MMAN2300 Problem Solving Exercise 4

The uniform, square block above is at rest, but about to fall. The centre of mass G is initially
infinitesimally to the right of a vertical line through O, so the block will tip to the right. O slides on
the surface with no friction (you may assume that O remains in contact with the surface). We will
determine the velocity of A as it strikes the surface.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)

Draw a free body diagram of the block

Write the mass moment of inertia of the block about G.
Write the Work/Energy Equation and identify any terms that are equal to zero.
Determine the change in height of G during the motion as a function of L.
Use a force balance to argue that the motion of G is entirely vertical.
Write a relative motion equation to relate the velocities of O and G at the instant when A
strikes the surface.
Use the relationships you have developed above to show that
where f is the
angular velocity of the block when A strikes the surface.
Using L = 0.5 m, find f.
Find the velocity of the centre of mass at the instant A strikes the surface.
Use the results from (h) and (i) to find vA at the instant A strikes the surface.