MMAN1300 Engineering Mechanics 1

Dynamics Lab Assignment – Handout

Submission Individual: Due on 5pm Friday, November 11th, 2021 (Week 9)

Assignment: You are to submit two PDF files, complete tasks regarding the experiments.

Method: Online submission through Teams Assignment. The reports need to be PDF files.

This lab assignment consists of two experiments:

1. The impulse and momentum experiment will investigate the effect of collisions on particle
motion.
2. The rolling disk experiment will investigate the motion of a rotating and translating rigid
body.

Students will learn to experimentally determine parameters in the impulse and moment
experiment and learn to compare theoretical predictions with experimental data in the rolling disk
experiment.

Part 1: Impulse and Momentum

Equal and opposite forces are experienced by two bodies involved in a collision. These impact
forces influence the subsequent motion of the bodies. If both bodies are free from motion
constraints, the momentum of the system (consisting of both bodies) is preserved as no external
forces act on the system.

Impact forces acting between the bodies during the small interval of time when they are in contact
cause changes in the velocities of each body. An exact determination of these forces is not
practical, but the effects can be summarised into a parameter called the coefficient of restitution.
The coefficient of restitution is a property of collisions and depends upon the materials that are
colliding.

In this laboratory exercise you are required to determine the coefficient of restitution of two
collisions. A collision between a steel plate and glass ball and a collision between a steel plate
and a steel ball. You will be required to complete both experimental and analytical tasks. In the
experimental section, you are required to take measurements of the distance the projectile travels
and the height from which it is dropped. The analytical section uses these measurements to
calculate the coefficient of restitution.
 Theory
During collisions involving two bodies, equal and opposite forces acting on each body influence
the resulting motion. When there are no external forces involved in the collision the momentum is
conserved.

Momentum (or linear momentum) is a vector quantity defined as:

G = mv

Momentum has units of kgm/s and is a vector in the direction of v.

From Newton’s Second Law we have:

d
∑=
F a m=
m= v
dt

v G
m=

This states that the sum of all forces is the time rate of change of linear momentum of a system.
The momentum vector can be also be divided up into its vector components for solving problems.

∑F x = G x

∑F y = G y

Impulse is defined as the time integral of force:

I = ∫ F dt

Impulse has units of Ns and has useful applications in solving problems for forces when very short
times are involved, such as during collisions.

By integrating Newton’s Second Law we can show that the impulse due to a force over a given
time is equal to the change in momentum.

t2 t2
∫t1 ∫ G dt =
F dt =
t1
G 2 − G1 =
∆G

During the collision of two particles there are equal and opposite forces acting for the same
amount of time as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 - Collision between two particles

Mathematically this is:

Fa = −Fb
t2 t2
∫t1
Fa dt= ∫
t1
−Fb dt
t2 t2
∫t1
Fa dt + ∫ Fb dt =
t1
0
G a + Gb =
0

This is the conservation of momentum and during a collision there is no momentum change for
the system of particles.

However, in actual impacts there is always some energy loss, whether through deformation, heat,
or sound. This energy loss is described by the coefficient of restitution. Provided the relative
velocity of the bodies coming into contact is not too low, the coefficient of restitution is constant
and depends only on the materials from which the bodies are made. The coefficient of restitution,
e, is defined as:

Relative velocity of separation v2′ − v1′

=e =
Relative velocity of approach v1 − v2

For a perfectly elastic collision where all the kinetic energy is conserved, the coefficient of
restitution is 1.0. For a perfect plastic collision where there is a maximum loss in kinetic energy,
the coefficient of restitution is 0. All collisions lie somewhere between these extremes.

Glass on glass impact comes close to perfectly elastic behaviour with a coefficient of restitution
of about 0.9, while lead on lead has little elasticity and has a coefficient of restitution of about
0.15. As the relative velocity of approach of the two bodies becomes smaller, the coefficient of
restitution is no longer constant but increases in value. It approaches unity as the relative velocity
gets closer to zero. This is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 - Change in e with changes in relative impact velocity (Meriam and Kraige)
 Experimental Apparatus
The experimental apparatus is shown in Figure 3 and is located in the Undergraduate Teaching
Laboratory, Room 214, Building J18 (Willis Annex).

