Engineering Connection
Why do engineers care about simple machines? How do such devices help engineers improve society? Simple machines are important and common in our world today in the form of everyday devices (crowbars, wheelbarrows, highway ramps, etc.) that individuals, and especially engineers, use on a daily basis. The same physical principles and mechanical advantages of simple machines used by ancient engineers to build pyramids are employed by today"s engineers to construct modern structures such as houses, bridges and skyscrapers. Simple machines give engineers added tools for solving everyday challenges.
Learning Objectives
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Understand what a simple machine is and how it would help an engineer to build something.
- Identify six types of simple machines.
- Understand how the same physical principles used by engineers today to build skyscrapers were employed in ancient times by engineers to build pyramids.
- Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to creating a simple lever machine based on how well each met the constraints of the challenge.
More Curriculum Like This
Levers That Lift
Students are introduced to three of the six simple machines used by many engineers: lever, pulley, and wheel-and-axle. In general, engineers use the lever to magnify the force applied to an object, the pulley to lift heavy loads over a vertical path, and the wheel-and-axle to magnify the torque appl...
Slide Right on by Using an Inclined Plane
Students explore building a pyramid, learning about the simple machine called an inclined plane. They also learn about another simple machine, the screw, and how it is used as a lifting or fastening device.
Splash, Pop, Fizz: Rube Goldberg Machines
Refreshed with an understanding of the six simple machines; screw, wedge, pully, incline plane, wheel and axle, and lever, student groups receive materials and an allotted amount of time to act as mechanical engineers to design and create machines that can complete specified tasks.
Pyramid Building: How to Use a Wedge
Students learn how simple machines, including wedges, were used in building both ancient pyramids and present-day skyscrapers. In a hands-on activity, students test a variety of wedges on different materials (wax, soap, clay, foam).
Educational Standards
Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards.
All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN) , a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org).
In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g. , by state; within source by type; e.g. , science or mathematics; within type by subtype, then by grade, etc .
NGSS: Next Generation Science Standards - Science
International Technology and Engineering Educators Association - Technology
Introduction/Motivation
How did the Egyptians build the Great Pyramids thousands of years ago (~2,500 BCE)? Could you build a pyramid using 9,000-kilogram (~10-ton or 20,000-lb) blocks of stone with your bare hands? That"s like trying to move a large elephant with your bare hands! How many people might it take to move a block that big? It would still be a challenge to build a pyramid today even with modern tools, such as jackhammers, cranes, trucks and bulldozers. But without these modern tools, how did Egyptian workers cut, shape, transport and place enormous stones? Well, one key to accomplishing this amazing and difficult task was the use of simple machines.
Simple machines are devices with no, or very few, moving parts that make work easier. Many of today"s complex tools are really just more complicated forms of the six simple machines. By using simple machines, ordinary people can split huge rocks, hoist large stones, and move blocks over great distances.
However, it took more than just simple machines to build the pyramids. It also took tremendous planning and a great design . Planning, designing, working as a team and using tools to create something, or to get a job done, is what engineering is all about. Engineers use their knowledge, creativity and problem-solving skills to accomplish some amazing feats to solve real-world challenges. People call on engineers to use their understanding of how things work to do seemingly impossible jobs and make everyday activities easier. It is surprising how many times engineers turn to simple machines to solve these problems.
Once we understand simple machines, you will recognize them in many common activities and everyday items. (Hand out .) These are the six simple machines: wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw , and pulley . Now that you see the pictures, do you recognize some of these simple machines? Can you see any of these simple machines around the classroom? How do they work? Well, an important vocabulary term when learning about simple machines is mechanical advantage . Mechanical advantage of simple machines means we can use less force to move an object, but we have to move it a longer distance. A good example is pushing a heavy object up a ramp. It may be easier to push the object up a ramp instead of just lifting it up to the right height, but it takes a longer distance. A ramp is an example of the simple machine called an inclined plane . We are going to learn a lot more about each of these six simple machines that are a simple solution to helping engineers, and all humans, do hard work.
