Chapter 10 : Principles of Lifting Machines 171

171
Principles of
Lifting Machines
Contents
1. Introduction.
2. Simple Machine.
3. Compound Machine.
4. Lifting Machine.
5. Mechanical Advantage.
6. Input of a Machine.
7. Output of a Machine.
8. Efficiency of a Machine.
9. Ideal Machine.
10. Velocity Ratio.
11. Relation Between
Efficiency, Mechanical
Advantage and Velocity
Ratio of a Lifting Machine.
12. Reversibility of a Machine.
13. Condition for the
Reversibility of a Machine.
14. Self-locking Machine.
15. Friction in a Machine.
16. Law of a Machine.
17. Maximum Mechanical
Advantage of a Lifting
Machine.
18. Maximum Efficiency of a
Lifting Machine.
10.1. INTRODUCTION
In olden times, thousands of slaves had to be
arranged, whenever a heavy load had to be lifted or
dragged. Even today, in the absence of a suitable
device, many people have to be arranged to lift a motor
car so that its tyres can be changed. In order to
overcome such difficulties, a few simple machines were
invented, which could save the man power i.e., a single
man can do the same work as many could do, though
at a lesser speed.
Before entering into the details of simple
machines and their working, following terms should
be clearly understood at this stage :
10
C H A P T E R C H A P T E R C H A P T E R C H A P T E R C H A P T E R
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172 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
10.2. SIMPLE MACHINE
In a broad sense, a simple machine may be defined as a device, which enables us to do some
useful work at some point or to overcome some resistance, when an effort or force is applied to it, at
some other convenient point.
10.3. COMPOUND MACHINE
A compound machine may be defined as a device, consisting of a number of simple machines,
which enables us to do some useful work at a faster speed or with a much less effort as compared to
a simple machine.
10.4. LIFTING MACHINE
It is a device, which enables us to lift a heavy load (W) by applying a comparatively smaller
effort (P).
10.5. MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE
The mechanical advantage (briefly written as M.A.) is the ratio of weight lifted (W) to the
effort applied (P) and is always expressed in pure number. Mathematically, mechanical advantage,
M.A.
W
P
=
10.6. INPUT OF A MACHINE
The input of a machine is the work done on the machine. In a lifting machine, it is measured by
the product of effort and the distance through which it has moved.
10.7. OUTPUT OF A MACHINE
The output of a machine is the actual work done by the machine. In a lifting machine, it is
measured by the product of the weight lifted and the distance through which it has been lifted.
10.8. EFFICIENCY OF A MACHINE
It is the ratio of output to the input of a machine and is generally expressed as a percentage.
Mathematically, efficiency,
Output
100
Input
=
10.9. IDEAL MACHINE
If the efficiency of a machine is 100% i.e., if the output is equal to the input, the machine is
called as a perfect or an ideal machine.
10.10. VELOCITY RATIO
The velocity ratio (briefly written as V.R.) is the ratio of distance moved by the effort (y) to the
distance moved by the load (x) and is always expressed in pure number. Mathematically, velocity
ratio,
V.R.
y
x
=
10.11. RELATION BETWEEN EFFICIENCY, MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE AND
VELOCITY RATIO OF A LIFTING MACHINE
It is an important relation of a lifting machine, which throws light on its mechanism.
Now consider a lifting machine, whose efficiency is required to be found out.
Contents
Chapter 10 : Principles of Lifting Machines 173
Let W = Load lifted by the machine,
P = Effort required to lift the load,
Y = Distance moved by the effort, in lifting the load, and
x = Distance moved by the load.
We know that M.A. / and V.R. /
W y
W P y x
P x
= = = =
We also know that input of a machine
= Effort applied Distance through which the effort has moved
= P y ...(i)
and output of a machine = Load lifted Distance through which the load has been lifted
= W x ...(ii)
Efficiency, =
Output / M.A.
Input / V.R.
W x W P
P y y x

