12.4.9.3 Applying Torques
When a force is applied such that its line of action passes through the center of mass of a body, no torque is generated, and only the body’s linear acceleration is affected. If it is applied off-center, it will induce both a linear and a rotational acceleration. A pure torque can be applied to a body as well by applying two equal and opposite forces to points equidistant from the center of mass. The linear motions induced by such a pair of forces will cancel each other out (since for the purposes of linear dynamics, the forces both act at the center of mass). This leaves only their rotational effects. A pair of torque-inducing forces like this is known as a couple (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Couple_(mechanics). A ...
Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
and much more.
Read now
Unlock full access