Basic Engineering Skills - Assessments Launched
Course Code - 24RPA Mech 003
Machines are devices that help make work easier by reducing the effort needed to perform a task. They function by changing the force, direction, or distance over which work is applied. Simple machines, such as levers and pulleys, are the building blocks of more complex machines.
Simple machines are basic mechanical devices that help reduce the effort needed to perform work by either increasing force, changing direction, or increasing distance.
✅ Reduce human effort
✅ Increase or change the direction of force
✅ Make work more efficient
Input Force (Effort): The force applied to the machine
Output Force (Resistance): The force exerted by the machine to perform work
Work Done: Work = Force × Distance
There are six types of simple machines:
1️⃣ Lever – A rigid bar that rotates around a fulcrum to multiply force
2️⃣ Wheel and Axle – A larger wheel attached to a smaller axle, reducing friction
3️⃣ Pulley – A wheel with a rope, used to change force direction and lift objects
4️⃣ Inclined Plane – A sloped surface that reduces effort required for lifting
5️⃣ Wedge – A pointed tool that splits or cuts materials
6️⃣ Screw – An inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder, used for fastening
Each of these machines increases mechanical efficiency and reduces work effort.
Mechanical Advantage (MA) is the ratio of output force to input force. It determines how much the machine multiplies force.
🔹 Ideal Mechanical Advantage (IMA): Based on distances
🔹 Actual Mechanical Advantage (AMA): Based on real forces applied
Formulas:
IMA = Input Distance / Output Distance
AMA = Output Force / Input Force
A higher MA means less effort is needed to perform work.
Efficiency measures how well a machine converts input work into useful output work.
Formula:
Efficiency = (AMA / IMA) × 100%
❌ Friction (reduces efficiency)
❌ Air resistance
✅ Lubrication increases efficiency
✅ Smooth surfaces reduce energy loss
Machines like wheel and axle have higher efficiency, while machines like screws and wedges lose more energy due to friction.
High Force Output → More Input Distance Required
Higher Efficiency → Less Energy Loss
✔ Levers: Seesaws, crowbars, scissors
✔ Wheel and Axle: Bicycles, door handles, steering wheels
✔ Pulleys: Elevators, cranes, flagpoles
✔ Inclined Plane: Ramps, stairs
✔ Wedge: Knives, chisels, nails
✔ Screw: Bolts, jar lids, drill bits