Machines in Society Flashcards
What does a mechanical engineer do?
Mechanical engineers design, analyse, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems.
What does a mechatronic engineer do?
Mechatronic engineering harnesses the power of mechanics, electrical systems and software to create computer-controlled ‘smart’ machines. It underpins the technology behind robotics and autonomous systems, automated manufacturing and ‘intelligent’ microprocessor-based technologies.
What does a biomechanics engineer do?
Biomechanical engineering specialises in applying the principles of mechanical engineering and materials science to the study of the biomedical field.
Describe linear motion?
one-dimensional motion of an object in a straight line
Describe rotary motion?
the circular movement of an object around a central axis point
Describe oscillating motion?
the to and fro motion of an object from its mean position
Define mechanical advantage
measure of the ratio of output force to input force in a system, used to analyse the forces in simple machines.
Define velocity ratio
the ratio of the distance moved by the point at which effort is applied in a simple machine to the distance moved by the point at which the load is applied, in the same time
Velocity ratio of a screw
2π r/pitch
Velocity ratio of a pulley system
number of rope sections supporting the load
Define the coefficient of friction
a dimensionless number that is defined as the ratio between the friction force and the normal force. μ = Ff/Fn
Define the normal force
the force that acts perpendicularly to the surface an object is resting on. Fn=mgcos θ
Define angle of repose
or critical angle is the steepest angle of descent relative to the horizontal plane to which a material can be placed without sliding/ moving down incline
