Tutorial 3 Josephine Bakewa ID- A00224059

What is the function of couplings? Couplings are mechanical devices used to connect two rotating
shafts together in order to transmit torque and rotational motion from one shaft to another. The
primary function of couplings is to join two shafts together in a way that allows them to rotate together
without slipping or losing power.

List the types of couplings and state its applications.

Couplings come in many different types and styles, but they all serve the same basic function of
transmitting power and motion between shafts. Some common types of couplings include:

1. Flexible couplings: These couplings allow for a small amount of misalignment between the two
shafts and can also absorb shock and vibration.

2. Rigid couplings: These couplings are used when the two shafts need to be perfectly aligned and
have no room for misalignment.

3. Gear couplings: These couplings use gears to transmit torque and motion between the two
shafts and are used in high-torque applications.

4. Universal joints: These couplings allow for a wide range of misalignment between the two
shafts and are often used in drivetrain applications.

What is a chain drive? is a mechanical system that transmits power and motion from one rotating
shaft to another using a chain. The chain is made up of a series of links that interlock with sprockets
on the shafts to transfer torque and rotational motion. Chain drives are commonly used in
applications where high power transmission is required, such as in industrial machinery,
motorcycles, bicycles, and automobiles

Advantages and disadvantages of chain drives.

Advantages Disadvantages
1. High efficiency: Chain drives are 1.The production cost of chains is relatively
highly efficient and can transmit high. 2. The chain drive needs accurate
power over long distances with mounting and careful maintenance,
minimal power loss. particularly lubrication and slack adjustment.
2. High load capacity: Chain drives can 3. The chain drive has velocity fluctuations
transmit high amounts of torque, especially when unduly stretched.
making them suitable for heavy-duty
applications.
3. Low maintenance: Chain drives
require minimal maintenance
compared to other types of power
transmission systems.
4. Adjustable distance: The distance
between the two shafts can be easily
adjusted by changing the length of
the chain.
 State the applications of chain drives. Chain drives are commonly used in a wide range of
industrial and consumer applications where power transmission is required. Some common
applications of chain drives include:
Industrial machinery: Chain drives are used in various types of industrial machinery, such as
conveyors, hoists, cranes, and mining equipment. They are also used in agricultural equipment,
such as tractors and combines.
Automotive: Chain drives are used in automobiles, particularly in the timing chain system that
synchronizes the rotation of the engine's camshaft and crankshaft.
Bicycles: Chain drives are used in bicycles to transmit power from the pedals to the rear wheel.
Motorcycles: Chain drives are used in motorcycles to transfer power from the engine to the rear
wheel.
Roller coasters: Chain drives are used in roller coasters to pull the coaster car up to the top of
the first hill, after which the coaster car is propelled by gravity.
Power transmission equipment: Chain drives are used in power transmission equipment such as
pumps, blowers, and compressors.
Robotics: Chain drives are used in robotics to transmit power and motion between components.
Overall, chain drives are versatile and widely used in many applications due to their ability to
transmit high amounts of torque and power over long distances with high efficiency.
List the types of mechanical gears. There are several different types of mechanical gears, each
with its own unique design and application. Some common types of gears include:
1. Spur gears: These are the most common type of gear and consist of straight teeth that are
parallel to the axis of rotation. Spur gears transmit power and motion between parallel shafts
and are used in many different types of machinery.
2. Helical gears: These gears have teeth that are cut at an angle to the axis of rotation, creating a
helix shape. Helical gears transmit power and motion between parallel shafts and can handle
higher loads and speeds than spur gears.
3. Bevel gears: These gears have teeth that are cut on a cone-shaped surface and are used to
transmit power and motion between non-parallel shafts.
4. Worm gears: These gears consist of a worm wheel and worm gear, where the worm wheel is a
cylindrical gear with teeth that are perpendicular to its axis and the worm gear is a cylindrical
gear with a screw-like thread that meshes with the worm wheel. Worm gears are used to
transmit power and motion between non-parallel shafts and are commonly used in heavy-duty
applications.
5. Rack and pinion gears: These gears consist of a straight bar (the rack) and a gear with teeth (the
pinion) that mesh with the rack. Rack and pinion gears are used to convert rotational motion
into linear motion and are commonly used in steering systems and other applications where
linear motion is required.
6. Planetary gears: These gears consist of a sun gear in the center, surrounded by multiple planet
gears that mesh with an outer ring gear. Planetary gears are used to transmit power and motion
in a compact and efficient manner and are commonly used in automotive transmissions.

