EDEXCEL NATIONALS

UNIT 18 ADVANCED MECHANICAL PRINCIPLES

ASSIGNMENT No. 3 - SIMPLE HARMONIC MOTION
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This assignment assesses P6, P7, M3, M4 and D2

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Grading criteria
To achieve a pass grade the
evidence must show that the
learner is able to:

P1 determine the dimensional

effects of uniaxial loading on
a plain structural component
and two-dimensional loading
on a rectangular plate
P2 determine the maximum
stress due to bending, factor
of safety in operation and
minimum radius of curvature
for a simply supported beam
carrying a given concentrated
load
and
a
uniformly
distributed load
P3 determine the maximum
shear stress, factor of safety in
operation and angle of twist
for a mechanical power
transmission
shaft
when
transmitting given power at a
given speed
P4 determine the resultant
velocity of an object when
moving simultaneously with
velocities in two different
directions and its velocity
relative to a second object
moving in the same plane in a
third direction

Tick
Achieved

To achieve a merit grade

the evidence must show
that, in addition to the
pass criteria, the learner
is able to:
M1
determine
the
dimensional effects and
change in volume for a
given element of an
engineering
component
when subjected to threedimensional loading
M2 compare the effects on
a
rectangular
section
beams
load
carrying
capacity of increasing the
breadth, and increasing the
depth by given amounts
M3 determine the output
velocity of a given quickreturn mechanism for
given input conditions
M4 evaluate the output
motion of the slider in a
slider-crank
mechanism
with uniform input motion
of
the
crank,
for
compliance
with
the
conditions necessary for it
to
describe
simple
harmonic motion.

P5 determine the output

motion of a slider-crank
mechanism and a four-bar
linkage mechanism for given
input conditions
P6 determine the periodic
time and the displacement,
velocity and acceleration at a
given instant of the simple
harmonic motion generated by
circular motion of given
parameters
P7 determine the circular
frequency, natural frequency
of vibration and the maximum
velocity and acceleration for a
mass-spring system and a
simple pendulum with given
parameters.

D.J.Dunn www.freestudy.co.uk

Tick
Achieved

To
achieve
a
distinction grade the
evidence must show
that, in addition to the
pass and merit criteria,
the learner is able to:
D1
evaluate
and
compare the saving in
weight and the reduced
torque
transmission
capacity for a hollow
power transmission shaft
as its internal diameter is
increased
D2 determine from test
data
the
effective
contributory mass of the
spring in an oscillating
mass-spring system.

Tick
Achieved

DETAILS
This assignment is in 3 parts. You should write a technical report that shows how you conducted the
tasks outlined below and arrived at your answers. You should show the appropriate calculations
clearly and make use of correct units and multiples. Analyse and comment on your work as
appropriate. You should draw accurate space and velocity diagrams. You should where possible
check your answers by some alternative method.
PART 1 - CAM
The diagram shows a circular cam mounted on a shaft but with the centre of the cam and shaft
offset by a distance e.

You will be allocated one set of data from the table below. The mean displacement position is when
= 0 (measured clockwise from the horizontal position)

Show that when the cam rotates as shown that the cam follower performs simple
harmonic motion.
Write down the equations for the displacement, velocity and acceleration of the follower.
Calculate the maximum value of velocity and acceleration and state the position at which
it occurs.
Calculate the displacement, velocity and acceleration of the follower at angle .
Determine the periodic time of the follower.
State the amplitude of the follower motion.
Suggest a use for this mechanism.
STUDENT
1
2
3
4
5

D.J.Dunn www.freestudy.co.uk

e (mm)
5
10
8
25
15

(rad/s)
10
20
15
50
12

(degrees)
30
45
60
30
60

PART 2- MASS - SPRING SYSTEM

A weight hanger is suspended on a spring as shown. The mass is pulled
down 10 mm from the rest position and released. Using a set of data
allocated from the table below, determine the following.

The frequency of vibration

The periodic time
The maximum velocityand acceleration and state the point
where these occur.
STUDENT
1
2
3
4
5

M (g)
50
100
75
150
120

k (N/mm)
5
10
8
15
12

PART 3 - PRACTICAL
With a suitable spring and weight hanger set up as in the diagram, carry out an experiment to verify
the theoretical formula for the frequency of oscillation.
You should carry out the experiment with a range of masses. You are advised to measure the time
for 10 complete oscillations and calculate the frequency from the result. Analyse your result and
conclude if on average you have accurately verified the time.
Weigh the spring. It is suggested that the mass of the spring slows down the oscillation and a more
accurate result is obtained if 1/3 of the mass is added to the value of M to correct the result.
Recalculate your results with this correction and conclude if the correction is valid.
ADVICE
A common error is to start counting at 1 when the timer is started. You should start counting at zero
and stop timing at 10. Repeat the timing several times for each mass using different people each
time and average the time. This helps adjust for individual reaction time and random error.
If possible use accurate electronic timing and counting.

D.J.Dunn www.freestudy.co.uk

 D.J.Dunn www.freestudy.co.uk