Sometimes it is difficult to recognize simple machines in our lives because they look different than the examples we see at school. To make our study of simple machines easier, let"s imagine that we are living in ancient Egypt and that the leader of the country has hired us as engineers to build a pyramid. Today"s availability of electricity and technologically-advanced machines make it difficult for us to see what the simple machine is accomplishing. But in the context of ancient Egypt, the simple machines that we will study are the much more basic tools of the time. After we develop an understanding of simple machines, we will shift our context to building a skyscraper in the present day, so we can compare and contrast how simple machines were used across the centuries and are still used today.
Lesson Background and Concepts for Teachers
Use the attached Introduction to Simple Machines PowerPoint presentation and Simple Machines Reference Sheet as helpful classroom tools. (Show the PowerPoint presentation, or print out the slides to use with an overhead projector. The presentation is animated to promote an inquiry-based style; each click reveals a new point about each machine; have students suggest characteristics and examples before you reveal them.)
Simple machines are everywhere; we use them everyday to perform simple tasks. Simple machines have also been in use since the early days of human existence. While simple machines take many shapes, they come in six basic types:
- Wedge : A device that forces things apart.
- Wheel and axle : Used to reduce friction.
- Lever : Moves around a pivot point to increase or decrease mechanical advantage.
- Inclined plane : Raises objects by moving up a slope.
- Screw : A device that can lift or hold things together.
- Pulley : Changes the direction of a force.
We use simple machines because they make work easier. The scientific definition of work is the amount of force that is applied to an object multiplied by the distance the object is moved. Thus, work consists of force and distance. Each job takes a specific amount of work to finish it, and this number does not change. Thus, the force times the distance always equals the same amount of work. This means that if you move something a smaller distance you need to exert a greater force. On the other hand, if you want to exert less force, you need to move it over a greater distance. This is the force and distance trade off, or mechanical advantage , which is common to all simple machines. With mechanical advantage, the longer a job takes, the less force you need to use throughout the job. Most of the time, we feel that a task is hard because it requires us to use a lot of force. Therefore, using the trade off between distance and force can make our task much easier to complete.
The wedge is a simple machine that forces objects or substances apart by applying force to a large surface area on the wedge, with that force magnified to a smaller area on the wedge to do the actual work. A nail is a common wedge with a wide nail head area where the force is applied, and a small point area where the concentrated force is exerted. The force is magnified at the point, enabling the nail to pierce wood. As the nail sinks into the wood, the wedge shape at the point of the nail moves forward, and forces the wood apart.
Figure 1: An axe is an example of a wedge.
Everyday examples of wedges include an axe (see Figure 1), nail, doorstop, chisel, saw, jackhammer, zipper, bulldozer, snow plow, horse plow, zipper, airplane wing, knife, fork and bow of a boat or ship.
The wheel and axle is a simple machine that reduces the friction involved in moving an object, making the object easier to transport. When an object is pushed, the force of friction must be overcome to start it moving. Once the object is moving, the force of friction opposes the force exerted on the object. The wheel and axle makes this easier by reducing the friction involved in moving an object. The wheel rotates around an axle (essentially a rod that goes through the wheel, letting the wheel turn), rolling over the surface and minimizing friction. Imagine trying to push a 9,000-kilogram (~10-ton) block of stone. Wouldn"t it be easier to roll it along using logs placed underneath the stone?
Everyday examples of the wheel and axle include a car, bicycle, office chair, wheel barrow, shopping cart, hand truck and roller skates.
A lever simple machine consists of a load, a fulcrum and effort (or force). The load is the object that is moved or lifted. The fulcrum is the pivot point, and the effort is the force required to lift or move the load. By exerting a force on one end of the lever (the applied force), a force at the other end of the lever is created. The applied force is either increased or decreased, depending on the distance from the fulcrum (the point or support on which a lever pivots) to the load, and from the fulcrum to the effort.
Figure 2: A crowbar is an example of a lever.
Copyright © 2004 Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399 USA. All rights reserved. With notations by the ITL Program, University of Colorado at Boulder, 2005.
Everyday examples of levers include a teeter-totter or see-saw, crane arm, crow bar, hammer (using the claw end), fishing pole and bottle opener. Think of a how you use a crowbar (see Figure 2). By pushing down on the long end of the crowbar, a force is created at the load end over a smaller distance, once again, demonstrating the tradeoff between force and distance.