= = =

Note. It may be seen from the above relation that the values of M.A. and V.R. are equal only
in case of a machine whose efficiency is 100%. But in actual practice, it is not possible.
Example 10.1. In a certain weight lifting machine, a weight of 1 kN is lifted by an effort
of 25 N. While the weight moves up by 100 mm, the point of application of effort moves by 8 m.
Find mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency of the machine.
Solution. Given: Weight (W) = 1 kN = 1000 N ; Effort (P) = 25 N ; Distance through which
the weight is moved (x) = 100 mm = 0.1 m and distance through which effort is moved (y) = 8 m.
Mechanical advantage of the machine.
We know that mechanical advantage of the machine
1000
M.A. 40
25
W
P
= = =
Ans.
Velocity ratio of the machine
We know that velocity ratio of the machine
8
V.R. 80
0.1
y
x
= = =
Ans.
Efficiency of the machine
We also know that efficiency of the machine,
M.A. 40
0.5 50%
V.R. 80
= = = =
Ans.
10.12. REVERSIBILITY OF A MACHINE
Sometimes, a machine is also capable of doing some work in the reversed direction, after the
effort is removed. Such a machine is called a reversible machine and its action is known as
reversibility of the machine.
10.13. CONDITION FOR THE REVERSIBILITY OF A MACHINE
Consider a reversible machine, whose condition for the reversibility is required to be found out.
Let W = Load lifted by the machine,
P = Effort required to lift the load,
y = Distance moved by the effort, and
x = Distance moved by the load.
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174 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
We know that input of the machine
= P y ...(i)
and output of the machine = W x ...(ii)
We also know that machine friction
= Input Output = (P y) (W x) ...(iii)
A little consideration will show that in a reversible machine, the *output of the machine should
be more than the machine friction, when the effort (P) is zero. i.e.,
W x > P y W x
or 2 W x > P y
or
1
2
W x
P y

>

or
1
2
W
P
y
x
>
or
M.A. 1
V.R. 2
>
...
M.A. and V.R.
W y
P x

= =


Q

1
0.5 50%
2
> = =
Hence the condition for a machine, to be reversible,
is that its efficiency should be more than 50%.
10.14. SELF-LOCKING MACHINE
Sometimes, a machine is not capable of doing any work in the reversed direction, after the
effort is removed. Such a machine is called a non-reversible or self-locking machine. A little
consideration will show, that the condition for a machine to be non-reversible or self-locking is that
its efficiency should not be more than 50%.
Example 10.2. A certain weight lifting machine of velocity ratio 30 can lift a load of 1500
N with the help of 125 N effort. Determine if the machine is reversible.
Solution. Given: Velocity ratio (V.R.) = 30; Load (W) = 1500 N and effort (P) = 125 N.
We know that
1500
M.A. 12
125
W
P
= = =
and efficiency,
M.A. 12
0.4 40%
V.R. 30
= = = =
Since efficiency of the machine is less than 50%, therefore the machine is non-reversible. Ans.
* As a matter of fact, a machine will work only when the input is more than the machine friction.
When the machine has to work in the reverse order (as per condition of a reversible machine) its
output (which will act as an input, P = 0) should be more than the machine friction.
Oil extractor for petrol station, car washing
area and garages is irreversible machine.
Contents
Chapter 10 : Principles of Lifting Machines 175
Example 10.3. In a lifting machine, whose velocity ratio is 50, an effort of 100 N is required
to lift a load of 4 kN. Is the machine reversible ? If so, what effort should be applied, so that the
machine is at the point of reversing ?
Solution. Given: Velocity ratio (V.R.) = 50 ; Effort (P) = 100 N and load (W) = 4 kN = 4000 N.
Reversibility of the machine
We know that M.A.
4000
40
100
W
P
= = =
and efficiency,
M.A. 40
0.8 80%
V.R. 50
= = = =
Since efficiency of the machine is more than 50%, therefore the machine is reversible. Ans.
Effort to be applied
A little consideration will show that the machine will be at the point of reversing, when its
efficiency is 50% or 0.5.
Let P
1
= Effort required to lift a load of 4000 N when the machine is at
the point of reversing.
We know that M.A.
1
1 1
4000
4000/
W
P
P P
= = =
and efficiency,
1
1
4000/ M.A. 80
0.5
V.R. 50
P
P
= = =

