Compound Machine
Description
Mechanical systems often require a combination of mechanisms to complete a given task. Any time two or more machines are combined, the result is a compound machine. If many mechanisms are combined, the machine may even be referred to as a complex machine. Compound machines can range in complexity from a crane or automobile to a simple manual can opener. A bicycle is an example of a compound machine. The pedals, brakes, handle bars, and sprocket systems are just some of the mechanisms on most bicycles. In this activity we worked in teams to design and build a compound machine to accomplish a specified task.
Conclusion Questions
1. The easiest calculations we had to solve was the first class lever. This was the simplest because not much force or effort was applied to the machine. The ideal mechanical advantage (IMA) ended up being one with a 1% mechanical advantage (MA).
2. The most complex calculations we had to solve was the wheel and axle. This task was made difficult because the wheel was driving the axle. Usually, in complex machines like cars, the axle drives the wheel.
3. In order to make our machine have a better mechanical advantage, we could have rebuilt it with a pulley in the middle with levers on either side. Dropping a weight on one of the levers will cause the pulley to activate, moving the opposite lever to go upwards.
2. The most complex calculations we had to solve was the wheel and axle. This task was made difficult because the wheel was driving the axle. Usually, in complex machines like cars, the axle drives the wheel.
3. In order to make our machine have a better mechanical advantage, we could have rebuilt it with a pulley in the middle with levers on either side. Dropping a weight on one of the levers will cause the pulley to activate, moving the opposite lever to go upwards.