Inclined planes make it easier to lift something. Think of a ramp. Engineers use ramps to easily move objects to a greater height. There are two ways to raise an object: by lifting it straight up, or by pushing it diagonally up. Lifting an object straight up moves it over the shortest distance, but you must exert a greater force. On the other hand, using an inclined plane requires a smaller force, but you must exert it over a longer distance.
Everyday examples of inclined planes include highway access ramps, sidewalk ramps, stairs, inclined conveyor belts, and switchback roads or trails.
Figure 3: A car jack is an example of a screw-type simple machine that enables one person to lift up the side of a car.
A screw is essentially an inclined plane wrapped around a shaft. Screws have two primary functions: they hold things together, or they lift objects. A screw is good for holding things together because of the threading around the shaft. The threads grip the surrounding material like teeth, resulting in a secure hold; the only way to remove a screw is to unwind it. A car jack is an example of a screw being used to lift something (see Figure 3).
Everyday examples of screws include a screw, bolt, clamp, jar lid, car jack, spinning stool and spiral staircase.
Figure 4: A pulley on a ship helps people pull in a heavy fishing net.
A pulley is a simple machine used to change the direction of a force. Think of raising a flag or lifting a heavy stone. To lift a stone up into its place on a pyramid, one would have to exert a force that pulls it up. By using a pulley made from a grooved wheel and rope, one can pull down on the rope, capitalizing on the force of gravity, to lift the stone up . Even more valuable, a system of several pulleys can be used together to reduce the force needed to lift an object.
Everyday examples of pulleys in use include flag poles, elevators, sails, fishing nets (see Figure 4), clothes lines, cranes, window shades and blinds, and rock climbing gear.
Compound Machines
A compound machine is a device that combines two or more simple machines. For example, a wheelbarrow combines the use of a wheel and axle with a lever. Using the six basic simple machines, all sorts of compound machines can be made. There are many simple and compound machines in your home and classroom. Some examples of the compound machines you may find are a can opener (wedge and lever), exercise machines/cranes/tow trucks (levers and pulleys), shovel (lever and wedge), car jack (lever and screw), wheel barrow (wheel and axle and lever) and bicycle (wheel and axle and pulley).
Vocabulary/Definitions
Design: (verb) To plan out in systematic, often graphic form. To create for a particular purpose or effect. Design a building. (noun) A well thought-out plan.
Engineering: Applying scientific and mathematical principles to practical ends such as the design, manufacture and operation of efficient and economical structures, machines, processes and systems.
Force: A push or pull on an object.
Inclined plane: A simple machine that raises an object to greater height. Usually a straight slanted surface and no moving parts, such as a ramp, sloping road or stairs.
Lever: A simple machine that increases or decreases the force to lift something. Usually a bar pivoted on a fixed point (fulcrum) to which force is applied to do work.
Mechanical advantage: An advantage gained by using simple machines to accomplish work with less effort. Making the task easier (which means it requires less force), but may require more time or room to work (more distance, rope, etc.). For example, applying a smaller force over a longer distance to achieve the same effect as applying a large force over a small distance. The ratio of the output force exerted by a machine to the input force applied to it.
Pulley: A simple machine that changes the direction of a force, often to lift a load. Usually consists of a grooved wheel in which a pulled rope or chain runs.
Pyramid: A massive structure of ancient Egypt and Mesoamerica used for a crypt or tomb. The typical shape is a square or rectangular base at the ground with sides (faces) in the form of four triangles that meet in a point at the top. Mesoamerican temples have stepped sides and a flat top surmounted by chambers.
Screw: A simple machine that lifts or holds materials together. Often a cylindrical rod incised with a spiral thread.
Simple machine: A machine with few or no moving parts that is used to make work easier (provides a mechanical advantage). For example, a wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, or pulley.
Spiral: A curve that winds around a fixed center point (or axis) at a continuously increasing or decreasing distance from that point.
Tool: A device used to do work.
Wedge: A simple machine that forces materials apart. Used for splitting, tightening, securing or levering. It is thick at one end and tapered to a thin edge at the other.
Wheel and axle: A simple machine that reduces the friction of moving by rolling. A wheel is a disk designed to turn around an axle passed through the center of the wheel. An axle is a supporting cylinder on which a wheel or a set of wheels revolves.
Work: Force on an object multiplied by the distance it moves. W = F x d (force multiplied by distance).
