1995 Catalog Data: 14:650:455 Design of Mechanisms. 3 Credits.

Motion Analysis, Centrodes, analytical representation of plane motion, Euler-Savary Equation, Bobillier's theorem. Linkages and Cams. Two- and three-position syntheses. Freudenstein's method, and optimal methods. Design Project.

Prerequisite: 14:440:222 (Dynamics)

Textbook: Mechanism Design: Analysis and Synthesis, Vol. 1 2nd Edition, by Erdman A.G. and G.N Sandor, Prentice-Hall, Engelwood Cliffs, NJ.

References:

• Theory of Machines and Mechanisms by Shickley, J. and Uicker, J., Jr. McGraw-Hill Book Co. NY
• Notes on Mechanism Analysis by Hall, A.S., Jr. Waveland Press, Inc. Prospect Heights, Illinois.

Coordinator: Madara Ogot, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering

Goals:

This course is geared towards providing students with a fundamental knowledge of linkagedesign. The course has two inter-related components: (i) Given a specific task, design/synthesize a linkage able to achieve it and (ii) for a given linkage, perform a full kinematic analysis to determine the performance characteristics of the device.

Prerequisites by Topic:

1. Particle Kinematics
2. Rigid Body Kinematics
3. High Level Programming Language e.g. FORTRAN, C or PASCAL

Topics:

1. Intro. to tasks and phases Kinematic Synthesis (1 class)
2. Graphical Synthesis Methods (1 class)
3. Analytical Synthesis Methods (2 classes)
4. Indices of Merit (Transmission Angle, Mech. Advantage, Structural error, etc.) (1 class)
5. Analytical and Graphical Kinematic analysis methods ( 2 classes)
6. Numerical Analysis Method - Vector Loop Approach (1.5 class)
7. Spur Gears and Planetary Gear Trains (3 classes)
8. Midterm ( 0.5 classes)
9. Final Project Presentations (1 class)
10. Final Exam
    

Homework: Five homework sets are assigned

Design Project:

A laboratory portion has been incorporated into the latter half of the course. Under faculty supervision, students are required to design and construct various mechanisms. The past semester involved the design and construction of a walking machine that would travel at least 3 meters. The machine was to have no rolling components. The projects require considerable computer usage in the design and analysis phase. The Projects count for 25% and the homework count for 25% of the final grade.

ABET category content as estimated by faculty member who prepared this course description:

Engineering Design 1.5 credits or 50%

Engineering Science 1.5 credits or 50%