An alternate method to solve many dynamic problems is the energy method. This method is particularly helpful if the problem involves finding position or velocity when two different positions along its motion path are known.

Basically, energy methods analyze all energy added or deleted as an object moves between two points. The difference in energy between the two points must be accounted for with an increase or decrease in kinetic energy (i.e. velocity). In equation form, this is stated as,

where
     T₁ = kinetic energy at position 1 = ½mv₁²
     T₂ = kinetic energy at position 2 = ½mv₂²
     ΣU_1-2 = total change in energy (i.e. work)
                   between positions 1 and 2

Energy methods are a convenient method to solve for velocity or position. However, energy methods do not work for acceleration.

Notice, energy terms are scalars which do not have direction. The energy equation is not a vector equation. This means that only one unknown can be determined.

Work Energy over Path "s"

Example with Changing Force
and Direction

Work Energy over Path "s"

The most common energy generated in a dynamics problem is a force, F, acting through a distance (or more acurately, a change in position, r). This written in equation form as

     ΔU = F•dr

The dot product is needed since only the force in the direction of the motion will produce work.

To calculate the total work, integrate the work over the motion path. The total work done from position 1 to position 2 is

Notice that F and the angle θ can change over the path.

When F and θ are constant, the work equation simplifies to

     U_1-2 = F_c cosθ (s₂ - s₁) = F_c cosθ Δs

Positive work means the force is acting in the direction of the motion (i.e. increasing its velocity). Negative work is when the force is acting opposite the motion (i.e. reducing its velocity).

Gravitational force, mg, is a constant force that always points downward. The work energy equation simplifies to

     Δy is the change in vertical direction (up is positive)

Since gravitational force is perpendicular to x and z directions no work is generated in horizontal directions.

The basic force on a spring is proportional to the change of the spring length,

     F = ks

Since the spring force is a variable force, it needs to be integrate over the distance, s, giving

The motion of an object is also stored energy and is called kinetic energy. This can be illustrated by applying a simple force, F, on an object over a distance, s, and finding its final velocity. In other words, the change in work (F Δs) will produce a change in kinetic energy, or simply

     ΔU_kinetic = F Δs

     dU_kinetic = Fds

Using the relationships, "F = ma" and, "a ds = v dv", gives,

     dU_kinetic = m(v dv/ds) ds = mv dv

Integrating both sides gives,

     U_kinetic = ½mv²

Thus the kinetic energy, T, for any object in motion is