Course info

This course introduces students to fundamental concepts on operation of machines and mechanisms.
At the end of the course, the candidate should be able to:
i. Define machine and mechanism of machines,
ii. Analyze mechanisms, derive and solve equations for velocities and acceleration.
iii. Solve balancing equations,
iv. Derive equations and solve for flywheels and gyroscopes.
Course Content:
Fundamentals of Mechanisms: Terminologies, linkages, kinematic chain, planar and spatial mechanisms, Degrees of freedom, Kinematic analysis of planar mechanisms; position, velocity and acceleration analyses.
Instantaneous centers: Kinematics of a 4-bar chain, Static forces and inertia forces on links of simple planar mechanisms, Kinematic synthesis: function, path and motion generation; graphical and analytical methods.
Balancing of rotating masses: static and dynamic balancing.
Balancing of reciprocating masses: primary and secondary balancing of inline engines.
Crank effort diagrams: Fluctuation of speed and energy in engines; coefficient of energy fluctuation, Fly wheel.
Gyroscopes: Gyroscopic couple and effects.