#algebra

mkwadee@diasp.eu

It's straightforward to calculate the #components of a #2D #vector given that you have a pre-defined set of #axes. Often, we talk about #cartesian #coordinates. If the vector changes, whether in #magnitude or #direction, we can calculate the updated components too. The converse question is what if the the vector is held constant and you change or #rotate the axes? The components in the new coordinate system can be found with a little bit of #trigonometry and #algebra. As vectors are #first-order #tensors, they are much simpler to calculate than quantities like stress for which I've also made an animation for if you search for the hashtag #tensors.

In this animation, you can see the components changing as the axes go through a full rotation.

#MyWork #CCBYSA #Mathematics #Mechanics

mkwadee@diasp.eu

In #SolidMechanics, #stress has some counter-intuitive properties, particularly when you rotate the coordinate system. The values of normal and shear stress transform according to the rules of #second-order #tensors, which is a step above #vectors (first-order tensors). To avoid always having to use #matrix #algebra to find the components, #engineers and #mathematicians have long used the Mohr's circle to evaluate them. This is a very handy tool and allows you to find the new values by using circular geometry instead.

Here, I've used #WxMaxima to create this #animation.

#Mechanics #Mathematics #Engineering #MohrsCircle #FreeSoftware