Introduction to Mechanical Systems
Introduction to Mechanical Systems provides a foundational overview of mechanical systems. Simple machines, such as the lever, incline planed, and wheel, are the building blocks of even the most complex mechanical systems. Both simple and complex machines manipulate mechanical forces, including distance and friction, in order to achieve mechanical advantage. Understanding how simple machines work is essential to understanding and working with any type of machinery. This includes being familiar with each type of simple machine as well as its components, function, and mechanical advantage, all of which serve as the basis for understanding advanced mechanical topics. Without the foundational information presented in this class, users will not be prepared to study more complex aspects of mechanical systems.
The training session will begin with a pretest to establish baseline understanding and prepare the learner for what to expect in the training material that follows. This module includes 18 lessons:
- Mechanical Systems
- Mechanical Advantage
- Levers
- Review: Levers and Mechanical Advantage
- The Wheel and Axle
- Fixed Pulleys
- Movable Pulleys
- Movable Pulley Arrangements
- Review: Pulleys
- Inclined Planes
- Wedges
- Screws
- Review: Inclined Planes
- Gears
- Gear Types
- Cams
- Other Mechanical Devices
- Review: Mechanical Devices
By the end of this course, learners should be able to:
- Describe mechanical systems
- Describe the factors affecting mechanical advantage
- Describe the three classes of levers
- Describe the wheel and axle
- Describe a fixed pulley
- Describe a movable pulley
- Describe the difference in mechanical advantage between movable pulley systems
- Describe the inclined plane
- Describe the wedge
- Describe the screw
- Describe the gear
- Describe different types of gears
- Describe the cam
- Distinguish between other devices used in mechanical systems