The aim of this book is to motivate students into learning Machine Analysis by reinforcing theory and applications throughout the text.  The author uses an enthusiastic ‘hands-on’ approach by including photos of actual mechanisms in place of abstract line illustrations, and directs students towards developing their own software for mechanism analysis using Excel & Matlab.  An accompanying website includes a detailed list of tips for learning machine analysis, including tips on working homework problems, note taking, preparing for tests, computer programming and other topics to aid in student success. Study guides for each chapter that focus on teaching the thought process needed to solve problems by presenting practice problems are included, as are computer animations for common mechanisms discussed in the text.

Table of Contents:
Preface xv Acknowledgments xvii About the companion website xix 1 Introductory Concepts 1 1.1 Introduction to Machines 1 1.2 Units 6 1.3 Machines and Mechanisms 10 1.4 Linkage Mechanisms 14 1.5 Common Types of Linkage Mechanisms 16 1.6 Gears 21 1.7 Cams 27 1.8 Solution Methods 28 1.9 Methods of Problem Solving 30 1.10 Review and Summary 31 Problems 31 Further Reading 33 2 Essential Kinematics Concepts 34 2.1 Introdction 34 2.2 Basic Concepts of Velocity and Acceleration 35 2.3 Translational Motion 35 2.4 Rotation about a Fixed Axis 36 2.5 General Plane Motion 41 2.6 Computer Methods 53 2.7 Review and Summary 58 Problems 58 Further Reading 65 3 Linkage Position Analysis 66 3.1 Introduction 66 3.2 Mobility 67 3.3 Inversion 72 3.4 Grashof’s Criterion 72 3.5 Coupler Curves 74 3.6 Cognate Linkages 76 3.7 Transmission Angle 79 3.8 Geometrical Method of Position Analysis 80 3.9 Analytical Position Analysis 92 3.10 Toggle Positions 100 3.11 Computer Methods for Position Analysis 100 3.12 Review and Summary 103 Problems 103 Further Reading 107 4 Linkage Velocity and Acceleration Analysis 108 4.1 Introduction 108 4.2 Finite Displacement: Approximate Velocity Analysis 109 4.3 Instantaneous Centers of Rotation 111 4.4 Graphical Velocity Analysis 119 4.5 Analytical Velocity Analysis Methods 125 4.6 Graphical Acceleration Analysis Methods 130 4.7 Analytical Acceleration Analysis Methods 134 4.8 Kinematic Analysis of Linkage Mechanisms with Moving Slides 135 4.9 Review and Summary 147 Problems 147 Further Reading 153 5 Linkage Synthesis 154 5.1 Introduction 154 5.2 Synthesis 155 5.3 Two-Position Graphical Dimensional Synthesis 156 5.4 Three-Position Graphical Dimensional Synthesis 162 5.5 Approximate Dwell Linkage Mechanisms 167 5.6 Quick Return Mechanisms 169 5.7 Function Generation 176 5.8 Review and Summary 182 Problems 182 Further Reading 189 6 Computational Methods for Linkage Mechanism Kinematics 190 6.1 Introduction 190 6.2 Matrix Review 190 6.3 Position Equations 196 6.4 Velocity Analysis 206 6.5 Acceleration Equations 209 6.6 Dynamic Simulation Using Autodesk Inventor 210 6.7 Review and Summary 211 Problems 212 Further Reading 214 7 Gear Analysis 215 7.1 Introduction 215 7.2 Involute Curves 216 7.3 Terminology 219 7.4 Tooth Contact 228 7.5 Analysis of Spur Gears 234 7.6 Analysis of Parallel Helical Gears 239 7.7 Analysis of Crossed Helical Gears 242 7.8 Analysis of Bevel Gears 246 7.9 Analysis of Worm Gearing 249 7.10 Review and Summary 252 Problems 252 Further Reading 254 8 Gear Trains 255 8.1 Introduction 255 8.2 Simple Gear Trains 256 8.3 Compound Gear Trains 258 8.4 Reverted Compound Gear Trains 262 8.5 Gear Trains with Different Types of Gears 264 8.6 Planetary Gear Trains 266 8.7 Differentials 273 8.8 Computer Methods for Gear Train Design 274 8.9 Review and Summary 274 Problems 275 Further Reading 279 9 Cams 280 9.1 Introduction 280 9.2 Types of Cams and Followers 281 9.3 Basic Concepts of Cam Geometry and Cam Profiles 283 9.4 Common Cam Functions 285 9.5 Using Cam Functions for Specific Applications 295 9.6 Application of Cam Functions for Double-Dwell Mechanisms 299 9.7 Application of Cam Functions for Single-Dwell Mechanisms 301 9.8 Application of Cam Functions for Critical Path Motion 308 9.9 Cam Geometry 310 9.10 Determining Cam Size 312 9.11 Design of Cam Profiles 316 9.12 Computer Methods for Cam Design 322 9.13 Review and Summary 322 Problems 323 Reference 327 10 Vibration Theory 328 10.1 Introduction 328 10.2 System Components 329 10.3 Frequency and Period 333 10.4 Undamped Systems 333 10.5 Torsional Systems 344 10.6 Damped Systems 346 10.7 Logarithmic Decrement 353 10.8 Forced Vibration: Harmonic Forcing Functions 356 10.9 Response of Undamped Systems to General Loading 372 10.10 Review and Summary 381 Problems 381 Further Reading 386 11 Dynamic Force Analysis 387 11.1 Introduction 387 11.2 Superposition Method of Force Analysis 388 11.3 Matrix Method Force Analysis 399 11.4 Sliding Joint Forces 405 11.5 Energy Methods of Force Analysis: Method of Virtual Work 410 11.6 Force Analysis for Slider–Crank Mechanisms Using Lumped Mass 412 11.7 Gear Forces 416 11.8 Computer Methods 418 11.9 Review and Summary 418 Problems 419 Further Reading 421 12 Balancing of Machinery 422 12.1 Introduction 422 12.2 Static Balancing 423 12.3 Dynamic Balancing 431 12.4 Vibration from Rotating Unbalance 437 12.5 Balancing Slider–Crank Linkage Mechanisms 439 12.6 Balancing Linkage Mechanisms 447 12.7 Flywheels 448 12.8 Measurement Devices 455 12.9 Computer Methods 458 12.10 Review and Summary 459 Problems 459 References 464 Further Reading 464 13 Applications of Machine Dynamics 465 13.1 Introduction 465 13.2 Cam Response for Simple Harmonic Functions 465 13.3 General Response Using Laplace Transform Method 469 13.4 System Response Using Numerical Methods 479 13.5 Advanced Cam Functions 482 13.6 Forces Acting on the Follower 492 13.7 Computer Applications of Cam Response 494 13.8 Internal Combustion Engines 494 13.9 Common Arrangements of Multicylinder Engines 499 13.10 Flywheel Analysis for Internal Combustion Engines 504 13.11 Review and Summary 506 Problems 506 References 507 Further Reading 507 Appendix A – Center of Mass 509 Appendix B – Moments of Inertia 512 Appendix C – Fourier Series 521 Index 529