Gears questions Question 1a

This diagram shows ‘spur’ gears. Why is one gear called the ‘driver’ and one called the ‘driven’??
  The driver gear has a larger diameter than driven, but it rotates slower than the driven gear. The
driver gear supports the driven which helps it to rotate. It also increases and decreases the
speed.

Question 1b

Gear ‘A’ has 30 teeth and gear ‘B’ has 20 teeth. If gear ‘A’ turns one revolution, how many times will
gear ‘B’ turn? Which gear revolves the fastest?

• When Gear A turns one revolution, Gear B will turn one and a half revolution. This indicates that
Gear B rotates faster.

Question 2a

Below is a schematic drawing of two gears. Name parts ‘A’ and ‘B’

• Part A is the Pitch Circles and Part B is the Pitch.

Question 2b

What is the significance of the ‘Pitch Point’ of meshing gears?

• It is where the gear teeth are actually making contact with each other while rotating.

Question 3a

Name gear ‘B’, seen between the driver and driven gears. What is the purpose of this centrally
positioned gear?

• Gear B is called Idler, and the Idler gear is placed in between the driver and driven gear. Its
purpose is to help the Driver and Driven gear rotate at the same speed.

Question 3b

Gear ‘A’ rotates in an anticlockwise direction. Which direction does gear ‘B’ turn? Which direction does
gear ‘C’ turn?

• Gear B will rotate clockwise, while gear C will also be rotating at the same direction as gear A
(anti-clockwise).

Question 4a

What is a gear train?

• Gear train is usually made up of two or more gears. It is a system of gears which transmit motion
from one shaft to another.

Question 4b

‘A’ indicates two gears ‘fixed’ together. What is this arrangement of gears called?

• This arrangement of gears is called compound gear.

Question 5a
With reference to the gear arrangement you named in Q4b: Do both gears rotate at the same speed and
direction?

• Yes, both gears rotate at the same direction and at the same speed because they are fixed
together.

Question 5b

Which of these gears, is acting as an idler gear?

• The gear that is acting as an idler gear is Gear B.

Question 6a

Name the type of gear system shown below.

• The gear shown above is a rack and pinion gear.

Question 6b

Why is the gear system you named in the previous question, useful on steep hills and in mountainous
areas?

• To avoid any train from slipping when approaching a steep hill or slope. So a larger wheel is
added to the center of the train so that when approaching to a steep hill it will lower the wheel and get
a tight grip to the train tracks.

Question 7

Name one practical example of a railway that utilizes the system you named / described in the previous
question.

• The railway system in Switzerland is probably the most advanced in the world. The entire system
is punctual and modern as a result of financial investment in railway building and locomotive
technology.

Question 8

Name a machine that uses a gear system, to change speed?

• Lathe Machine.

Question 9

Why is this system of gears ideal for a drilling machine?

• This helps a lot of work in ways of making it easier to move the table and takes the minimum of
efforts

Question 10

Name this gear system.

• The above gear is a Bevel gear.

Question 11

Describe a practical application of the system of gears shown below.

• Bevel gears can be used to change the direction of drive in a gear system by 90 degrees,
example hand drill.

Question 12

What are the advantages of having a bicycle with gears?

• It basically helps the cyclist with changing of gears and making it easier to pedal up the hill. The
changing of gears helps for a bicycle to last long because it won’t damage any the chains. The chains are
change due to the changing of gears, smaller gear to larger gears.

Question 13

What is Velocity Ratio (sometimes called Gear Ratio)?

• Determined by the number of teeth on each gear wheel.

Question 14

When calculating velocity ratio between the gears on a bicycle, is the chain included as part of the
calculation?

• The chain is ignored and does no enter the equation.

Question 15

Name the two gears seen below

• The worm wheel gear and worm gear. The worm gear (brown), only has one tooth but it is like a
screw thread whereas worm wheel (yellow) gear, is like a normal gear wheel or spur wheel.

What is the function of belt drives? Belt drives are a type of power transmission system that use flexible
belts to transmit power and motion between rotating shafts. The main function of belt drives is to
transfer torque from one shaft to another while allowing some degree of misalignment and absorbing
shock and vibration.

