Kinematics

Kinematics is the study of the motion of objects without consideration for the forces responsible for that motion. It is a branch of classical mechanics. As a field of study it is very useful as a means for breaking down the motion of an object into its components, such as translational and rotational motion. As a subject it is directly related to dynamics, but is detailed enough to deserve its own treatment.

In many instances it is only important to know how an object moves, without consideration of the forces causing the motion. For example, in machine components it is common to use kinematics analysis to determine the (unknown) speed of an object, that is connected to another object moving at a known speed. For example, one may wish to determine the linear velocity of a piston connected to a flywheel that is turning at a known speed. Such analysis commonly makes use of geometry, such as trigonometry.

Click on the links below to learn more about the different subject areas of kinematics.

Rectilinear Motion
Rotational Motion
Curvilinear Motion
Instant Center
Vector Derivative
General Motion
Gyro Top
Projectile Motion
Projectile Motion Simulator

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