The apparatus consists of a vertical tube from which a small ball can be dropped. An angled steel
deflector is located underneath the tube. A ball dropped through the tube will hit the steel deflector
and travel as a projectile before hitting the measuring surface. Carbon paper placed on the
measuring surface records the final impact location.

Figure 3 - Impulse-momentum test rig

There are four variations of this rig. The variations have the steel deflector placed at angles of
10°, 15°, 20° and 25°.

Experimental Method
In this experiment, the value for the coefficient of restitution for the ball-on-steel impact will be
measured by dropping steel and glass balls onto an inclined steel block. The horizontal distance
that the ball is projected can be measured by recording its impact with carbon paper on white
paper. The experiment will be repeated for different inclinations of the steel block. Record all
measurements in a table similar to Table 1.

1. Measure the experimental apparatus, confirm that the vertical height ℎ from the top of the
vertical tube to the point of impact with the steel block is 35cm.
2. Prepare the experimental apparatus by placing white paper on the measuring surface.
Cover the white paper with carbon paper.
3. Drop a glass ball through the pipe and record the horizontal distance (long axis of
apparatus) to the first bounce. Repeat at least three times to determine consistency of
results.
4. Repeat step 3 with steel ball.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 on other variations of experimental apparatus.
 Table 1 – Data collected from Impulse-Momentum experiment

Angle Ball Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Trial 4 Trial 5 Average

10° Glass

Steel

15° Glass

Steel

20° Glass

Steel

25° Glass

Steel

Analytical Model
The velocity of the ball being dropped at the instant it hits the inclined steel block can be
calculated using the work-energy method:

0 = ∆T + ∆Vg
1
0
= m ( v2 2 − v12 ) + mg ( h2 − h1 )
2

where v is the speed, h is the height, m is the mass and g is the gravitational acceleration.

The subscript 1 refers to the initial state, we assume the ball is released from rest so v1 = 0. The

subscript 2 refers to the state just before the ball impacts the inclined steel block. If we write h =

h2 – h1 to represent the total distance the ball drops, we get the speed at impact as:

v2 = 2 gh

The ball is falling downwards so the velocity right before impact is, see Figure 4 for the
coordinate system used:

v = − 2gh j

In impact problems of this type, it is generally assumed that the surfaces coming into contact are
free from friction and that no forces are generated in a direction parallel to the surfaces of the two
colliding bodies. As a result, the component of velocity for each for each of the colliding bodies in
a direction parallel (tangent) to the contact surfaces (vt) does not change during impact. The
coefficient of restitution is applied to the component of velocity in a direction normal to the surface.
Figure 4 shows the velocity of the ball just before and just after impact, resolved into components
parallel (vt) and normal (vn) to the surface of the steel block.

Figure 4 - Coordinate system and velocities before/after impact

After impact, the ball will undergo projectile motion, following a parabolic trajectory as shown in
Figure 3. The horizontal component of velocity throughout this path is constant, while the vertical
component of velocity is subject to the effects of constant acceleration due to gravity.

We can show that the horizontal distance travelled by the ball will be dependent on the coefficient
of restitution. This gives us a method to experimentally determine the coefficient of restitution by
recording the location where the ball lands on the test rig. Prior to impact the ball has velocity:

v=
− 2 gh j =
vt et + vne n

We can calculate the tangential and normal component of the velocity using the geometry seen
in Figure 4 or by taking dot products with the et and en basis vectors. We find:

vt = v y sin (θ )
vn = −v y cos (θ )

Assuming the surface is frictionless, the tangent velocity is not affected by the impact so:

′ v=
v=
t t v y sin (θ )

The coefficient of restitution is applied to the direction of the contact forces, i.e. in the normal
direction.

vn′ − vn′ ,Surface

e=
vn ,Surface − vn

As the surface (steel block) is motionless before and after the collision, we obtain:

vn′ = ev y cos (θ )
−evn =

The velocity of the ball immediately after impact is then:

v y sin (θ ) et + ev y cos (θ ) e n =
v′ = v′x i + v′y j
The ball then undergoes projectile motion. The problem is easier to solve in the x-y coordinate

system. The velocities in the x and y directions can be written as:

