Course 9 | Core
Dynamics
Study motion, forces with acceleration, energy, momentum, rigid bodies, and vibration foundations.
Course snapshot
- Purpose
- Dynamics explains moving systems before controls, vibration, robotics, vehicles, and aerospace performance.
- Prerequisites
- Next in the guided sequence
- Used in Career Directions
How to study this course
- Define the moving body or system
- Choose coordinates
- Draw forces and motion variables
- Apply Newton, work-energy, or impulse-momentum
- Check direction, units, and limiting behavior
How this course is designed
Original course map
This course uses an original MechCompass module order using prerequisite logic, standard engineering practice, and evidence tasks. Suggested references are optional and listed separately.
Three methods, one habit
Kinetics is taught as a choice between Newton's second law, work-energy, and impulse-momentum. Each module says which method the problem is asking for and why, the judgment that separates a solver from a calculator.
Models before formulas
Every module starts the same way: draw the body, choose a coordinate and a positive sense, write the governing equation, and only then compute. Numbers come last, after the model is clear.
The 10 modules
01 | Module
Introduction to Dynamics
Newton's laws, units, gravitation, and the model-relate-solve-check method that runs through the course.
02 | Module
Kinematics of Particles
Position, velocity, and acceleration in rectilinear and curvilinear motion, with rectangular, n-t, and polar coordinates.
03 | Module
Kinetics of Particles: Newton's Second Law
ΣF = ma applied to rectilinear and curvilinear motion, including the normal and tangential directions.
04 | Module
Work and Energy
The work-energy theorem, potential energy, conservative systems, and power.
05 | Module
Impulse, Momentum, and Impact
Linear and angular impulse-momentum, conservation of momentum, and collisions.
06 | Module
Systems of Particles and Variable Mass
Mass-center motion, steady mass flow, and the rocket equation for variable-mass bodies.
07 | Module
Plane Kinematics of Rigid Bodies
Rotation, absolute and relative velocity, the instantaneous center, and relative acceleration.
08 | Module
Plane Kinetics of Rigid Bodies
ΣF = ma and ΣM = Iα for translation, fixed-axis rotation, and general plane motion.
09 | Module
Rigid-Body Energy and Momentum
Work-energy and impulse-momentum extended to rigid bodies, including rotational kinetic energy.
10 | Module
Vibration and Time Response
Free, damped, and forced vibration, natural frequency, and resonance.