EXPERIMENT NO.

6
To determine the Mechanical Advantage, Velocity Ratio, & Efficiency of a Differential
Wheel and axle.
Appratus:
 Differential Wheel and Axle apparatus mounted on a wall
 weights hanger
 weights
 Rope pieces,
 String, scale
 vernier calipers
Wheel & Differential Axle Apparatus:

Theory
1. Simple Wheel and Axle
In fig10.1 is shown a Simple wheel & axle, in which the wheel A & axle B are keyed to the
same shaft. The shaft is mounted on ball bearings, in order to reduce the frictional resistance
to minimum. A string is wound round the axle B, which carries the load to be lifted. A second
string is wound round the wheel A in the opposite direction to that of string on B.
Let, W = Load lifted
P = Effort applied to lift the load
D = Diameter of effort wheel, and
D = Diameter of the load drum
One end of the string is fixed to the wheel, while the other is free and the effort is applied to
this end. Since the two strings are wound in the opposite directions, so the downward motion
of the effort (P) will raise the load (W). Since the wheel A and axle B are keyed to the same
shaft, so when the wheel rotates through one revolution, axle will also rotate through one
revolution.
We know that the distance moved by the effort in one revolution the effort wheel= πD
& distance moved by the load in one revolution = πd
V.R. = Distance moved by effort / Distance moved by load = πD/ πd = D/ d
Now ,
M.A. = Load lifted / Effort applied = W/P
and
Efficiency η = M.A. / V.R.
2. Differential Wheel and Axle
It is an improved form of Simple wheel & axle, in which the Velocity Ratio is intensified
with the help of a load axle. In figure 10.2 is shown a Differential wheel & axle. In this case,
load axle BC is made up of two parts of different diameters. Like Simple wheel & axle, the
wheel A, & axle B and C are keyed to the same shaft, which is mounted on ball bearings, in
order to reduce the frictional resistance to minimum. The effort string is wound round the
wheel A. Another string is wound round the axle B, which after passing round the pulley (to
which the weight W is attached) is wound round the axle C in the opposite directions to that
of the axle B; care being taken to wind the string on the wheel A & axle C in the same
direction. As a result of this, when the string unwinds from the wheel A, the other string also
unwinds from the axle C. But it winds on the axle B in figure
Let D = diameter of effort wheel A,
d1 = diameter of the axle B
d2 = diameter of the axle C
W = Weight lifted by the machine, &
P = Effort applied to lift the weight
We know distance moved by the effort in one revolution of the effort wheel A= πD
Therefore, Length of string, which will wound on the axle B in one revolution = πd1
& Length of string, which will unwound from the axle C in one revolution = πd2
Therefore, Length of string, which will wound in one revolution = πd1 - πd2 = π(d1 - d2)
& distance moved by the weight = 1/2× π (d1 - d2) = π/2(d1 - d2)
therefore,
V.R. = Distance moved by effort P/ Distance moved by load = πD/ π/2(d1 - d2) = 2D/(d1 -
d2)
and, M.A.= W/ P and, Efficiency, η = M.A./ V.R.

Observations and Calculations:

1. Weight of the empty effort pan P1 =
2. Weight of the empty hanger, W1 =
3. Thickness of effort wheel’s string, t1 =
4. Thickness of load axle’s rope , t2 =

Result:
Average value of:
i) M.A. =
ii) V.R. =
iii) %η=
Precautions:
1. Weight of empty hanger and effort pan should always be taken.
2. Weight W should be lifted gradually upwards at uniform speed.
3. To get effective values of circumference, the thickness of the ropes should be measured.
4. Lubricate the bearings apparatus to reduce friction.