=v′x vn′ sin (θ ) + vt′ cos (θ )

=v′y vn′ cos (θ ) − vt′ sin (θ )

Projectile motion equations can be used to calculate the time taken for the ball in its trajectory to
reach its highest point and then to fall back down again to the horizontal level of the steel block.
The time taken is:

2v′y
t=
g

The horizontal distance travelled in this time is given by:

2v′x v′y
′xt
d v=
=
g

Substituting the above expressions in, we can show the horizontal distance travelled is:

=d 2h sin ( 2θ ) ( e cos 2 (θ ) − sin 2 (θ ) ) (1 + e )

This is a second order polynomial in e and can be readily solved, discarding the negative solution.

You will be required to calculate an average value for e for the glass and steel ball collisions at
multiple angles. Place all results in a table like Table 1.

Tasks
Submit a PDF file, complete the following tasks:

1. Include a table of your raw data, similar in style to Table 1.

2. Calculate the coefficient of restitution (e) for each combination of material (steel/glass) and
deflector angle (10°, 15°, 20°, 15°). Present results in a table. Also include a typed out,
fully worked solution for the calculation of one value of e from the horizontal distance d.
3. Generate a plot of your experimental results. Plot angle on the horizontal axis and
coefficient of restitution on the vertical axis. The plot should compare the effects due to
material and deflector angle.
4. Answer the following questions:
a. How did the actual experiment differ from the theoretical treatment? How do these
discrepancies influence the validity of your results.
b. What factors were observed to change the coefficient of restitution in a collision?
 Part 2: Motion of a Rolling Disk
The circular disk is a solid form that is widely used in engineering. It constitutes a fundamental
component in many mechanical systems. It is convenient to consider the motion of any rigid body
as being made up of two components:

• rigid body translation of the centre of mass of the body, and

• rotation of the rigid body about its centre of mass.

In any particular case, the relationship between the translation and rotation of the body will be
determined by the constraints that are imposed by the mechanism in which the component is
located. In this case, the body is a simple disk with concentric axles, and it rolls without slipping
down an incline.

Experimental Apparatus

The equipment involves a steel disk having two concentric axles and a ramp at an angle θ with
the horizontal, as shown in the Figure 5. There are three variations of this apparatus with differing
θ, all located in the Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory, Room 214, Building J18 (Willis Annex).

Figure 5 - Schematic diagram of a disk rolling down an incline

 Experimental Method

1. Measure the angle of the slope θ by measuring the length and heights.
2. Prepare timing equipment (stopwatch) and place disk at top of ramp.
3. Release disk and record the time required for the disk to travel the following distances
down the slope: x = 0.2m, 0.4m, 0.6m, 0.8m, 1m.
4. Repeat your measurements at least 3 times to determine consistency.
5. Repeat steps on all variations of apparatus.

Disk Parameters

• d1 – Large disk diameter 300mm

• d2 – 30mm
• d3 – Axle diameter 20mm
• t1, t3 – Disk and axle thickness 20mm
• t2 – 18mm
• Material: stainless steel. The density of stainless steel is 7700kg/m3.

Analytical Model

It is possible to derive an equation for the disk to travel a distance x down the ramp as a function

of time t, using both Newton’s 2nd Law and Work-Energy methods. In both methods, the friction

force is considered negligible. The expression for the distance travelled x will be a function of time

t, the dimensions of the disk, the moment of inertia of the disk and the ramp slope angle.

Mass moment of inertia

I (units: kgm2)

For a solid disk rotating about its centre of mass:

1
I G = mr 2
2
For a composite disk:

1
I G ,total = ∑ mi ri 2
all i 2

For a disk which is not rotating about its centre of mass, use the Parallel Axis Theorem:

I O I G ,total + mtotal r 2
=

where r is the distance from the centre of mass (G) to the point of rotation (O).
Newton’s 2nd Law

Figure 6 - Forces on the disk

∑M O = I Oα

mgr sin θ = I Oα

mgr sin θ
α=
IO

The centre of mass (G) has both velocity and acceleration. The velocity of G is acting parallel to

the slope (i.e. the tangential direction is coinciding with the x – direction). The normal direction is

acting towards the centre of rotation (point O), which is coinciding with the negative y – direction.
The acceleration of the centre of mass has both normal and tangential components.

