Kinematics Fundamentals and Analysis of Mechanisms
Introduces the language of mechanism analysis, including degree of freedom, links and joints, kinematic diagrams, mobility, number synthesis, and the counting rules used to classify planar mechanisms.
Develops position, velocity, and acceleration analysis for planar linkages, with emphasis on four-bar mechanisms and the analytical methods used to describe their motion.
Introduces the dynamic analysis of mechanisms, including inertia effects, force balance, and the methods used to determine dynamic joint forces and input requirements.
Design of Mechanical Elements - Bearings and Lubrication
Covers bearing types, selection, lubrication, installation, and the practical factors that influence bearing life, performance, and reliability in machine design.
Design of Mechanical Elements - Shafts, Keys and Seals
Focuses on shaft design together with keys and seals, including loading, safety factors, standard references, and the component choices that support reliable rotating assemblies.
Design of Mechanical Elements - Gear Design and Selection
Introduces gear geometry, design choices, and selection considerations for mechanical power transmission, with attention to practical design references and component trade-offs.
Consolidates the mechanism-analysis and machine-element topics covered so far, with emphasis on revisiting the main methods and concepts before moving into later design topics.
Week 7 Resources
Week 8
Design of Mechanical Elements - Belts and Chains
Introduces belts and chains as flexible power-transmission elements, including configuration choices, design calculations, and the practical issues that influence selection.
Design of Mechanical Elements - Fasteners and Connections
Covers threaded fasteners, power screws, and connection methods, together with the design issues that govern joint strength, integrity, and manufacturability.
Design of Mechanical Elements - Brakes and Clutches
Introduces brakes and clutches, focusing on friction-based torque transmission, operating principles, and the sizing considerations used in mechanical design.
Optional Topic: Motion Analysis and FEA using Solidworks
Optional material focused on SolidWorks-based motion analysis and finite element workflows that complement the main machine-design topics covered earlier in the semester.