1
80
160 N
0.5
P = =
Ans.
10.15. FRICTION IN A MACHINE
In previous articles, we have not taken the friction
of the lifting machines into account. Or in other words,
we have assumed every machine to be frictionless. But
this is a rare phenomenon, as every machine cannot be
frictionless. It has been observed that there is always
some amount of friction present in every machine, which
can be expressed on a graph of effort (P) and load or
weight lifted (W). If we record the various values of
efforts required to raise the corresponding loads or
weights and plot a graph between effort and load, we
shall obtain a straight line AB as shown in Fig. 10.1.
It may be noted from the graph that the intercept
OA represents the amount of friction present in the
machine. The machine friction may be expressed either
on the effort side or on the load side. If expressed on
the effort side, the friction may be defined as an additional
effort required to overcome the frictional froce. But if
expressed on the load side, the friction may be defined as
the additional load that can be lifted or the additional
resistance that can be overcome. Now consider a lifting
machine having some amount of friction.
Let P = Actual effort (considering
the machine friction)
required to lift a weight,
Fig. 10.1.
Overall view of friction apparatus
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176 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
P' = Ideal weight (neglecting the machine friction) required to lift the
same weight,
W = Actual weight (considering machine friction) lifted by an effort
and
W' = Ideal weight (neglecting machine friction) lifted by the same effort.
A little consideration will show, that in the above equations (P) is greater than (P'). Similarly,
(W') is greater than (W). It is thus obvious, from the above equations, that (P P') is the amount of
effort required to overcome the machine friction and (W' W) is the load equivalent to the machine
friction.
It may be noted, that in the case of an ideal machine, to lift a weight W, the effort required is
P' only; whereas to lift a load W' effort required is P. But in the case of an actual machine to lift a
weight W, effort required is P.
We know that efficiency of the machine,
M.A. /
V.R. V.R.
W P
= =
...(i)
In case of an ideal machine, the efficiency is equal to 1. Substituting this value of efficiency
equal to 1 equation (i),
V.R.
W
P
= ...(ii)
As already discussed, to lift a load W, in the case of an ideal machine, the effort required is P'.
Now substituting P' instead of P in equation (ii),
V.R.
W
P
=

or
V.R.
W
P =
...(iii)
Now the effort (P) is required to lift the load (W), when the friction is considered and the effort
(P') is required to lift the same load when the mchine is considered to be ideal i.e., when the friction
is neglected.


V.R.
W
P P P =
We know that (P P') is the friction, if expressed in terms of effort.
(effort)

V.R.
W
F P =
...(iv)
Now the effort (P) will lift a load (W') if the mchine friction is neglected and the same effort
will lift a load (W) if the machine friction is considered. Therefore substituting W' for W (considering
the machine to be ideal, i.e., neglecting the machine friction) in equation (ii),
V.R.
W
P

= or W' = P V.R.
W' W = (P V.R.) W
We know that (W'