The normal acceleration is:

an = ω 2 r

The tangential acceleration is:

at = α r

Since the angular acceleration α is a constant, then at is also constant. Hence, the acceleration

down the slope is constant, and we can use constant acceleration equations to determine x as a

function of t.
 1
x = x0 + v0t + at 2
2
where x0, v0 are zero and a = at.

Hence:

mgr 2 sin θ 2
x= t
2IO

Work-Energy Methods

W1−2 = F ( s2 − s1 ) + M (θ 2 − θ1 ) = ∆T + ∆Vg + ∆Ve

If the friction force is considered negligible, then there are no external forces acting on the disk.
There are no external moments acting on the system. Also, there are no springs in this system.
Hence, the Work-Energy equation reduces to:

∆T + ∆Vg =0

The disk is a rigid body, and is described as having:

• translation of its centre of mass (straight line motion down the slope)
• rotation of its centre of mass (rotating down the slope).

The change in kinetic energy can be written as:

1 1
∆T
= m(v22 − v12 ) + I G (ω22 − ω12 )
2 2
{translation and rotation of the centre of mass}

Hence the change in kinetic energy can be written as:

m I 
T v22  + G2 
∆=
 2 2r 
The change in potential energy can be written as:

∆Vg =mg (h2 − h1 ) =− mgx sin θ

The Work-Energy equation becomes:

m I 
∆Vg v22  + G2  − mgx sin
∆T + = = θ 0
 2 2r 
This can be rearranged to give:

v=c x
where c is the constant:

2mgr 2 sin θ
c=
I G + mr 2

Use:

dx
=v c=x
dt
Integrating the velocity gives:

x t
dx
∫
0 x ∫0
= cdt

which results in

c 2t 2
x=
4

Noting that IO = IG + mr2, and substituting the expression for c, the expression for the distance
travelled down the slope obtained using Work-Energy methods is an identical expression to the
one obtained using Newton’s 2nd law.

mgr 2 sin θ 2
x= t
2IO

Tasks
Submit a PDF file, complete the following tasks:

1. Include your raw data in table format

2. Generate plots of the theoretical disk position down the slope as a function of time.
Superimpose your experimental results on top of your theoretical predictions.
3. Include a typed out, fully worked solution for the calculation of one value of t for a position

x down the slope. Your solution should also contain the procedure for calculating the mass
moment of inertia of the disk.
4. Answer the question:
a. How did the actual experiment differ from the theoretical treatment? How do these
discrepancies influence the validity of your results?
b. From your observations, what can you say about the given parameters of the disk?
 Data collection, Mark Allocation and Submission instructions
Students that wish to collect their own experimental data can do so by going to the
Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory, Room 214A, Building J18 (Willis Annex). You may attend
the laboratory anytime during standard business hours but do note that this is a shared space
and other classes may be running. The rigs will be available from Week 7 to Week 9.

Students that do not wish to attend campus or cannot attend campus will be required to
extract the required data from pre-recorded video footage captured of the experiments.

It is expected that students will work together. Many students will use the same dataset.

The final submitted assignment must still be your own work! That means all typing,
calculations, plots, and answers are completed by yourself.

Experiment Task Marks

Impulse momentum Raw data 1
Impulse momentum Calculation of e 1
Impulse momentum Plot comparing results 2
Impulse momentum Answers to questions 1
Rolling disk Raw data 1
Rolling disk Calculation of t 1
Rolling disk Plots comparing theory to results 2
Rolling disk Answer to questions 1
Total 10

This assignment does not have to be submitted as a formal lab report. It will suffice to complete
the given tasks; however, presentation of your results is still important! Expect deductions in your
assignment if your data is not presented cleanly to the marker.

You are to submit two separate PDF files, one regarding the Impulse – Momentum experiment
and one regarding the Rolling Disk experiment. Submission will be through Teams Assignment.