APPLIED MECHANICS: Work Power and Energy

WORK, POWER AND ENERGY

Objective: To know how to calculate the work and the power of a force.

1- Work of a force:

1.1- Definition:

➢ The work of a constant force when moving rectilinear from its point of application from A
to B is equal to the scalar product of the force by the vector displacement:

➢ If 𝜶 > 90 ⇒ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝒘𝑨𝑩 (𝑭 ⃗ ) < 0: The work is resistant

➢ If 𝜶 < 90 ⇒ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝒘𝑨𝑩 (𝑭 ⃗ ) > 0: The work is motor
➢ The work of a constant force when moving in rotation of its point of application by an
angle 𝜽 is equal to product of the moment of force times the swept angle.

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 APPLIED MECHANICS: Work Power and Energy

{𝑪𝒎 in 𝑵. 𝒎
𝜽 in 𝒓𝒂𝒅
𝑾 in 𝑱𝒐𝒖𝒍es (𝑱) or in 𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆s and 𝟏𝑱 = 𝟒.𝟏𝟖𝒄𝒂𝒍
Cm is also called Motor torque.}
1.2- Weight work:
The work of the weight of a body is a particular work which does not depend on that of the
swept height:

➢ If the object rises, the work of the weight is negative, therefore resistant.
➢ If the object goes down, the work of the weight is positive, therefore motor.

2- Average power:

If t is the time taken by the force to perform the work, we have:

{𝑷 in 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒕(𝑾)

t 𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅s(𝒔)

𝛉̇ in 𝒓𝒂𝒅/𝒔}

Note: The following multiples are commonly used:

➢ 1KW = 103W

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 APPLIED MECHANICS: Work Power and Energy

➢ 1MW = 106W
➢ 1GW = 109W
➢ In the automotive industry, 1ch = 736W is used

3- Energies

3.1- Kinetic energy:

➢ For a translational movement,

➢ For a rotational movement,

➢ If translation and rotation are combined,

3.2- Kinetic energy theorem:

In a Galilean frame of reference, the variation of the kinetic energy of a system is equal to the
sum of the works of all the forces applied to the system:

3.3- Potential energy:

3.3.1- Potential energy of gravity:

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 APPLIED MECHANICS: Work Power and Energy

Reference level, Epp = 0

Reference level, Epp = 0

Note:

➢ If the solid is at the reference level, Epp = 0

➢ If the solid is below the reference level, Epp ‹0
➢ If the solid is above the reference level, Epp ›0
➢ The variation in the potential energy of gravity does not depend on the level of
reference.

3.3.2- Elastic potential energy:

Let k be the stiffness constant of a spring or an elastic cord and x its lengthening or shortening,
we have:

3.3.3- Potential energy of torsion:

Let C be the twist constant of the twisted wire or rope and 𝜽 the angle of twist, we have:

3.2- Work and heat:

{m = 𝒎𝒂ss of the system in kg

𝑪 = massic heat of the system in 𝑱/𝑲𝑮 /°𝑪 or in 𝑱/𝑲𝑮 /°𝑲

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 APPLIED MECHANICS: Work Power and Energy

𝑲 = thermal capacity of the system in 𝑱/°𝑪 or in 𝑱/°𝑲

𝑸 = Heat in 𝑱 or in cal and 1𝑱 = 𝟒.𝟏𝟖 𝒄𝒂𝒍 }

Note:

➢ The principle of heat exchange is: ∑ 𝑸 = 𝟎

➢ Energy is a polymorphic, nomadic but conserved quantity: W = Q
➢ Energy is expressed in Joule (J)

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