W) is the friction, if expressed in terms of load.
F
(load)
= (P V.R.) W ...(v)
Example 10.4. In a certain machine, an effort of 100 N is just able to lift a load of 840 N,
Calculate efficiency and friction both on effort and load side, if the velocity ratio of the machine is 10.
Solution. Given: Effort (P) = 100 N ; Load (W) = 840 N and velocity ratio (V.R.) = 10.
Contents
Chapter 10 : Principles of Lifting Machines 177
Efficiency of the machine
We know that M.A.
840
8.4
100
W
P
= = =
and efficiency,
M.A. 8.4
0.84 84%
V.R. 10
= = = =
Ans.
Friction of the machine
We know that friction of the machine in terms of effort,
(effort )
840
100 16 N
V.R. 10
W
F P = = =
...(i)
and friction of the machine in terms of load,
F
(load)
= (P V.R.) W = (100 10) 840 = 160 N ...(ii)
It may be noted from equations (i) and (ii) that an effort of 16 N is required to overcome the
friction. Or in other words, this effort can lift an additional load of 160 N Ans.
EXERCISE 10.1
1. A load of 120 N is raised by means of a certain weight lifting machine through a distance
of 200 mm. If the effort applied is 20 N and has moved through a distance of 1.5 m, find
the efficiency of the machine. [Ans. 80%]
2. In a weight lifting machine, an effort of 50 N is required to lift a load (W). The distances
moved by the load and effort are 20 mm and 500 mm respectively. Determine the magnitude
of the load (W), if the efficiency of the machine is 80%. [Ans. 1 kN]
3. In a weight lifting machine, whose velocity ratio is 20, a weight of 1 kN can be raised by
an effort of 80 N. If the effort is removed, show that the machine can work in the reverse
direction.
Hint. M.A. = W/P = 1000/80 = 12.5
and = M.A./V.R. = 12.5/20 = 0.625 = 62.5%.
Since efficiency is more than 50%, therefore the machine can work in the reverse direction.
Ans.
4. In a certain weight lifting machine, an effort of 25 N can lift a load of 315 N. If the
velocity ratio of the machine is 14, find the effort lost in friction and the frictional load.
[Ans. 2.5 N; 3.5 N]
10.16. LAW OF A MACHINE
The term law of a machine may be defined as relationship between the effort applied and the
load lifted. Thus for any machine, if we record the various efforts required to raise the corresponding
loads, and plot a graph between effort and load, we shall get a straight line AB as shown in Fig. 10.2.
We also know that the intercept OA represents the amount of friction offered by the machine.
Or in other words, this is the effort required by the machine to
overcome the friction, before it can lift any load.
Mathematically, the law of a lifting machine is given by
the relation :
P = mW + C
where P = Effort applied to lift the load,
m = A constant (called coefficient of
friction) which is equal to the
slope of the line AB, Fig. 10.2.
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178 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
W = Load lifted, and
C = Another constant, which represents the machine friction, (i.e. OA).
Example 10.5. What load can be lifted by an effort of 120 N, if the velocity ratio is 18 and
efficiency of the machine at this load is 60% ?
Determine the law of the machine, if it is observed that an effort of 200 N is required to lift a
load of 2600 N and find the effort required to run the machine at a load of 3.5 kN.
Solution. Given: Effort (P) = 120 N ; Velocity ratio (V.R.) = 18 and efficiency () = 60% = 0.6.
Load lifted by the machine.
Let W = Load lifted by the machine.
We know that M.A. /120
120
W W
W
P
= = =
and efficiency,
M.A. /120
0.6
V.R. 18 2160
W W
= = =
W = 0.6 2160 = 1296 N Ans.
Law of the machine
In the second case, P = 200 N and W = 2600 N
Substituting the two values of P and W in the law of the machine, i.e., P = m W + C,
120 = m 1296 + C ...(i)
and 200 = m 2600 + C ...(ii)
Subtracting equation (i) from (ii),
80 = 1304 m or
80
0.06
1304
m = =
and now substituting the value of m in equation (ii)
200 = (0.06 2600) + C = 156 + C
C = 200 156 = 44
Now substituting the value of m = 0.06 and C = 44 in the law of the machine,
P = 0.06 W + 44 Ans.
Effort required to run the machine at a load of 3.5 kN.
Substituting the value of W = 3.5 kN or 3500 N in the law of machine,
P = (0.06 3500) + 44 = 254 N Ans.
Example 10.6. In a lifting machine, an effort of 40 N raised a load of 1 kN. If efficiency of
the machine is 0.5, what is its velocity ratio ? If on this machine, an effort of 74 N raised a load of
2 kN, what is now the efficiency ? What will be the effort required to raise a load of 5 kN ?
Solution. Given: When Effort (P) = 40 N; Load (W) = 1 kN = 1000 N; Efficiency () = 0.5;
When effort (P) = 74 N and load (W) = 2 kN = 2000 N.
Velocity ratio when efficiency is 0.5.
We know that M.A.
1000
25
40
W
P
= = =
and efficiency
M.A. 25
0.5
V.R. V.R.
= =

25
V.R. 50
0.5
= =

Ans.
Contents
Chapter 10 : Principles of Lifting Machines 179
Efficiency when P is 74 N and W is 2000 N
We know that M.A.
2000
27
74
W
P
= = =
and efficiency
M.A. 27
0.54 54%
V.R. 50
= = = =
Ans.
Effort required to raise a load of 5 kN or 5000 N
Substituting the two values of P and W in the law of the machine, i.e. P = mW + C
40 = m 1000 + C ...(i)
and 74 = m 2000 + C ...(ii)
Subtracting equation (i) from (ii),
34 = 1000 m or
34
0.034
1000
m = =
and now substituting this value of m in equation (i),
40 = (0.034 1000) + C = 34 + C
C = 40 34 = 6
Substituting these values of m = 0.034 and C = 6 in the law of machine,
P = 0.034 W + 6 ...(iii)
Effort required to raise a load of 5000 N,
P = (0.034 5000) + 6 = 176 N Ans.
Example 10.7. What load will be lifted by an effort of 12 N, if the velocity ratio is 18 and
efficiency of the machine at this load is 60 % ?
If the machine has a constant friction resistance, determine the law of the machine and
find the effort required to run this machine at (i) no load, and (ii) a load of 900 N.
Solution. Given: Effort (P) = 12 N ; Velocity ratio (V.R.) = 18 and efficiency () = 60 % = 0.6.
Load lifted by the machine.
Let W = Load lifted by the machine,
We know that M.A. /12
12
W W
W
P
= = =
and efficiency,
M.A. /12
0.6
V.R. 18 216
W W
= = =
W = 0.6 216 = 129.6 N Ans.
Law of the machine
We know that effort lost in friction,
(effort)
129.6
12 4.8N
V.R. 18
W
F P = = =
Since the frictional resistance is constant, therefore 4.8 N is the amount of friction offered
by the machine. Now substituting the values of P = 12 and C = 4.8 in the law of the machine.
12 = m 129.6 + 4.8 ...(Q P = mW + C)
or
12 4.8 1
129.6 18
m = =
Law of the machine will be given by the equation,
1
4.8
18
P W = + Ans.
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180 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
Effort required to run the machine at no load
Substituting the value of W = 0 in the law of the machine (for no load condition),
P = 4.8 N Ans.
Effort required to run the machine at a load of 900 N
Substituting the value of W = 900 N in the law of machine,
1
900 4.8 54.8 N
18
P = + =
Ans.
10.17. MAXIMUM MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE OF A LIFTING MACHINE
We know that mechanical advantage of a lifting machine,
M.A.
W
P
=
For maximum mechanical advantage, substituting the value of P = mW + C in the above
equation,
1 1
Max. M.A.
W
C
mW C m
m
W
= = =
+
+
... Neglecting
C
W



