Finding the location of the instantaneous center of rotation using a particle image velocimetry algorithm

Abstract

This work is about planar rigid-body kinematics and, in particular, the principle of the instantaneous center of rotation (IC). Using a computer simulated approach, a workflow is presented that results in a visual representation of the locus of the IC, based on particle image velocimetry (PIV). Here, a small number of digital animations of textured objects are created with multibody dynamics software, and later imported in PIV software to extract the velocity field (magnitude and direction) of objects moving within a plane. We believe the workflow presented may help learners improve their understanding of the concept of the IC, thus enhancing their knowledge of rigid body kinematics.