0% found this document useful (0 votes)
148 views4 pages

Forces in Linkages: Mechanics Tutorial

This document discusses four past exam questions related to mechanics of machines and linkages. [1] The first question analyzes forces in a 4-bar crank rocker mechanism, calculating input torque, link forces, and ground reaction forces. [2] The second question analyzes whether clamps on a child's walking aid will fail under a maximum load, making assumptions about dimensions and rigidity. [3] The third question derives expressions for angular momentum and inertial resistance moment of a rotating bicycle wheel. [4] The final question derives a set of simultaneous equations in matrix format to solve for bearing loads, reaction forces, and input torque required to overcome inertia in a slider cr

Uploaded by

katehughes332
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
148 views4 pages

Forces in Linkages: Mechanics Tutorial

This document discusses four past exam questions related to mechanics of machines and linkages. [1] The first question analyzes forces in a 4-bar crank rocker mechanism, calculating input torque, link forces, and ground reaction forces. [2] The second question analyzes whether clamps on a child's walking aid will fail under a maximum load, making assumptions about dimensions and rigidity. [3] The third question derives expressions for angular momentum and inertial resistance moment of a rotating bicycle wheel. [4] The final question derives a set of simultaneous equations in matrix format to solve for bearing loads, reaction forces, and input torque required to overcome inertia in a slider cr

Uploaded by

katehughes332
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

3B5 MECHANICS OF MACHINES 2020-2021

TUTORIAL Week 9
Forces in Linkages

1. From 2015 Exam: In the 4-bar crank rocker mechanism shown in Figure
Q3, the crank link 2 is driven by a motor at A and rotates at a constant
speed of 20 rad/s anticlockwise. The link lengths are AB = 10 cm, AD =
40 cm, BC = 35 cm and CD = 25 cm. Link AD is the reference link. The
crank makes an angle of 60 degrees with the horizontal. The follower
makes an angle of 99 degrees with the horizontal. The follower has a 1
kg mass at C. An analysis of the current configuration has been carried
out, with anticlockwise rotations being positive: ω3 = -3.8 rads-1, α3 =
82.7 rads-2, ω4 = 4.6 rads-1, α4 = 156 rads-2. The transmission angle γ
is 72 degrees and the angle β is 33 degrees.

Assuming the inertia of the links can be neglected:

(a) Calculate the required input torque at the current instant.


(b) Determine the forces in links 2, 3 and 4 at the current instant.
(c) Determine the ground reaction forces at A and D at the current
instant.

[Ans: input torque = 2.24Nm; F3 = 41N tensile; F4 = 7.4N compressive;


F2 shear = 22.4N; F2 = 34.4N tensile; RAx = -36.5N; Ray = -18.6N]

1
2. From 2018 Exam: A medical supplies company wishes to bring to
market a walking aid for children with physical disabilities. Two
photographs and a schematic side view of the device are shown below.
The device is designed so that two lateral supports straps (A) and a
sitbar (D) provide support to the child. The lateral support straps (A) and
the sitbar (D) are rigidly connected to the front vertical column (G). The
load from the front vertical column (G) is transferred to the rear vertical
column (B) through two curved links (E) pin-jointed to G and B, and a
spring (F) connects the upper curved link to the rear vertical column (B).
The spring (F) is loaded in compression when the child is using the
device. The main load bearing component is the vertical column (B) at
the rear of the device. This is connected to the frame using two plastic
clamps (C) which are separated vertically by 20cm. Uniaxial testing of
these clamps showed tensile/compressive failures at 6KN. Assuming
static loading due to gravity and a maximum mass of 50 kg for a child
using the walking aid, find whether or not the clamps (C) will fail if all of
the child's weight is carried by the walking aid through the sitbar (D). You
will need to make assumptions (regarding dimensions, rigidity of links
etc) and these should be clearly stated and justified.

(a) Walking Aid (b) Walking Aid in use (c) Schematic side view

[ans: will not fail]

2
3. From 2014 Exam: A kinematic analysis of a bicycle road wheel (diameter
560mm) is to be performed as part of a drive to develop improved
braking characteristics for a new design. For a particular design
condition, Point A has a constant linear velocity of 11.2 ms-1. The wheel
is rotating about the axle with an angular velocity of ω = 40rads-1 and an
angular acceleration of α = -300rads-2 as shown. The mass of the wheel
is 850g and the moment of inertia of the wheel about the axle is I =
0.03kgm2.

Write down an expression for the angular momentum of the wheel


about the rotation axis

Write down an expression for the inertial resistance moment to the


given angular acceleration of the wheel.

[Ans: angular momentum = 1.2kgm2/s; inertial torque = 9Nm]

3
4. From 2012 Exam: For the slider crank mechanism shown below (not to
scale), the crank length OB is 50mm and the connecting rod length is
100mm. The current crank angle is 70 degrees as shown. The crank
angular velocity ω 1 is 10rad/s and the crank angular acceleration α 1 is
50rad/s2 (both anticlockwise) as shown by the arrows below. The inertial
parameters are as follows:
2 2
m1=0.5 kg ; m2 =1 kg ; m3=2 kg ; I G 1=2 kg m ; I G 2=2 kg m .

