Dynamics of Mechanical Systems

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Prof. Anthony Greer (Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering)
• Email: agreer@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Rowan Engineering Center 222
• Office Hours:
  • Wednesday & Friday: 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (In person, Rowan Engineering Center 222)
  • Monday: 9:00–10:00 a.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Kinematics and kinetics of rigid bodies in plane and three-dimensional motion, work-energy and impulse-momentum methods, and an introduction to mechanical vibrations. ME 301 expands engineering mechanics from static equilibrium and particle motion to the planar and spatial dynamics of rigid body mechanisms. Students analyze complex multi-body kinematics using relative velocity and acceleration formulations, investigate Newtonian and energy methods for rigid body kinetics, and study spatial rotations via Euler's equations. The semester concludes with a mathematical treatment of single- and two-degree-of-freedom mechanical vibrations, preparing students for system dynamics, controls, and machine design.

Prerequisites

ME 201 and MATH 240.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of ME 301, students will be able to:

1. Analyze Planar Kinematics: Calculate linear and angular velocities and accelerations in rigid body mechanisms using instantaneous centers of zero velocity, moving reference frames, and Coriolis terms.
2. Apply Kinetics to Rigid Bodies: Formulate equations of motion for translating, rotating, and general plane-motion rigid bodies using Newton-Euler formulations, work-energy, and impulse-momentum methods.
3. Model Three-Dimensional Dynamics: Compute inertia tensors, angular momentum vectors, and dynamic reactions for rotating systems and gyroscopes using Euler's equations of motion.
4. Simulate Dynamic Systems Computationally: Implement numerical integration algorithms in MATLAB or Python to simulate non-linear planar linkages and evaluate kinematic responses.
5. Characterize Mechanical Vibrations: Derive equations of motion for undamped and damped single- and two-degree-of-freedom mechanical vibratory systems and calculate natural frequencies, damping ratios, and harmonic frequency response.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Meriam, James L., L. G. Kraige, and J. N. Bolton. Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics. 9th ed., Wiley, 2018. Approx. $75 digital rental ($180 hardcover purchase; library reserve copies available).
2. MATLAB and Simulink Student Suite (available via Alkimi University campus site license). Free to registered engineering students.
3. Total estimated cost: Approx. $0 (library reserve & campus software) to $75 (digital rental).

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: AI Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), ME 301 operates under AI Level 2.

• What is permitted: Students may utilize AI tools and automated symbolic math environments to generate syntax for numerical ODE integration in MATLAB or Python, plot kinematic trajectories, and clarify foundational vector calculus derivations.
• What is prohibited: AI tools must not be used to complete analytical kinematic derivations, generate closed-form kinetic equations, or solve weekly homework problems without independent verification. No AI use is permitted during examinations.
• Disclosure: Whenever code, scripts, or mathematical structures in computational projects incorporate AI assistance, students must include an appendix citing the prompt, the model version, and the testing steps performed to validate correctness.

Grading Components and Weights

• Weekly Problem Sets: 15% (Due Wednesdays at 11:59 p.m. in Canvas (weeks 2–14; lowest dropped))
• Computational Project 1: Planar Linkage Kinematics: 10% (Due Friday, October 9 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Computational Project 2: Numerical Simulation of Damped Vibration: 10% (Due Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Midterm Exam 1 (Planar Kinematics & Kinetics): 20% (In class, Thursday, October 1)
• Midterm Exam 2 (Energy, Momentum & 3D Kinetics): 20% (In class, Thursday, November 12)
• Comprehensive Final Examination: 25% (Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30–5:30 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: No individual extra credit assignments will be provided under any circumstances.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Class attendance at every lecture session is expected. Dynamic systems analysis requires progressive conceptual mastery of vector calculus and differential equations that cannot be attained from lecture slides alone. If an unavoidable absence arises due to illness or collegiate conflict, contact Prof. Greer promptly. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Weekly problem sets submitted after the deadline will be assessed a penalty of 15% per day up to 48 hours late, after which no credit will be granted. The lowest problem set grade is dropped to accommodate personal illness or travel conflicts. Computational project submissions lose 10% per 24 hours.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Thursday, December 17, 2026, 3:30–5:30 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).