Associated Activities
- Stack It Up! - Students analyze and begin to design a pyramid. They perform calculations to determine the area of their pyramid base, stone block volumes, the number of blocks required for their pyramid base, and make a scaled drawing of a pyramid on graph paper.
- Choosing a Pyramid Site - Working in engineering project teams, students choose a site for the construction of a pyramid. They base their decision on site features as provided by a surveyor"s report; distance from the quarry, river and palace; and other factors they deem important to the project.
Lesson Closure
Today, we have discussed six simple machines. Who can name them for me? (Answer: Wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, and pulley.) How do simple machines make work easier? (Answer: Mechanical advantage enables us to use less force to move an object, but we have to move it a longer distance.) Why do engineers use simple machines? (Possible answers: Engineers creatively use their knowledge of science and math to make our lives better, often using simple machines. They invent tools that make work easier. They accomplish huge tasks that could not be done without the mechanical advantage of simple machines. They design structures and tools to use our environmental resources better and more efficiently.) Tonight, at home, think about everyday examples of the six simple machines. See how many you can find around your house!
Complete the KWL Assessment Chart (see the Assessment section). Gauge students" understanding of the lesson by assigning the Simple Machines Worksheet as a take-home quiz. As an extension, use the attached . Review the information and answer any questions. Suggest the students keep the sheet handy in their desks, folders or journals.
Lesson Summary Assessment
Closing Discussion: Conduct an informal class discussion, asking the students what they learned from the activities. Ask the students:
- Who can name the different types of simple machines? (Answer: Wedge, wheel and axle, lever, inclined plane, screw, and pulley.)
- How do simple machines make work easier? (Answer: Mechanical advantage enables us to use less force to move an object, but we have to move it a longer distance.)
- Why do engineers use simple machines? (Possible answers: Engineers creatively use their knowledge of science and math to make our lives better, often using simple machines. They invent tools that make work easier. They accomplish huge tasks that could not be done without the mechanical advantage of simple machines. They design structures and tools to use our environmental resources better and more efficiently.)
Remind students that engineers consider many factors when they plan, design and create something. Ask the students:
- What are the considerations an engineer must keep in mind when designing a new structure? (Possible answers: Size and shape (design) of the structure, available construction materials, calculation of materials needed, comparing materials and costs, making drawings, etc.)
- What are the considerations an engineer must keep in mind when choosing a site to build a new structure? (Possible answers: Site physical characteristics , distance to construction resources , suitability for the structure"s purpose .)
KWL Chart (Conclusion): As a class, finish column L of the KWL Chart as described in the Pre-Lesson Assessment section. List all of the things they learned about simple machines. Were all of the W questions answered? What new things did they learn?
Take-Home Quiz: Gauge students" understanding of the lesson by assigning the Simple Machines Worksheet as a take-home quiz.
Lesson Extension Activities
Use the attached Simple Machines Scavenger Hunt! Worksheet to conduct a fun scavenger hunt. Have the students find examples of all the simple machines used in the classroom and their homes.
Bring in everyday examples of simple machines and demonstrate how they work.
Illustrate the power of simple machines by asking students to do a task without using a simple machine, and then with one. For example, create a lever demonstration by hammering a nail into a piece of wood. Have students try to pull the nail out, first using only their hands
Bring in a variety of everyday examples of simple machines. Hand out one out to each student and have them think about what type of simple machine it is. Next, have students place the items into categories by simple machines and explain why they chose to place their item there. Ask students what life would be like without this item. Emphasize that simple machines make our life easier.
See the Edheads website for an interactive game on simple machines: http://edheads.org.
Engineering Design Fun with Levers: Give each pair of students a paint stirrer, 3 small plastic cups, a piece of duct tape and a wooden block or spool (or anything similar). Challenge the students to design a simple machine lever that will throw a ping pong ball (or any other type of small ball) as high as possible. In the re-design phase, allow the students to request materials to add on to their design. Have a small competition to see which group was able to send the ping pong ball flying high. Discuss with the class why that particular design was successful versus other variations seen during the competition.
Additional Multimedia Support
See http://edheads.org for a good simple machines website with curricular materials including educational games and activities.
