ME 312 MACHINE ELEMENTS

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION

This chapter deals with the different terminologies for elements of mechanism, understanding pairs
of elements, and how the Four-Bar Linkage works.

Motivation Question:
How Four-Bar Linkage does work?

Lesson 1.1:
Terminologies
Lesson Summary:
Discussion of the different terms involved in elements of mechanism and understanding pairs of
elements.

Learning Outcome:
At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to define and understand the terminologies
involve in Kinematics of Machineries, identify different pairs in mechanism and understand how Four-Bar
Linkage works Motivation

Question:
How do we define a Machine?
Differentiate a Driver between Followers?

Discussion:

1. The science of mechanism treats of the laws governing the motion of the parts of a machine
and the forces transmitted by these parts.
 The machine parts must be so proportioned and so related to one another that
each has the proper motion.
 Each part must be adapted to withstand the forces imposed upon it.

Two Parts of Science of Mechanism

a. Pure mechanism or kinematics of machine
- Which treats of the motion and forms of the parts of a machine, and the manner of
supporting and guiding them, independent of their strength.
-
b. Constructive mechanism or machine design
- Which involves the calculation of the forces acting on different parts of the machine.
- the selection of materials on the basis strength, durability, and other physical properties
in order to withstand these forces.
- the convenience for repairs and facilities for manufacture.

2. Machine is a combination of resistant bodies so arranged that their means the mechanical
forces of nature can be compelled to produce some effect or work accompanied with certain
determinate motions. It is an assemblage of parts interposed between the sources of power and
the work, for the purpose of adapting the one to the other. Each of the pieces in a machine
either moves or helps to guide some of the other pieces in their motion.
 3. Structure is a combination of resistant bodies capable of transmitting forces or carrying loads
but having no relative motion between parts.

4. Mechanism is a combination of rigid bodies so arranged that the motion of one compels the
motion of the others, according to a law depending on the nature of the combination.
Combination is a mechanism when used to transmit or modify motion and a machine if
energy is transferred or work is done.

Example:
The combination of a crank and connecting rod with guides and frame, in a steam
engine, is a mechanism since reciprocating motion is converted into circular motion. In order
for this mechanism to become be added so that the energy of the steam may be converted into
useful work. Thus, a machine is a series or train of mechanisms but no mechanism is necessarily
a machine.

5. Frame of a machine is a structure that supports the moving parts and regulates the path, or kind
of motion, of many of the parts. The frame may be either fixed to the earth or moving relative to
the earth, as for an automobile.

6. A particle is an infinitesimal part of the body. It may be presented on a drawing by a point and is
often referred to as a point.

7. Rigid body is one whose component particles remain at a constant distance from one another;
that is, the body is assumed not to suffer any distortion by the forces that may act on it.

Driver a piece of a mechanism which causes motion.

Follower the one whose motion is effected from the driver.

Modes of Transmission. Motion can be transmitted from one driver to follower by direct contact, either
sliding or rolling, or by intermediate connectors that may be rigid, flexible, or fluid.
If an intermediate connector is rigid, it is called a link, and it can either push or pull, such as the
connecting rod of a steam engine.
If the connector is flexible, it is called a band, which is supposed to be inextensible, and is
capable only of transmitting a pull.

Pairs of Elements