Course Overview

Definitions, course context

MECH 362: Course overview 1/Ghotbi

Definitions

„ Mechanism: System of elements arranged to

transmit motion in a pre-determined fashion.
‰ Transforms input motion to desirable output pattern
‰ Typically develops low forces and transmits little power
‰ May contain linkages, cams, gears, belts, chains

„ Machine: System of elements arranged to transmit

motion and energy in a pre-determined fashion.
‰ Contains multiple mechanisms
‰ Typically provides significant force and transmits significant
power

MECH 362: Course overview 2/Ghotbi

Definitions continue

„ Kinematics: Study of this motion without

regards to forces/torques required to
generate or sustain this motion
„ Kinetics: The study of forces on systems in
motion

„ Dynamics: Kinematics + Kinetics

MECH 362: Course overview 3/Ghotbi

Science of Mechanics

Solid Mechanics

Statics Dynamics Stress Analysis

Kinematics Kinetics

MECH 362: Course overview 4/Ghotbi

Where does this course fit in the big
picture?

Material
Selection

Kinetics Stresses and Failure mode

Kinematics
F(t) Strains analysis
x(t), v(t), a(t)

MECH 362

MECH 362: Course overview 5/Ghotbi

Mechanism or Machine?

„ Robot
„ Umbrella
„ Folding chair
„ Blender
„ Car transmission
„ Adjustable desk lamp

MECH 362: Course overview 6/Ghotbi

Kinematic Elements

„ Links
„ Belts
„ Chains
„ Gears
„ Cams

MECH 362: Course overview 7/Ghotbi

Assumptions in Kinematics

„ All elements of the mechanism are rigid, i.e.

they do not elongate, compress or bend.
„ All members have zero thickness
perpendicular to the plane of motion.

„ This course will deal with planar (2-D)

kinematics.

MECH 362: Course overview 8/Ghotbi