References
Dictionary.com. Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. Accessed January 11, 2006. (Source of some vocabulary definitions, with some adaptation) http://www.dictionary.com
Simple Machines. inQuiry Almanack, The Franklin Institute Online, Unisys and Drexel eLearning. Accessed January 11, 2006. http://sln.fi.edu/qa97/spotlight3/spotlight3.html
Contributors
Greg Ramsey; Glen Sirakavit; Lawrence E. Carlson; Jacquelyn Sullivan; Malinda Schaefer Zarske; Denise Carlson, with design input from the students in the spring 2005 K-12 Engineering Outreach Corps courseCopyright
© 2005 by Regents of the University of Colorado.Supporting Program
Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado BoulderAcknowledgements
The contents of these digital library curricula were developed by the Integrated Teaching and Learning Program under National Science Foundation GK-12 grant no. 0338326. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the National Science Foundation, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.
Last modified: February 11, 2019
YouTube Encyclopedic
1 / 5
Views:Simple Machines for Kids: Science and Engineering for Children - FreeSchool
Science - Simple machine (Screw, wedge and lever) - Hindi
Simple Machines (Song and lyrics)
Simple Machines Types & Functions Kindergarten,Preschoolers,Kids
Super Simple Machines: Levers
Transcription
You"re watching FreeSchool! Hi everyone! Today we"re going to talk about simple machines. A simple machine is a device that makes work easier by magnifying or changing the direction of a force. That means that simple machines allow someone to do the same work with less effort! Simple machines have been known since prehistoric times and were used to help build the amazing structures left behind by ancient cultures. The Greek philosopher Archimedes identified three simple machines more than 2,000 years ago: the lever, the pulley, and the screw. He discovered that a lever would create a mechanical advantage, which means that using a lever would allow a person to move something that would normally be too heavy for them to shift. Archimedes said that with a long enough lever and a place to rest it, a person could move the world. Over the next few centuries more simple machines were recognized but it was less than 450 years ago that the last of the simple machines, the inclined plane, was identified. There are six types of simple machines: the Lever, the Wheel and Axle, the Pulley, the Inclined plane, the Wedge, and the Screw. Pulleys and Wheel and Axles are both a type of Lever. Wedges and Screws are both types of Inclined Planes. Each type of Simple Machine has a specific purpose and way they help do work. When speaking of simple machines, "work" means using energy to move an object across a distance. The further you have to move the object, the more energy it takes to move it. Let"s see how each type of simple machine helps do work. A LEVER is a tool like a bar or rod that sits and turns on a fixed support called a fulcrum. When you use a lever, you apply a small force over a long distance, and the lever converts it to a larger force over a shorter distance. Some examples of levers are seesaws, crowbars, and tweezers. A Wheel and Axle is easy to recognize. It consists of a wheel with a rod in the middle. You probably already know that it"s easier to move something heavy if you can put it in something with wheels, but you might not know why. For one thing, using wheels reduces the friction - or resistance between surfaces - between the load and the ground. Secondly, much like the lever, a smaller force applied to the rim of the wheel is converted to a larger force traveling a smaller distance at the axle. Wheel and axles are used for machines such as cars, bicycles, and scooters, but they are also used in other ways, like doorknobs and pencil sharpeners. A Pulley is a machine that uses a wheel with a rope wrapped around it. The wheel often has a groove in it, which the rope fits into. One end of the rope goes around the load, and the other end is where you apply the force. Pulleys can be used to move loads or change the direction of the force you are using, and help make work easier by allowing you to spread a weaker force out along a longer path to accomplish a job. By linking multiple pulleys together, you can do the same job with even less force, because you are applying the force along a much longer distance. Pulleys may be used to raise and lower flags, blinds, or sails, and are used to help raise and lower elevators. An Inclined Plane is a flat surface with one end higher than the other. Inclined planes allow loads to slide up to a higher level instead of being lifted, which allows the work to be accomplished with a smaller force spread over a longer distance. You may recognize an inclined plane as the simple machine used in ramps and slides. A Wedge is simply two inclined planes placed back to back. It is used to push two objects apart. A smaller force applied to the back of the wedge is converted to a greater force in a small area at the tip of the wedge. Examples of wedges are axes, knives, and chisels. A Screw is basically an inclined plane wrapped around a pole. Screws can be used to hold things together or to lift things. Just like the inclined plane, the longer the path the force takes, the less force is required to do the work. Screws with more threads take less force to do a job since the force has to travel a longer distance. Examples of screws are screws, nuts, bolts, jar lids, and lightbulbs. These six simple machines can be combined to form compound or complex machines, and are considered by some to be the foundation of all machinery. For example, a wheelbarrow is made of levers combined with a wheel and axle. A pair of scissors is another complex machine: the two blades are wedges, but they are connected by a lever that allows them to come together and cut. We use simple machines to help us do work every day. Every time you open a door or a bottle, cut up your food, or even just climb stairs, you are using simple machines. Take a look and see if you can identify the simple machines around you and figure out how they make it easier to do work.
