Forging new generations of engineers ® Forging new generations of engineers

Simple Machines Simple Machines Introduction to Engineering Design Unit 3 – Lesson 3.2 – Functional Analysis Simple Machines Project Lead The Way® Copyright 2006

Simple Machines Introduction to Engineering Design Unit 3 – Lesson 3.2 – Functional Analysis Simple Machine A simple machine is any device that only requires the application of a single force to work. Lever Pulley Screw Wheel & Axle Inclined Plane Wedge Project Lead The Way® Copyright 2006

Lever Fulcrum Effort Load Lever Arm A lever is a stiff bar that rests on a support called a fulcrum which lifts or moves a load. All levers are made up of 4 components: Fulcrum Effort Load Lever Arm

Parts of a Lever Lever Arm Effort Load Fulcrum Simple Machines Introduction to Engineering Design Unit 3 – Lesson 3.2 – Functional Analysis Parts of a Lever The lever arm is a rigid bar that rests on and rotates about the fulcrum. It serves to transfer the force of the effort to the load. Lever Arm Effort Load Fulcrum Project Lead The Way® Copyright 2006

Parts of a Lever Lever Arm Effort Load Fulcrum Simple Machines Introduction to Engineering Design Unit 3 – Lesson 3.2 – Functional Analysis Parts of a Lever The effort is an outside force that is produced by a person, machine, or natural phenomena that are applied to the lever arm. Lever Arm Effort Load Fulcrum Project Lead The Way® Copyright 2006

Parts of a Lever Lever Arm Effort Load Fulcrum Simple Machines Introduction to Engineering Design Unit 3 – Lesson 3.2 – Functional Analysis Parts of a Lever The load is the force or weight of the object that is being moved. Lever Arm Effort Load Fulcrum Project Lead The Way® Copyright 2006

Parts of a Lever Lever Arm Effort Load Fulcrum Simple Machines Introduction to Engineering Design Unit 3 – Lesson 3.2 – Functional Analysis Parts of a Lever The fulcrum is the pivot point or moment around which the forces rotate. Lever Arm Effort Load Fulcrum Project Lead The Way® Copyright 2006

Parts of a Lever Lever Arm Effort Load Fulcrum Simple Machines Introduction to Engineering Design Unit 3 – Lesson 3.2 – Functional Analysis Parts of a Lever If the fulcrum is located at the midpoint of the lever arm, and the effort is equal to the load, then the lever will be perfectly balanced. Lever Arm Effort Load Fulcrum Project Lead The Way® Copyright 2006

Examples of Levers

Simple Machines Introduction to Engineering Design Unit 3 – Lesson 3.2 – Functional Analysis Pulley A pulley is a grooved wheel around which a rope, belt, or chain passes. Pulleys are used to change the direction or magnitude of a force, and are often used to increase mechanical advantage. Project Lead The Way® Copyright 2006

Examples of Pulleys

Simple Machines Introduction to Engineering Design Unit 3 – Lesson 3.2 – Functional Analysis Wheel & Axle A wheel is a lever arm that is fixed to a shaft, which is called an axle. The wheel and axle move together as a simple lever to lift or to move an item by rolling. Project Lead The Way® Copyright 2006

Wheel & Axle Examples

Simple Machines Introduction to Engineering Design Unit 3 – Lesson 3.2 – Functional Analysis Inclined Plane An inclined plane is a simple machine with no moving parts. It’s simply a flat surface set at an angle or incline. The most common inclined plane is a ramp. A ramp works by helping you raise or lower objects easier than lifting. Project Lead The Way® Copyright 2006

Inclined Plane Examples

Wedge The wedge functions as a moving inclined plane. Simple Machines Introduction to Engineering Design Unit 3 – Lesson 3.2 – Functional Analysis Wedge The wedge functions as a moving inclined plane. Project Lead The Way® Copyright 2006

Example Wedges Almost all cutting tools make use of the wedge.

Simple Machines Introduction to Engineering Design Unit 3 – Lesson 3.2 – Functional Analysis Screw A screw is an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder, forming the path and pitch. It is used as a threaded fastener and to change rotary motion to linear force. Project Lead The Way® Copyright 2006

Examples of Screws

Homework Lever Wheels and Axle Pulley Inclined Plane Wedge Screw Sketch an isometric pictorial of each simple machine in your engineer’s notebook. Label each simple machine. Lever Wheels and Axle Pulley Inclined Plane Wedge Screw