The student who takes this course will develop a basic understanding of the analysis and synthesis of planar linkage mechanisms.  Students will develop the ability to model real linkage mechanisms using kinematic diagrams, including identification of links and joints.  They will also learn to use Gruebler’s equation to calculate the mobility or number of degrees of freedom of linkages based on the kinematic diagram.  Students will also become familiar with real mechanism applications in the context of mechanism synthesis, where they will learn to determine the required dimensions of a mechanism for a specific application.  Students will apply these dimensional synthesis methods in a design project which includes building a simple linkage prototype.  They will learn kinematic analysis methods, i.e., analysis of position, velocity, and acceleration of planar linkages.  These methods consist of graphical, algebraic, and complex number approaches.  Students will also learn to use commercial software packages, e.g. Working Model, to predict position, velocity, and acceleration of planar linkages, and will compare their predictions to those using analytical approaches.  Finally, students will learn to do dynamic force analysis of planar linkages to predict joint forces and motor torques.  They will use commercial software packages to predict joint forces and motor torques of planar linkages, and will compare their predictions to those using analytical approaches.

2a. perform analysis of mechanical components

2c. demonstrate the ability to design components

2d. perform analysis of mechanical systems

4d. demonstrate the ability to develop and utilize models

4e. use software such as Matlab and MathCAD to solve engineering problems including ODE's, systems of linear equations, and numerical integration

1. Apply kinematic modeling techniques
2. Apply Gruebler’s Equation
3. Apply dimensional synthesis techniques to a design project
4. Apply graphical, algebraic, and complex number kinematic analysis methods
5. Apply dynamic analysis techniques
6. Develop proficiency at using commercial software packages for kinematic and dynamic analysis
   

1. Develop kinematic diagrams of real linkage mechanisms [A]
2. Determine degrees of freedom of planar linkages [B]
3. Determine the required dimensions of a planar linkage for a specific application; Build a simple prototype linkage [C]
4. Predict positions, velocities and accelerations of planar linkages [D]
5. Predict joint forces and motor torques of planar linkages [E]
6. Compare predictions from commercial software to those using analytical approaches [F]

1. Equilibrium of rigid bodies, distributed forces (centroids, center of gravity, moments of inertia), friction, kinematics and kinetics of particles, kinematics and kinetics of rigid bodies.

1. Motion in Machinery
2. Velocity and Acceleration Analysis of Mechanisms
3. Dynamic Force Analysis of Machines
4. Cam Design and Analysis
5. Gear Design and Analysis
6. Synthesis of Linkages