Mechanism

Me 321 – Lecture 1
Science of Mechanism (Theory of Machines)
 treats the laws governing the motion of the parts of a machine
and the forces transmitted by these parts.
Two main divisions:
1. Pure mechanism or Kinematics of machines
- deals with the motion and forms of the parts of the machine
- and the manner of supporting and guiding them
Kinematics. It is that branch of Theory of Machines which deals
with the relative motion between the various parts of the
machines.
Science of Mechanism
2. Constructive mechanism or Machine design
- involves calculation of forces
- selection of materials that can withstand these forces
Dynamics. It is that branch of Theory of Machines which deals with the
forces and their effects, while acting upon the machine parts in
motion.
Kinetics. It is that branch of Theory of Machines which deals with the
inertia forces which arise from the com- bined effect of the mass
and motion of the machine parts.
Statics. It is that branch of Theory of Machines which deals with the
forces and their effects while the ma- chine parts are at rest. The
mass of the parts is assumed to be
Definition of Terms
Machine
- Combination of resistant bodies
- so arranged that they compel the mechanical forces of nature
to produce some effect or work
- with certain determinate motions
- the term machine is usually referred to a complete product

Examples:
- car, tractor, lathe machine, sewing machine, washing
machine
Definition of Terms

Mechanism
- Combination of resistant bodies
- so arranged that the motion of one
compels the motion of the others
– it is used to transfer or modify motion

A machine is a series or train of mechanisms

but a mechanism is not necessarily a machine.
Definition of Terms

Structure
-combination of resistant bodies capable of transmitting
forces or carrying loads but having no relative motion
between parts
Definition of Terms

Frame
- a structure that supports the moving parts and regulates
the path, or kind of motion, of many of the parts.
- may either be fixed to the earth or moving relative to
the earth, e.g., an automobile
Definition of Terms

Particle
- an infinitesimal part of a body represented on a drawing
by a point.
- a line on a body may be thought of as a series of
continuous particles arranged in a line
Definition of Terms

Rigid Body
- one whose component particles remain at a constant
distance from one another;
- it is assumed not to suffer any distortion by the forces
that may act on it.
Definition of Terms
Driver and Follower
Driver – piece of mechanism which causes motion
Follower – piece of mechanism whose motion is affected
Modes of Transmission

By Direct Contact
- sliding contact
- rolling contact

By intermediate connectors
- rigid (link – can push or pull)
- flexible (band – inextensible and is capable
only of transmitting a pull)
- fluid (hydraulics, pneumatics)
Pairs of Elements
In order for A to move in a definite path, B would have a shape of
a curved channel that will envelop all of A’s positions.

Therefore, in order to compel a body to move in a definite path, it must

be paired with another, the shape of which is determined by the nature
of the relative motion of the two bodies.
Pairs of Elements
Closed or Lower Pair
- one element envelopes/encloses the other element
- the form of the element is geometrically identical
- surface contact exists between the two members

Three forms of motion can only exist:

1. Straight line (translation)
2. Circle (rotation or revolution)
3. Helix (combination of rotation and translation)
Pairs of Elements
Higher Pair
- the elements do not enclose each other
- the elements are either in point or line contact (e.g., ball and roller bearings)
Pairs of Elements
Inversion of Pairs
- exchange of the fixedness of an element with its
partner

- for closed or lower pair, it does not affect either

the absolute or the relative motion

- in a higher pair, the relative motion of A and B is

the same regardless of whether A or B is fixed.

- however, the absolute motion of A of A when B is

fixed is not the same at the absolute motion of B when A
is fixed