Contents
History
The idea of a simple machine originated with the Greek philosopher Archimedes around the 3rd century BC, who studied the Archimedean simple machines: lever, pulley, and screw . He discovered the principle of mechanical advantage in the lever. Archimedes" famous remark with regard to the lever: "Give me a place to stand on, and I will move the Earth." (Greek : δῶς μοι πᾶ στῶ καὶ τὰν γᾶν κινάσω ) expresses his realization that there was no limit to the amount of force amplification that could be achieved by using mechanical advantage. Later Greek philosophers defined the classic five simple machines (excluding the inclined plane) and were able to roughly calculate their mechanical advantage. For example, Heron of Alexandria (ca. 10–75 AD) in his work Mechanics lists five mechanisms that can "set a load in motion"; lever , windlass , pulley , wedge , and screw , and describes their fabrication and uses. However the Greeks" understanding was limited to the statics of simple machines; the balance of forces, and did not include dynamics ; the tradeoff between force and distance, or the concept of work .
Frictionless analysis
Although each machine works differently mechanically, the way they function is similar mathematically. In each machine, a force F in {\displaystyle F_{\text{in}}\,} is applied to the device at one point, and it does work moving a load, F out {\displaystyle F_{\text{out}}\,} at another point. Although some machines only change the direction of the force, such as a stationary pulley, most machines multiply the magnitude of the force by a factor, the mechanical advantage
M A = F out / F in {\displaystyle \mathrm {MA} =F_{\text{out}}/F_{\text{in}}\,}that can be calculated from the machine"s geometry and friction.
The mechanical advantage can be greater or less than one:
- The most common example is a screw. In most screws, applying torque to the shaft can cause it to turn, moving the shaft linearly to do work against a load, but no amount of axial load force against the shaft will cause it to turn backwards.
- In an inclined plane, a load can be pulled up the plane by a sideways input force, but if the plane is not too steep and there is enough friction between load and plane, when the input force is removed the load will remain motionless and will not slide down the plane, regardless of its weight.
- A wedge can be driven into a block of wood by force on the end, such as from hitting it with a sledge hammer, forcing the sides apart, but no amount of compression force from the wood walls will cause it to pop back out of the block.
A machine will be self-locking if and only if its efficiency η is below 50%:
η ≡ F o u t / F i n d i n / d o u t < 0.50 {\displaystyle \eta \equiv {\frac {F_{out}/F_{in}}{d_{in}/d_{out}}}<0.50\,}Whether a machine is self-locking depends on both the friction forces (coefficient of static friction) between its parts, and the distance ratio d in /d out (ideal mechanical advantage). If both the friction and ideal mechanical advantage are high enough, it will self-lock.
Proof
When a machine moves in the forward direction from point 1 to point 2, with the input force doing work on a load force, from conservation of energy the input work W 1,2 {\displaystyle W_{\text{1,2}}\,} is equal to the sum of the work done on the load force W load {\displaystyle W_{\text{load}}\,} and the work lost to friction
W 1,2 = W load + W fric (1) {\displaystyle W_{\text{1,2}}=W_{\text{load}}+W_{\text{fric}}\qquad \qquad (1)\,}If the efficiency is below 50% η = W load / W 1,2 < 1 / 2 {\displaystyle \eta =W_{\text{load}}/W_{\text{1,2}}<1/2\,}
2 W load < W 1,2 {\displaystyle 2W_{\text{load}}When the machine moves backward from point 2 to point 1 with the load force doing work on the input force, the work lost to friction W fric {\displaystyle W_{\text{fric}}\,} is the same
W load = W 2,1 + W fric {\displaystyle W_{\text{load}}=W_{\text{2,1}}+W_{\text{fric}}\,}So the output work is
W 2,1 = W load − W fric < 0 {\displaystyle W_{\text{2,1}}=W_{\text{load}}-W_{\text{fric}}<0\,}Thus the machine self-locks, because the work dissipated in friction is greater than the work done by the load force moving it backwards even with no input force
Modern machine theory
Kinematic chains
Classification of machines
The identification of simple machines arises from a desire for a systematic method to invent new machines. Therefore, an important concern is how simple machines are combined to make more complex machines. One approach is to attach simple machines in series to obtain compound machines.
