18038 - Mechanics Applied to Machines

Academic Year 2008/2009

Learning outcomes

Students will learn the fundamental methodologies that allow one to tackle major technical problems regarding the functioning and the modelling of the principal machine

Course contents

Machines and mechanisms. Composition of mechanisms. Kinematics pairs. Computation of the dof of a mechanism. Static and kinetic friction. Rolling friction. Modelling of friction in kinematic pairs. Efficiency in direct and inverse motion. Machines arranged in series and in parallel.
Kinematics of planar single-dof mechanisms: loop-closure equations; position, velocity and acceleration analyses; singularities; velocity analysis by means of the instantaneous centres of velocity. Examples: centred slider-crank linkage, four-bar linkage. Systems of applied vectors. Forces and couples. Reduction of force systems. Equations of static equilibrium. Constraint reactions. Equilibrium of planar systems of two/three/four forces. Exercises of graphical force analysis. D'Alembert's principle. Inertia forces. Inertia tensor. Dynamically planar motions. Kinetic energy. Principle of virtual work. Lagrange's equations. Energy equation. Kinetostatic and dynamic analysis of statically determinate mechanisms. Principle of superposition. Kinetostatic analyses of the slider-crank linkage and the four-bar linkage. Gear types. Involute spur gears: geometry, proportions and standards, interference, manufacture of gear teeth. Simple and compound gear trains. Planetary gear trains: Willis' formula, differentials, external moments.

Readings/Bibliography

E. FUNAIOLI A. MAGGIORE U. MENEGHETTI MECCANICA APPLICATA ALLE MACCHINE. PARTE PRIMA: MECCANICA DELLE MACCHINE. ED. PATRON

Teaching methods

The course of study is based upon 33 theoretical lectures covering the subjects on the syllabus and 17 practical classes proposing applicative examples.

Assessment methods

Learning assessment consists of an oral examination, based  on the solution of applicative exercises and the discussion of subjects treated in the lectures.

Office hours

See the website of Riccardo Rubini