Accelerated motion

nounStandard termMechanical

A state where an object's velocity changes continually over time.

In kinematics, this describes any motion where the velocity vector is not constant, meaning the object is speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction. Engineers analyze this state to calculate the inertial forces acting on moving parts, which dictate the required strength of linkages and mounts.

Heard on the job

The cam profile induces accelerated motion on the follower, so check the peak dynamic loads at the top of the stroke.