The Use of MATLAB in Learning the Velocity Analysis with Relative Velocity Method on Slider Crank Mechanism

Abstract

In the subject of kinematics, velocity analysis is the fundamental concepts in studying motions in the machines. Graphically velocity analysis, might be difficult to understand by the students, especially if the concepts is explained by conventional teaching method. In this study, development a computer program for velocity analysis of slider crank mechanism is presented. The purpose is to assist the learning process of slider crank kinematics, so the students will easily understand the concept. The computer program is written by using MATLAB. Graphical User Interface is used, so the users are allowed to change the input parameters such as angle of linkage bar, the magnitude and direction of angular velocity etc. Based on the inputs, the computer program displays the outputs such as linear and angular velocity, steps of velocity analysis graphically and its mathematical computations. This computer program has been validated by theoretical calculations. In the future, the application will be developed for other complex mechanism and be implemented in learning of kinematics.