Theory of Machines

Mulungushi University
Name: Chansa Nkatya
Title: Assignment 1
Lecturer: Mr G Zulu
Student Number: 202102505
Course: Theory of Machines

Question 1
Particles are bodies where all the mass is concentrated at a

single point in space. Particle analysis will only have to take into
account the forces acting on the body and translational motion
because rotation is not considered for particles.
Rigid bodies on the other hand have mass that is distributed

throughout a finite volume. Rigid body analysis is more
complex and also has to take into account moments and
rotational motions. In actuality, no bodies are truly particles, but
some bodies can be approximated as particles to simplify
analysis. Bodies are often assumed to be particles if the
rotational motions are negligible when compared to the
translational motions, or in systems where there is no moment
exerted on the body such as a concurrent force system.
Question 2
Translational motion is a type of motion that occurs when an

object moves along a path in any of the three dimensions. This
means the object is moving in a straight line from one point to
another. In this type of motion, all parts of the object move the
same distance, in the same direction, and at the same time.
For example, when a car moves down a straight road, it is
experiencing translational motion. Similarly, when you walk
straight, you are also experiencing translational motion. There
are two types of translational motion namely Rectilinear and
curvilinear. Rectilinear Motion is the simplest type of motion
and is along a straight line path. Such a motion is also known as
translatory motion. An example is shown below.
Curvilinear is the motion along a curved path. Such a motion,
when confined to one plane, is called plane curvilinear motion.
Examples of curvilinear motion include; the motion of a
boomerang, a ball thrown up at an angle, motion of a snake,
motion of a rollercoaster
Question 5
A mechanism in the context of mechanical engineering refers to

a system of components that transmits motion and force to
perform a specific function. Mechanisms are crucial in
machines, particularly rotating machines, as they convert input
motion (like rotary motion) into output motion (like linear
motion or another type of rotary motion). There are various
types of mechanisms namely;
1. Gear Mechanisms: Gears are mechanical devices that transmit

torque and motion between shafts by interlocking teeth.
2. Cam Mechanisms: A cam is a rotating or sliding piece in a

mechanical linkage used to convert rotary motion into linear
motion.
3. Crank and Slider Mechanisms: A crank-slider mechanism

converts rotary motion into linear motion through the use of a
crank and connecting rod.
4. Linkages: Linkages are assemblies of rigid bodies connected

by joints to transmit motion and force.
5. Belt and Pulley Systems: A belt and pulley system transmits

power between shafts using a flexible belt that runs over a series
of pulleys.
6. Sprocket and Chain Drives: Sprocket and chain drives use a

chain that engages with teeth on sprockets to transmit rotational
motion.
7. Worm Gear Mechanisms: Worm gears consist of a worm

(screw) meshing with a worm wheel, providing high torque
transmission with a speed reduction.
8. Planetary Gear Systems: Planetary gears involve multiple
gears revolving around a central sun gear, allowing for compact
design and high efficiency.
9. Ratchet Mechanisms: Ratchets allow motion in one direction

while preventing reverse movement, commonly used in tools.
10. Elliptical Gears: Elliptical gears provide variable speed and

torque due to their unique shape.
11. Flexible Link Mechanisms: Flexible link mechanisms use

materials that can deform to transmit motion, often seen in
robotic applications.
12. Universal Joints: Universal joints connect shafts at an angle,

allowing for the transmission of torque and rotary motion.
13. Drive Shafts: Drive shafts transmit power from an engine to

the wheels, featuring universal joints or couplings.
14. Hydraulic Mechanisms: Hydraulic mechanisms utilize fluid

pressure to create mechanical motion, widely used in
construction machinery.
15. Electric Motors: Electric motors convert electrical energy

into mechanical motion, essential in many rotating machinery
applications.
References
1. http://www.oercommons.org/courses/mechanics-map-
open-mechanics-textbook/view
2. https://www.ck12.org/flexi/physics/angular-momentum/
what-is-translational-motion/
3. Khurmi, R. et al.; Theory of Machines, 14th ed
References on mechanisms
1. Shigley, J. E., & Mischke, C. R. (2001). Mechanical

Engineering Design.
2. Norton, R. L. (2009). Cam Design and Applications.
3. Juvinall, R. C., & Marshek, K. M. (2011). Fundamentals

of Machine Component Design.
4. Meriam, J. L., & Kraige, L. G. (2012). Engineering

Mechanics: Dynamics.
5. Norton, R. L. (2011). Machine Design: An Integrated

Approach.
6. Shigley, J. E. (2003). Machine Design.
7. Smith, P. H. (1994). Fundamentals of Gear Design.
8. Decker, O. M. (2008). Applied Kinematics.
9. Hibbeler, R. C. (2013). Engineering Mechanics: Statics

and Dynamics.
10. Norton, R. L. (2006). Design of Machinery.
11. Fu, K. S. (1987). Robotics: Control, Sensing,

Vision, and Intelligence.
12. Juvinall, R. C. (2011). Fundamentals of Machine

Component Design.
13. Adams, W. T. (2002). Introduction to Mechanical
Engineering.
14. Rao, P. N. (2008). Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic

Machines.
15. Chapman, S. J. (2005). Electric Machinery

Fundamentals.

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Mulungushi University

Name: Chansa Nkatya

Student Number: 202102505

Course: Theory of Machines

Particles are bodies where all the mass is concentrated at a

Rigid bodies on the other hand have mass that is distributed

Translational motion is a type of motion that occurs when an

A mechanism in the context of mechanical engineering refers to

1. Gear Mechanisms: Gears are mechanical devices that transmit

2. Cam Mechanisms: A cam is a rotating or sliding piece in a

3. Crank and Slider Mechanisms: A crank-slider mechanism

4. Linkages: Linkages are assemblies of rigid bodies connected

5. Belt and Pulley Systems: A belt and pulley system transmits

6. Sprocket and Chain Drives: Sprocket and chain drives use a

7. Worm Gear Mechanisms: Worm gears consist of a worm

9. Ratchet Mechanisms: Ratchets allow motion in one direction

10. Elliptical Gears: Elliptical gears provide variable speed and

11. Flexible Link Mechanisms: Flexible link mechanisms use

12. Universal Joints: Universal joints connect shafts at an angle,

13. Drive Shafts: Drive shafts transmit power from an engine to

14. Hydraulic Mechanisms: Hydraulic mechanisms utilize fluid

15. Electric Motors: Electric motors convert electrical energy

1. Shigley, J. E., & Mischke, C. R. (2001). Mechanical

2. Norton, R. L. (2009). Cam Design and Applications.

3. Juvinall, R. C., & Marshek, K. M. (2011). Fundamentals

4. Meriam, J. L., & Kraige, L. G. (2012). Engineering

5. Norton, R. L. (2011). Machine Design: An Integrated

6. Shigley, J. E. (2003). Machine Design.

7. Smith, P. H. (1994). Fundamentals of Gear Design.

8. Decker, O. M. (2008). Applied Kinematics.

9. Hibbeler, R. C. (2013). Engineering Mechanics: Statics

10. Norton, R. L. (2006). Design of Machinery.

11. Fu, K. S. (1987). Robotics: Control, Sensing,

12. Juvinall, R. C. (2011). Fundamentals of Machine

14. Rao, P. N. (2008). Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulic

15. Chapman, S. J. (2005). Electric Machinery

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