However, a more successful strategy was identified by Franz Reuleaux , who collected and studied over 800 elementary machines. He realized that a lever, pulley, and wheel and axle are in essence the same device: a body rotating about a hinge. Similarly, an inclined plane, wedge, and screw are a block sliding on a flat surface.
This realization shows that it is the joints, or the connections that provide movement, that are the primary elements of a machine. Starting with four types of joints, the revolute joint , sliding joint , cam joint and gear joint , and related connections such as cables and belts, it is possible to understand a machine as an assembly of solid parts that connect these joints.
See also
References
- Chambers, Ephraim (1728), "Table of Mechanicks", Cyclopædia, A Useful Dictionary of Arts and Sciences , London, England, Volume 2, p. 528, Plate 11 .
- Paul, Akshoy; Roy, Pijush; Mukherjee, Sanchayan (2005), Mechanical sciences: engineering mechanics and strength of materials , Prentice Hall of India, p. 215, ISBN .
- ^ Asimov, Isaac (1988), Understanding Physics , New York, New York, USA: Barnes & Noble, p. 88, ISBN .
- Anderson, William Ballantyne (1914). Physics for Technical Students: Mechanics and Heat . New York, USA: McGraw Hill. pp. 112–122. Retrieved 2008-05-11 .
- ^ Compound machines , University of Virginia Physics Department, retrieved 2010-06-11 .
- ^ Usher, Abbott Payson (1988). A History of Mechanical Inventions . USA: Courier Dover Publications. p. 98. ISBN .
- Wallenstein, Andrew (June 2002). . Proceedings of the 9th Annual Workshop on the Design, Specification, and Verification of Interactive Systems . Springer. p. 136. Retrieved 2008-05-21 .
- ^ Prater, Edward L. (1994), Basic machines (PDF) , U.S. Navy Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center, NAVEDTRA 14037.
- U.S. Navy Bureau of Naval Personnel (1971), Basic machines and how they work (PDF) , Dover Publications.
- Reuleaux, F. (1963) , The kinematics of machinery (translated and annotated by A.B.W. Kennedy) , New York, New York, USA: reprinted by Dover.
- Cornell University , Reuleaux Collection of Mechanisms and Machines at Cornell University , Cornell University.
- ^ Chiu, Y. C. (2010), An introduction to the History of Project Management , Delft: Eburon Academic Publishers, p. 42,
Topic: Simple Machines PSSA: 3.4.7.C / S8.C.3.1
Objective: TLW compare different types of simple machines. TLW compare different types of simple machines. TLW explain the difference between a simple machine and a compound machine. TLW explain the difference between a simple machine and a compound machine.
MI #1: Levers A lever is a simple machine that has a bar that pivots on a fixed point called a fulcrum. A lever is a simple machine that has a bar that pivots on a fixed point called a fulcrum. Levers are classified based on the location of the input force, load, and the fulcrum. Levers are classified based on the location of the input force, load, and the fulcrum.
MI #2: Classes of Levers First class levers have the fulcrum between the input force and the load. First class levers have the fulcrum between the input force and the load. - Includes see-saws Second class levers have the load between the input force and the fulcrum. Second class levers have the load between the input force and the fulcrum. - Includes wheelbarrows Third class levers have the input force between the load and the fulcrum. Third class levers have the input force between the load and the fulcrum. - Includes hammers and fishing poles
Mi #3: Pulleys A pulley is a simple machine that has a grooved wheel that holds a rope or a chain. A pulley is a simple machine that has a grooved wheel that holds a rope or a chain. There are three types of pulleys; fixed, movable, and block and tackle. There are three types of pulleys; fixed, movable, and block and tackle.
