Idealization in mechanics
For the analysis of any physical system it is essential to develop a model of the system in such a way that it may be able to represent the system completely.
💡Table of Contents
- What do you mean by Idealization in mechanics ?
- What is Continuum ?
- What is Rigid Body ?
- What is Particle ?
Some important idealization in engineering mechanics are as follows :
Continuum
Continuum is a Latin word which means a continuous series with no gaps or void. Everybody is made up of atom & molecules and we assumed that all the atoms and molecules are continuously distributed in a body without any gap or avoid. Such a description of matter is called a Continuum.
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| Continuum by Sikshoday |
Rigid body
rigid bodyRigid body is defined as a body in which the distance between any two points remains unchanged after the application of external force or load is termed as rigid body.
In other words,
A body whose shape and size do not change due to the application of external forces is known as rigid body.
Actually, the bodies are not rigid , they deform under external force. If the deformation is negligible when compared with the size of the body then it is assumed as rigid body.
Example of Rigid body :- beam, column, trusses , structure, roller etc.
Particles
If the whole mass of the body is assumed to be concentrated about a fixed point and whose size can be neglected then it is said to be particle.
If the view distance is very large as compared to the dimension of a body, then it is assumed as a particles.
Example
1. A planet as seen from another planet.
2. A cricket ball is viewed by a spectators.
3. A satellite is seen by an observer on the earth.