Page 30 - Dynamics of Mechanical Systems

0593_C01_fm Page 11 Monday, May 6, 2002 1:43 PM

Introduction 11

TABLE 1.7.1 (CONTINUED)
Conversion Factors between English and International Unit Systems
To Convert Multiply by
from to
Velocity in./sec ft/sec 8.333 333 × 10 –2
in./sec mi/hr (or mph) 5.681 818 × 10 –2
mi/hr (or mph) m/sec 4.470 400 × 10 –1
*
mi/hr (or mph) km/hr 1.609 344 × 10 0
mi/hr (or mph) ft/sec 1.466 667 × 10 0
mi/hr (or mph) in./sec 1.760 000 × 10 1
*
m/sec ft/sec 3.280 840 × 10 0
m/sec in./sec 3.937 008 × 10 1
m/sec mi/hr (or mph) 2.236 936 × 10 0
m/sec cm/sec 1.000 000 × 10 2
*
m/sec km/hr 3.600 000 × 10 0
km/hr ft/sec 9.113 444 × 10 –1
km/hr in./sec 1.093 613 × 10 1
km/hr mi/hr (or mph) 6.213 712 × 10 –1
km/hr m/sec 2.777 777 × 10 –1
Weight density lb/ft 3 N/m 3 1.570 670 × 10 2
lb/ft 3 lb/in. 3 5.787 037 × 10 –4
lb/in. 3 N/m 3 9.089 525 × 10 –2
*
lb/in. 3 lb/ft 3 1.728 000 × 10 3
N/m 3 lb/ft 3 6.366 671 × 10 –3
N/m 3 lb/in. 3 1.100 167 × 10 1
Note: cm, centimeters; deg, degrees; ft, feet; g, grams; g, gravity acceleration (taken as 32.2 ft/sec ); HP,
2
horsepower; in., inches; J, Joules; kg, kilograms; lb, pounds; m, meters; mi, miles; mph, miles per
hour; N, Newtons; Pa, Pascals; psi, pounds per square inch; rad, radius; rpm, revolutions per
minute; sec, seconds; W, watts.
* Exact by definition.

1.8 Closure
In this introduction to our study of mechanical system dynamics, we have focused upon
terminology and procedures that are believed to be useful in the sequel. As we proceed,
we will continue to introduce terminology and procedures as needed. In this regard, we
will expand and elaborate upon our review of vector methods in Chapter 2. Throughout
the text we will attempt to illustrate the subject matter under discussion by examples and
by providing exercises (or problems) for the reader. These problems, appearing at the ends
of the chapters, are not intended to be burdensome but instead to serve as a learning aid
for the reader. In addition, references will be provided for parallel study and for more in-
depth study.

References
1.1. Noble, B., Applied Linear Algebra, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1969, pp. 104, 461.
1.2. Usmani, R. A., Applied Linear Algebra, Dekker, New York, 1987, chap. 1.
1.3. Shields, P. C., Elementary Linear Algebra, Worth Publishers, New York, 1968, pp. 31–32.
1.4. Baumeister, T., Avallone, E. A., and Baumeister, T., III, Eds., Marks’ Standard Handbook for
Mechanical Engineers, 8th ed., McGraw-Hill, 1978, pp. 1-33–1-39.