List the types and where and how they are applied.
1. V-belt drives: V-belt drives are the most common type of belt drive and consist of a V-shaped belt
that fits into a V-shaped groove on the pulley. V-belt drives are used in various industrial
applications such as pumps, compressors, and machine tools. They are also commonly used in
automotive applications, such as in the serpentine belt system that drives the engine's accessories.

2. Timing belt drives: Timing belt drives use toothed belts that fit into matching grooves on the
pulleys to transmit power and motion. Timing belt drives are commonly used in automotive
applications to synchronize the rotation of the engine's camshaft and crankshaft.
3. Flat belt drives: Flat belt drives use a flat belt that is wrapped around two or more pulleys to
transmit power and motion. Flat belt drives are commonly used in industrial applications such as in
textile machinery, woodworking machinery, and printing presses.

3. Round belt drives: Round belt drives use a round belt that is wrapped around two or more pulleys
to transmit power and motion. Round belt drives are commonly used in industrial applications such
as in packaging machinery, conveyors, and printing presses.

4. Serpentine belt drives: Serpentine belt drives use a long, continuous belt that is routed around
multiple pulleys to drive various accessories in the engine compartment of a vehicle. Serpentine belt
drives are commonly used in automotive applications.

Define velocity ratio. It describes the ratio of the rotational speed of the input shaft to the
rotational speed of the output shaft in a machine. In simple terms, it is the ratio of the distance
travelled by the input point to the distance travelled by the output point in a given amount of time.

What is creep. Explain. Creep, in the context of belt-driven systems, refers to the phenomenon of a
belt gradually slipping or moving on the pulley due to a difference in the tension between the tight
and slack sides of the belt. Creep is a common problem in belt drives and can result in reduced
efficiency, increased wear and tear on the belt and pulleys, and eventual belt failure.

Creep occurs because of the difference in tension between the tight side and the slack side of the
belt. The tight side of the belt experiences higher tension and, therefore, moves faster than the slack
side. As a result, the belt gradually slips or moves on the pulley, which can cause problems such as
reduced power transmission, belt wear, and excessive heat buildup.

To prevent creep, proper tensioning of the belt is critical. The belt tension must be adjusted to
ensure that the tight side and slack side of the belt have similar tension levels. This can be
achieved by adjusting the position of the pulleys or by adjusting the tensioner mechanism in the
belt drive system.

Other factors that can contribute to creep include misalignment of the pulleys, worn or damaged
pulleys, and excessive loads or speeds. Proper maintenance and regular inspections of the belt drive
system can help prevent creep and ensure optimal performance and longevity of the system.

Advantages and disadvantages of belt drives.

Advantages
1. High efficiency: Belt drives are highly
efficient, with low friction losses and
minimal energy waste, allowing for
efficient power transmission.
2. Low noise and vibration: Belt drives
operate quietly and generate less
vibration than other types of drives,
making them suitable for applications
where noise and vibration are a
concern.
3. Easy installation and maintenance: Belt
Disadvantages
1. Limited power transmission: Belt drives
have a limited power transmission
capacity compared to other types of
drives, which can limit their use in high-
power applications.
2. Limited speed range: Belt drives have a
limited speed range, which can limit
their use in applications where high
speeds are required.
3. Slip and creep: Belts can slip or creep
on the pulleys, reducing efficiency and
 drives are relatively simple to install
and maintain, requiring minimal
lubrication and no periodic
adjustments.
4. Flexibility: Belt drives are flexible and
can transmit power over long distances
and around obstacles, allowing for a
wide range of machine configurations.
5. Overload protection: In case of
excessive load, the belt can slip or
break, which helps protect the machine
components from damage.
causing wear and tear on the system.
4. Temperature sensitivity: Belts can be
sensitive to temperature changes,
which can cause them to stretch or
shrink, affecting their performance.
5. Belt replacement: Belts require
periodic replacement due to wear and
tear, which can be a time-consuming
and costly process.

What is slip? Explain. Slip in belt drives refers to the difference in linear velocity between the belt
and the pulleys. In other words, when the belt is transmitting power, the belt's linear velocity may
be slightly different from the pulley's linear velocity. This difference in velocity causes the belt to slip
slightly on the pulley surface. Slip can occur due to a variety of factors, including insufficient tension,
worn or damaged belts or pulleys, misalignment, or excessive loads or speeds. Slip can lead to a
reduction in power transmission efficiency and can cause wear and tear on the belt and pulley
surfaces. To reduce slip, the belt should be properly tensioned, and the pulleys should be properly
aligned. The proper tension for a belt can be determined by following the manufacturer's
recommendations or by using a tension gauge. The alignment of the pulleys can be adjusted by
using shims or by moving the pulleys.

