Abstract:

.The motion of the rigid body with a fixed point represents an important problem of classical mechanics. This type of motion is found in gyroscopic apparatuses, utilized in air and space navigation. The general motion of the rigid body can be represented as the superposition of a translation and of a motion with a fixed point. Two of the general theorems of dynamics - the theorem of the angular moment and the theorem of the kinetic energy and work - can be applied for the relative motion of an arbitrary system with respect to its center of mass. If the system is a rigid body, this is also a motion with a fixed point.

The motion of a rigid body with a fixed point is complex and its analytical study can be performed only in a few particular cases. In the general case, the use of numerical methods is indispensable. This type of motion involves also stability aspects.

The understanding of the motion with a fixed point is facilitated by the availability of virtual animated models.

The objective of the paper is the presentation of an interactive computer program, including real-time numerical integration and animated representations of the motion, developed by the authors and used as a teaching tool in practical sessions of the course “Dynamics” in engineering faculties.

Keywords:

e-learning, dynamics, classical mechanics, rigid body, motion with fixed point.