MI #4: Wheel and Axle A wheel and axle consists of two circular objects of different sizes that rotate on the same axis. A wheel and axle consists of two circular objects of different sizes that rotate on the same axis. The axle rotates a smaller distance than the wheel, which results in a greater output force. The axle rotates a smaller distance than the wheel, which results in a greater output force.
MI #5: Inclined Planes An inclined plane is a straight slanted surface. An inclined plane is a straight slanted surface. A wedge is a pair of inclined planes that move. A wedge is a pair of inclined planes that move. A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder. A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder.
MI #6: Compound Machines A compound machine is a machine that is made of two or more simple machines working together. A compound machine is a machine that is made of two or more simple machines working together. Because compound machines have more moving parts, their mechanical efficiency is typically low. Because compound machines have more moving parts, their mechanical efficiency is typically low.
So What…? Real Life Application Machines make work easier, so it is important to understand the different types of simple machines. Machines make work easier, so it is important to understand the different types of simple machines.
Or . However, some of the most important and useful machines are quite simple. In fact, scientists even call them simple machines!
So what is a simple machine? Is it a machine that does a simple , such as addition or ? Maybe it"s just a machine that"s really easy to operate, like an old television remote control? Or could it be any machine that makes life easier?
While simple machines do make our lives easier, they"re much older than either television remotes or calculators. Simple machines are some of the first machines ever created.
Since the earliest human beings walked on Earth, they looked for ways to make the of everyday life easier to accomplish. Over time, they did this by inventing what has become known as the six simple machines.
Wedges are moving inclined planes used to lift or separate. Wedges are usually used to cut, tear, or break an object into pieces. Common wedges include knives, axes, saws, scissors, and shovels. However, wedges can also be used to hold things in place, such as in the case of staples, nails, shims, or doorstops.
A is a twisted version of an inclined plane. It allows movement to be translated into an up or down motion that takes up less space. Screws can also help hold things together. Common examples of screws include jar lids, drills, light bulbs, and bottle caps.
These six simple machines are all around us. Often more machines, also called machines, consist of one or more of the simple machines put together. Can you imagine how much easier life became after the invention of these simple machines?
The wheel and axle , the inclined plane , the wedge , the , and the screw . Several of these simple machines are related to each other. But, each has a specific purpose in the world of doing work.
There are special tools for measuring the force necessary to move an object. These are known as force meters. They use a spring and a hook to determine how much pull is required to slide an object up an inclined plane. Really very simple to use.
Compound Machines
Simple machines can be combined together to form compound machines. Many of our everyday tools and the objects we use are really compound machine . Scissors are a good example. The edge of the blades are wedges. But the blades are combined with a lever to make the two blades come together to cut.
A lawnmower combines wedges (the blades) with a wheel and axle that spins the blades in a circle. But there is even more. The engine probably works in combination of several simple machines and the handle that you use to push the lawnmower around the yard is a form of a lever. So even something complicated can be broken down into the simplest of machines.
Take a look around you — can you figure out what simple machines make up a can opener, the hand cranked pencil sharpener, the ice dispenser in the refrigerator or the stapler? Just be careful, though. In our modern times, many things rely on electronics and light waves to function and are not made of simple machines. But even then, you may be surprised. The turntable in your microwave oven is a wheel and axle. The lid to the laptop is connected to the pad by a hinge or lever.
Simple machines may be simple — but they are simply everywhere.
A Word or Two About Rube
Rube Goldberg was a famous cartoonist who lived between 1883 and 1970. His life was spent creating art and sculptures, but his most famous work was for his "inventions." These inventions were a series of simple machines put together in a complex fashion to accomplish something very simple, but it took many steps to get there. Contests have been run for many years since Mr. Goldberg first created his unique ideas. In the contests people try to come up with new ways to turn on a light, or start a toaster using these combinations of the simple machines to wow judges and audiences for their unique way of doing these simple tasks.
Rube Goldberg machines are fun to watch and to build. Visit this site for some fun — see if you can identify each of the simple machines as they work together in this animation of a Rube Goldberg gadget designed to get this guy out of bed in the morning. Click .
For more information about Rube Goldberg"s life and his art, click .