Machines & Mechanisms: Applied Kinematic Analysis, 4th edition

For all courses in machine motion, theory of machines, industrial mechanisms, mechanism analysis, mechanism design, and kinematics in departments of engineering technology and application-oriented mechanical engineering programs.

This up-to-date introduction to kinematic analysis ensures relevance by using actual machines and mechanisms throughout. It provides the techniques necessary to study the motion of machines while emphasizing the application of kinematic theories to real-world problems. State-of-the-art techniques and tools are utilized, and analytical techniques are presented without complex mathematics. Reflecting instructor and student feedback, this Fourth Edition’s extensive improvements include: a new section introducing special-purpose mechanisms; expanded descriptions of kinematic properties; clearer identification of vector quantities through standard boldface notation; new timing charts; analytical synthesis methods; and more. All end-of-chapter problems have been reviewed, and many new problems have been added.

Hallmark Features

Early emphasis on mechanism design–addressing design principles, not just analysis.

• Enables students to go beyond analysis of existing machinery, and invent unique mechanisms

A focus on real, working machinery–beginning each example problem by introducing an actual machine that relies on the mechanism being analyzed

• Continually reminds students of the practical applications of motion and force analysis

Introduction to basic analytical techniques–requiring only minimal preparation in mathematics (trigonometry)

• Gives students an alternative method of analysis that is especially helpful when evaluating design changes

Hands-on computer analysis using Working Model software–through an extensive collection of integrated tutorials and problems appearing throughout the book

• Gives students a hands-on introduction to computer analysis using a leading commercial tool

Application of kinematic theories to practical mechanisms–bridging the gap between theory and practice

• Guides students in understanding essential theoretical concepts and then applying them in real machines

Self-contained format–including an introduction to the fundamental principles required in machine analysis.

• Develops students' skills for determining and optimizing the motion characteristics of machines

Chapter-ending case studies–illustrating mechanisms widely used on industrial equipment

• Challenges students to understand and discuss the rationales behind designs, and suggest possible improvements

Screen captures of AutoCAD layouts and Excel spreadsheets–illustrating many of the worked examples.

• Helps students more thoroughly understand key problem-solving details

Clear learning objectives–opening each chapter

• Helps students focus their reading and study to save time and get better results 

Extensive collection of tables–including tables on cam follower motion, commerically available gears, sheaves, belts, sprockets, and more

• Brings together essential practical information in formats that are easy for students to use

Several hundred chapter-end problems–reflecting the text’s application-driven approach

• Teaches students to utilize analytical methods with programmable devices such as calculators, spreadsheets, and math software
• Provides many opportunities for practice

Illustrations and sketches–providing avisually stimulating, attractive treatment

• Compels student attention and supports visual learning

Revised and improved! Mechanism design chapter–improved with timing charts and expanded synthesis techniques

• Students can more effectively design mechanisms compatible with automation systems and other motion control applications 

New! Current photos of working machinery–added throughout

• Students can better appreciate modern machine and mechanism applications 

New! Section on common mechanisms–added to Chapter 1

• Students can quickly and readily identify common machine motion mechanisms 

Updated! Screen shots of the latest version of computer-aided design tools (AutoCAD and Inventor)–included with many example problem solutions

• Helps students work effectively with the newest tools for machine motion analysis 

Improved! Changes in vector notation–aligning with other mechanics test books

• Students see greater consistency in nomenclature with other classes 

New! Coverage of combined motion schemes–including benefits and costs

• Students encounter advanced motion schemes often used in actual machinery  

New! Clearer identification of vector quantities–using standard boldface notation

• Helps students immediately identify important vector quantity information 

New! Added section introducing special-purpose mechanisms

• Prepares students to work with a wider spectrum of mechanisms 

Improved! Expanded descriptions of kinematic properties–more precisely defining properties

• Gives students more of the information they need about kinematic properties 

Updated and expanded! New end-of-chapter problems added–and all existing problems have been thoroughly reviewed

• Provides even more hands-on practice with modern machines and techniques