Slip can also be minimized by using a belt with a higher coefficient of friction or by using a different
type of belt, such as a toothed or chain drive, which provides a positive engagement between the
belt and the pulley.

Overall, slip is an important factor to consider when designing and operating belt drive systems.
Proper tensioning, alignment, and selection of the appropriate belt type can help minimize slip and
ensure optimal performance and longevity of the belt drive system.

Define power screw. A type of mechanical screw that is used to convert rotary motion into linear
motion or vice versa. It consists of a threaded shaft and a nut, with the shaft typically having a
square or round cross-section.

List applications of power screw. Lifts and jacks: Power screws are commonly used in lifts and jacks
to lift and lower heavy loads, such as in automotive repair shops.

Machine tools: Power screws are used in the positioning and adjustment of machine tool
components, such as in the adjustment of the height or position of a cutting tool.

Presses: Power screws are used in presses to apply force to deform or shape materials, such as in
metal stamping or plastic injection molding.

Robotics: Power screws are used in robotics to provide precise and repeatable linear motion, such as
in the movement of robotic arms or grippers.
Camera lenses: Power screws are used in the focusing mechanism of camera lenses to adjust the
position of the lens elements and focus the image.

Aircraft control surfaces: Power screws are used in aircraft control surfaces, such as in the flaps or
ailerons, to adjust the position of the control surfaces and control the aircraft's movement.

Medical equipment: Power screws are used in medical equipment, such as in surgical instruments or
patient lifts, to provide precise and controlled linear motion.

Agricultural machinery: Power screws are used in agricultural machinery, such as in crop harvesters
or seed drills, to adjust the position or spacing of the machinery components.

Advantages
1. High load capacity: Power screws are
designed to handle high loads, making
them suitable for applications where
heavy loads need to be lifted or moved.
2. Precise and repeatable motion: Power
screws provide precise and repeatable
linear motion, which is important in
many applications, such as in machine
tools or robotics.
3. Mechanical advantage: Power screws
can provide a mechanical advantage,
allowing for a relatively small force to
be applied to lift or move a heavy load.
4. Self-locking: Power screws are self-
locking, meaning that they can hold
their position without the need for
external locking mechanisms.
5. Easy to use: Power screws are easy to
use and require minimal maintenance.
Disadvantages
1. Limited speed: Power screws are
limited in terms of speed, as they
typically cannot rotate at high speeds
without causing excessive wear and
heat generation.
2. Backlash: Power screws can be prone
to backlash, which is the unwanted
movement of the nut due to clearances
in the thread.
3. Low efficiency: Power screws can be
less efficient than other types of linear
motion devices, such as linear
actuators or hydraulic cylinders.
4. Prone to wear: Power screws can be
prone to wear, especially if they are
not properly lubricated or maintained.
5. Limited stroke length: Power screws
are typically limited in terms of stroke
length, meaning that they may not be
suitable for applications that require
very long linear travel.

List the types of bearings and its applications. a bearing is a device that supports a load and reduces
friction between two moving parts. The main function of bearings is to allow smooth and efficient
motion of machine components.

1. Ball bearings: These are the most common type of bearing, and they are used in a wide variety
of applications, such as electric motors, pumps, and gearboxes. They use balls to reduce friction
between two surfaces.

2. Roller bearings: These bearings use cylindrical rollers instead of balls to reduce friction. They are
used in applications where higher loads need to be supported, such as in conveyor systems and
machine tool spindles.
3. Plain bearings: Also known as bushings, plain bearings use a sliding motion to reduce friction.
They are commonly used in applications where low-speed rotation is required, such as in
automotive suspension systems and agricultural machinery.

4. Thrust bearings: These bearings are designed to handle axial loads and are commonly found in
automotive transmissions and heavy machinery.

5. Spherical bearings: Spherical bearings are designed to handle misalignment and are commonly
used in industrial machinery and equipment.

6. Needle bearings: Needle bearings are used in applications where a high load capacity is required
in a small space. They are commonly used in automotive and aerospace applications.