A kinematic analysis of the current configuration has been carried out


with the following results:

m m m m
a G 1 x =−2.05 a =−1.95 2 ; a G 2 x =−2.7 2 ; a G 2 y =−1.9 2 ;
2 ; G1 y
s s s s

rad m
α 2=96 2
anticlockwise , a G 3 x =−1.2 2
s s

Assume that the crank, connecting rod and piston have uniformly
distributed mass.

Derive a set of equations which can be solved simultaneously for

(a) the horizontal and vertical components of the bearing loads at O,


B and C and the vertical reaction from the cylinder to the piston.

(b) the input torque required in this configuration to overcome


inertia.

It is not necessary to solve the resulting system of equations for


numerical values of each of the above, but you should present the
equations in matrix format.

Common questions

Powered by AI

Angular momentum, expressed as 1.2 kgm²/s, and inertial resistance, expressed as a torque of 9 Nm, are critical in developing improved braking characteristics for a bicycle wheel because they directly affect how quickly the wheel's rotation can be changed. The momentum quantifies the rotational inertia of the wheel, meaning it determines how much resistance the wheel has to changes in its rotation, while the inertial torque describes the moment resisting the angular acceleration . By understanding and optimizing these factors, engineers can design braking systems that effectively manage the energy transformations to minimize stopping distances and enhance performance .

Calculating ground reaction forces in mechanical linkages like a 4-bar crank rocker mechanism involves setting up equilibrium equations based on forces and moments. The given solution identifies reaction forces at A and D (e.g., RAx = -36.5 N; RAy = -18.6 N), using kinematic analyses of link velocities and accelerations to determine shear and tensile forces in the connecting links. These equations resolve all horizontal and vertical forces to ensure the system is in dynamic equilibrium . Proper understanding of these principles allows engineers to design systems that efficiently translate input motion into intended output without undue stress on anchor points .

Determining the input torque required to overcome inertia in slider crank mechanisms involves setting up equations from a kinematic analysis. For example, the input torque can be derived by considering the mass distribution and calculated accelerations of individual components like the crank, connecting rod, and piston, and their respective inertial forces and couples due to angular accelerations . These relationships are presented within a system of equations in matrix format which can account for all dynamic contributions from each moving part of the system .

To determine if structural components such as plastic clamps will fail under static loads, considerations of tensile and compressive strength under maximum load conditions are required. The clamps, which are tested to fail at 6 KN, need to be evaluated against the maximum static load from the child's weight carried by the walking aid through sitbar D, assuming static loading due to gravity . In this case, assumptions about rigidity and load distribution are necessary and need to be clearly justified to ensure accurate assessment .

When designing clamps for structural integrity under varying load conditions, factors such as material strength, load capacity, and load distribution are crucial. For example, ensuring that clamps tested to fail at 6 KN can withstand all static load from a child's weight on a walking aid (max 50 kg) involves understanding tensile and compressive strengths under operational conditions . Assuming appropriate dimensions and accounting for safety factors is essential to maintain functionality and prevent failure .

The configuration of a mechanism, such as a 4-bar linkage, determines the transmission angles—which in turn dictate the efficiency and magnitude of resulting forces. A favorable transmission angle close to 90 degrees, like the 72-degree angle in the given mechanism, maximizes force transfer efficiency and mechanical advantage, directly impacting the system's performance and power consumption . Poorly designed angles can lead to high internal forces and stresses, reducing efficiency and potentially causing premature wear or failure .

Inertia can hinder mechanical systems by resisting changes to motion, which necessitates increased input torque to achieve desired acceleration, as illustrated by the need to calculate 9 Nm of inertial resistance torque for a bicycle wheel . Engineers mitigate these effects by optimizing the distribution of mass (e.g., lighter materials), using friction-reducing surfaces, and employing counterbalancing techniques to minimize inertia, thus reducing the energy required to initiate or modify motion .

In a 4-bar crank rocker mechanism with constant input speed, the forces vary based on the angular velocities and accelerations of the rotating links, as well as the transmission angles involved. Specifically, link 3 experiences a tensile force of 41 N, link 4 has a compressive force of 7.4 N, and link 2 experiences shear and tensile forces of 22.4 N and 34.4 N respectively . These forces are influenced by the configuration angles such as γ (72 degrees) and β (33 degrees), and are calculated while assuming link inertia is negligible .

The crank angle determines the positional configuration of the slider-crank mechanism, directly influencing the direction and magnitude of forces experienced by the crank, connecting rods, and sliders. At a crank angle of 70 degrees, the given velocities and accelerations of the individual components result in specific reaction forces at various joints. For instance, these forces can be calculated using the current angle to derive equations for the horizontal and vertical loads at joints . Understanding this relationship helps in designing mechanisms that can withstand varying forces during different stages of operation .

In linkage systems like a 4-bar mechanism, angular velocities and accelerations of different links (e.g., ω3 = -3.8 rad/s, α3 = 82.7 rad/s², ω4 = 4.6 rad/s, α4 = 156 rad/s²) play a crucial role in determining the input torque required and the forces transmitted through the system. The dynamic equations use these parameters to predict and compute the instantaneous torque (e.g., 2.24 Nm) necessary to maintain or alter motion . Faster speeds and higher accelerations typically demand greater torque, illustrating the critical interplay between kinetics and kinematics in mechanical design .

You might also like