Introduction of the Module

Curvilinear Motion
General Curvilinear Motion

The name curvilinear coordinates, coined by the French mathematician Lamé, derives from the
fact that the coordinate surfaces of the curvilinear systems are curved. Curvilinear motion is
defined as motion that occurs when a particle travels along a curved path. The curved path can be
in two dimensions (in a plane), or in three dimensions. This type of motion is more complex
than rectilinear (straight-line) motion. Three-dimensional curvilinear motion describes the most
general case of motion for a particle: position, velocity, and acceleration. To find the velocity
and acceleration of a particle experiencing curvilinear motion one only needs to know the
position of the particle as a function of time. If the paths of motion are along curved lines which
are equidistant, the motion is called curvilinear translation. So, the movement of a snake and a
roller coaster are curvilinear in nature as they move in a curved fashion even though it forward in
a straight line. A train moving on a curved track is also an example of curvilinear motion.
Curvilinear systems generally take one of two forms: simple, constant-radii sections (such as a
90- or 180-degree turn) together with straight sections, or variable-radii sections (think of a free-
form, squiggly line) combined with straight sections. The former is typical of a conveying-type
application, often used when a part needs to be moved around an assembly or inspection station.
The latter is often found when parts or components need to be moved in a generally straight line,
but with some deviations to avoid obstacles. Applications where obstacles may necessitate
variable-radius curvilinear motion are the positioning of monitors or tools at assembly stations or
ergonomic adjustments of equipment at workstations to suit a wide range of operators and uses.