xi
Preface
is book is concerned with discrete engineering dynamics in the sense that particles, systems of
particles, rigid bodies in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) spaces are included.
Non-discrete engineering dynamics, which includes dynamic problems of elastic bodies or con-
tinuous or distributed parameter models, is outside the scope of this book and therefore it is not
included. e exclusion of dynamic problems of elastic bodies is due to two main considerations.
First, the present book is aimed at undergraduate sophomore students pursuing an engineering
degree. Second, dynamic problems of elastic bodies generally involve with more mathematical
tools and techniques which are well beyond the background preparation of sophomore students.
ere are various excellent books in Engineering Dynamics at a similar level. However, the
lengths of these books are generally more than 400–500 pages and it seems that there is a lack
of shorter books in the range of 150 and 200 pages. While the present book is much shorter
in length compared with existing textbooks available in the literature, it does include (a) topics
normally covered in a three-credit sophomore undergraduate course, and (b) many examples
are solved with detailed steps throughout. Owing to the limited length and the author’s belief
that it is more important to understand the issues, concepts, or theory and how the steps in the
solution of a particular problem are applied than attempting to work on as many problems as
one can, exercises at the end of every chapter are selective and representative. e author agrees
that “practice makes perfect” and therefore many exercise problems should be attempted, if time
permits. He strongly believes, however, that such a learning process can often lead to develop
an ability to problems solved by “pattern recognition”. Besides, many students are overwhelmed
by homework assignments every week and therefore it is unrealistic to expect them to devote
too much time on any one subject. is is why a book of shorter length that emphasizes on
understanding and learning the steps in the solution for a particular problem is more important
and efficient.
is book is based on the lecture notes that have been developed and used by the author
since 1982. ese lecture notes have been employed in the titled course first taught at e Uni-
versity of Calgary, Canada and subsequently at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Under normal conditions, it is expected that the students using the present book have
already taken a second course in engineering mathematics and engineering statics in an under-
graduate degree program in engineering.
Cho W.S. To
May 2018
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