems, gain cross-disciplinary expertise (by linking concepts from, among others, mechanics, mathematics, and physics), and prepare students for advanced courses and work on engineering applications. The detailed syllabus includes: 1. Motion of a single particle: kinematics (trajectory, velocity, acceleration), forces and torques, constraints, active and reaction forces, balance of linear and angular momentum, work-energy balance, conservative systems, equations of motion. 2. Motion of systems of particles: internal and external forces, balance of linear and angular momentum, work-energy balance, rigid systems of particles, particle collisions, mass accretion/loss. 3. Motion of rigid bodies in 2D and 3D: kinematics (angular velocity, velocity and acceleration transfer, instantaneous center and axis of rotation), balance of linear and angular momentum, work-energy balance, angular momentum transport, inertial vs. moving reference frames, apparent forces, Euler equations. 4. Vibrations: Lagrange equations, concepts of stability, single-DOF oscillations (natural frequency, free-, damped-, and forced response), multi-DOF oscillations (natural frequencies, eigenmodes, free-, damped-, and forced response). 5. Introduction to waves and vibrations of elastic bodies: local form of linear momentum balance, waves in slender elastic rods.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Lecture notes (a complete scriptum) is available on Moodle. Students are encouraged to take their own notes during class.
Literature
Lecture notes (a complete scriptum) is available on Moodle. Further reading materials are suggested but not required for this class.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 150 minutes
- Aids
- Students are provided with a list of the key equations (without detailed explanations). No calculators or other resources are allowed.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Mechanics III
The Monday lectures are held in HG F 7 with video transmission to HG F 5.
The Wednesday lectures are held in ML D 28 (ETH Zentrum at 14:15 - 16:00) with video transmission to HG F 3 (ETH Zentrum at 14:15 - 16:00) and to HCI G 7 (ETH Hönggerberg at 14:15 - 16:00).
The lectures will start on Wednesday 18.09.2024.
|
|
4 h weekly |
| exercise |
Mechanics III
Groups are selected in myStudies.
The exercises will start in the first week of the semester:
- Thursday 8-10 for Mechanical Engineering BSc
- Friday 14-16 for Civil Engineering BSc
Zusätzlich wird das Study Center angeboten: Mittwochs 18-20 ab der 3. Semesterwoche im ETF C 1 wo die Möglichkeit des betreuten Lernens angeboten wird. Im Study Center können Studierende Vorlesungsstoff vor- oder nachbereiten und Übungen lösen.
|
|
2 h weekly |