ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a review of the vector loop method for kinematics of planar mechanisms. It limits the discussion of the solution methods only to analytical and numerical procedures. Although the method of vector kinematics is applicable to most multibody problems, its use in developing general-purpose computer programs is limited. A position vector can be described as a unit vector times the magnitude of the position vector. The chapter refers to the variable magnitudes and angles of position vectors as vector coordinates. It discusses the use of vectors in defining the position and orientation of a body in an open-chain system. Constructing vectors for a closed-chain system is similar to that for an open-chain system with the exception that the vectors in a closed chain must form a loop. The variable lengths and angles of the defined vectors form the vector coordinates for that system.
