Aronhold Kennedy (or Three Centres in Line) Theorem:
The Aronhold Kennedy’s theorem states that if three bodies move relatively to each other, they
have three instantaneous centres and lie on a straight line.
Consider three kinematic links A, B and C having relative plane motion. The number of
instantaneous centres (N) is given by
let us consider that the instantaneous centre Ibc lies outside
the line joining Iab and Iac
The point Ibc belongs to both the links B and C.
Let us consider the point Ibc on the link B. Its velocity vBC
must be perpendicular to the line joining Iab and Ibc.
Now consider the point Ibc on the link C. Its velocity vBC must be perpendicular to the line joining
Iac and Ibc.
The velocity of the instantaneous centre is same whether it is regarded as a point on the first link
or as a point on the second link.