ENME303

Theory of Machines and Mechanisms

Syllabus

  1. Basic Concept of Mechanism (4 hours)
    1. Kinematic links, kinematic pairs, and kinematic chains
    2. Mechanism: introduction and classification
    3. Inversions of mechanism
    4. Mobility
    5. Grübler's criterion, Kutzbach criterion (including higher pair)
    6. Grashoff's law
  2. Velocity and Acceleration in Mechanisms (6 hours)
    1. Graphical methods
    2. Velocity analysis of planar linkages using velocity polygons
    3. Instantaneous centers of velocity
    4. Kennedy's theorem of three centers
    5. Velocity analysis of planar linkages using instantaneous centers
    6. Coriolis acceleration
    7. Acceleration analysis of planar linkages using acceleration polygons
    8. Rubbing velocity
  3. Kinematic Synthesis of Mechanisms (6 hours)
    1. Function, path, and motion generation
    2. Freudenstein's equation
    3. Chebyshev spacing of precision points
    4. Limit position, dead center position, and transmission angle
    5. Dimensional synthesis of planar mechanisms
  4. Cams (4 hours)
    1. Classification of cams and followers
    2. Terminology and definitions
    3. Graphical cam layout: disk cam with flat-faced follower; disk cam with knife edge, roller (radial or offset) follower; standardized follower displacement or lift curves (uniform velocity, uniform acceleration and deceleration, SHM, cycloidal)
  5. Spur Gears (4 hours)
    1. Classification of gears
    2. Terminology and definitions
    3. Gear tooth profiles
    4. Meshing of gear teeth
    5. Interference and undercutting
    6. Contact ratio
    7. Center distance
  6. Helical Gears, Bevel Gears, and Worm and Worm Gears (5 hours)
    1. Terminology and definitions of helical gear
    2. Velocity ratio and center distance of helical gears
    3. Helical gear forces and efficiency
    4. Terminology and definitions of bevel gears
    5. Velocity ratio and pitch cones of bevel gears
    6. Terminology and definitions of worm and worm gear
    7. Velocity ratio and center distance of worm and worm gear
    8. Efficiency of worm gears
  7. Gear Trains (4 hours)
    1. Classification of gear trains
    2. Speed ratio of gear trains
    3. Analysis of epicyclic gear trains: formula and tabular methods
    4. Torques in epicyclic gear trains
    5. All-wheel drive train
  8. Graphical Method of Force Analysis (4 hours)
    1. Inertia force and inertia couple
    2. Line of action of inertia force in a link
    3. Superposition methods for force analysis
    4. Force analysis of a four-bar mechanism
    5. Force analysis of slider-crank mechanism
  9. Balancing (4 hours)
    1. Static and dynamic balancing
    2. Balancing of several masses revolving in the same plane
    3. Balancing of several masses revolving in different planes
    4. Balancing of reciprocating mass
  10. Gyroscopic Couples, Flywheel, and Governors (4 hours)
    1. Gyroscopic couples: effect and application
    2. Flywheel: application, turning moment, and energy storage
    3. Governors: terms, types, characteristics

Evaluation

Final exam questions cover all chapters. Approximate marks distribution (total 60 marks over 45 hours):

  1. Basic Concept of Mechanism: 6 marks
  2. Velocity and Acceleration in Mechanisms: 8 marks
  3. Kinematic Synthesis of Mechanisms: 8 marks
  4. Cams: 6 marks
  5. Spur Gears: 6 marks
  6. Helical Gears, Bevel Gears, and Worm and Worm Gears: 4 marks
  7. Gear Trains: 6 marks
  8. Graphical Method of Force Analysis: 6 marks
  9. Balancing: 6 marks
  10. Gyroscopic Couples, Flywheel, and Governors: 4 marks