1. Forging new generations of engineers
Forging new generations of engineers

2. Simple Machines Simple Machines Introduction to Engineering Design
Unit 3 – Lesson 3.2 – Functional Analysis
Simple Machines
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Copyright 2006

3. 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
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4. 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

5. 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
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6. 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
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7. 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
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8. 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

9. 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
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10. Examples of Levers

11. 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.
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12. Examples of Pulleys

13. 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.
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14. Wheel & Axle Examples

15. 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.
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16. Inclined Plane Examples

17. 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.
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18. Example Wedges
Almost all cutting tools make use of the wedge.

19. 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.
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20. Examples of Screws

21. 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