Simple Machines in Transport Systems

Engineering Studies – H2  Transport Engineering – Mechanical Analysis

This topic builds on the simple machines topic from the Biomedical Engineering module. The definition and purpose of a simple machine is reviewed and the key concepts of calculating ‘mechanical advantage’, ‘velocity ratio’ and ‘efficiency’ are developed.

Key Concepts

• The Definition of a ‘simple machine’
• Identifying simple machines within more complex mechanisms
• Calculating mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency in machines

Discussion Questions

Concepts

1. Define the purpose of a simple machine.
2. Name the various types of simple machines and a common application for each.
3. Identifying simple machines that form part of more complex mechanisms.
4. Define ‘load’ and ‘effort’.
5. What is a fulcrum?
6. Define a mechanical advantage.
7. Define velocity ratio
8. Define the principle of work
9. How is efficiency calculated?
10. List reasons why machines are not 100% efficient.

Levers

1. Define what a lever achieves.
2. Describe various lever classes.
3. How is the mechanical advantage and velocity ratio of a lever determined?

Pulleys

1. Define what a pulley, and pulley systems achieve.
2. Describe various pulley arrangements.
3. How is the mechanical advantage and velocity ratio of pulleys determined?

Gears

1. Define what a gear achieves and name the features of a gear.
2. Describe various gear arrangements.
3. How is the mechanical advantage and velocity ratio of gears determined?

Wedges and the Inclined Plane

1. Define what a wedge achieves and name common applications of wedges.
2. How is the mechanical advantage and velocity ratio  of a wedge determined?