10.18. MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY OF A LIFTING MACHINE
We know that efficiency of a lifting machine,
Mechanical advantage
Velocity ratio V.R. V.R.
W
W
P
P
= = =

For *maximum efficiency, substituting the value of P = mW + C in the above equation,

1 1
Max.
( ) V.R V.R.
V.R.
W
C mW C m
m
W
= = =
+
+


...
Neglecting
C
W



Example 10.8. The law of a machine is given by the relation :
P = 0.04 W + 7.5
where (P) is the effort required to lift a load (W), both expressed in newtons. What is the mechanical
advantage and efficiency of the machine, when the load is 2 kN and velocity ratio is 40 ? What is the
maximum efficiency of the machine ?
If (F) is the effort lost in friction, find the relation between F and W. Also find the value of F,
when W is 2 kN.
Solution. Given: Law of machine P = 0.04 W + 7.5 ; Load (W) = 2 kN = 2000 N and velocity
ratio (V.R.) = 40.
* We know that efficiency of a lifting machine,
M.A.
V.R.
=
A little consideration will show that the efficiency will be maximum, when the mechanical advantage
will be maximum.
or
Max. M.A.
Max.
V.R.
=
1
V.R. m
=

...
1
Max. M.A.
m

=


Q
Contents
Chapter 10 : Principles of Lifting Machines 181
Mechanical advantage
Substituting the value of W in the law of the machine,
P = mW + C = 0.04 2000 + 7.5 = 87.5 N

2000
M.A. 22.9
87.5
W
P
= = = Ans.
Efficiency of the machine
We know that
M.A. 22.9
0.5725 57.25%
V.R. 40
= = = =
Ans.
Maximum efficiency of the machine
We know that *maximum efficiency of the machine,

1 1
Max. 0.625 62.5%
V.R. 0.04 40 m
= = = =

Ans.
Relation between F and W
We know that effort lost in friction,
(effort )
(0.04 7.5)
V.R. V.R.
W W
F P W = = +
1 1
0.04 7.5 0.04 7.5
V.R. 40
W W

= + = +


= W (0.04 0.025) + 7.5 = 0.015 W + 7.5 Ans.
Value of F when W is 2 kN
Substituting the value of W equal to 2 kN or 2000 N in the above equation,
F = (0.015 2000) + 7.5 = 37.5 N Ans.
Example 10.9. The law of a certain lifting machine is :

W
P 8
50
= +
The velocity ratio of the machine is 100. Find the maximum possible mechanical advantage
and the maximum possible efficiency of the machine. Determine the effort required to overcome the
machine friction, while lifting a load of 600 N. Also calculate the efficiency of the machine at this
load.
Solution. Given: Law of lifting machine
8 0.02 8;
50
W
P W = + = +
Velocity ratio (V.R.)
= 100 and load (W) = 600 N.
Maximum possible mechanical advantage
Comparing the given law of the machine with the standard relation for the law of the machine
(i.e. P = mW + C) we find that in the given law of the machine, m = 0.02. We know that maximum
possible mechanical advantage

1 1
Max M.A. 50
0.02 m
= = =
Ans.
Maximum possible efficiency
We know that maximum possible efficiency
1 1 1
0.5 50%
V.R. 0.02 100 2 m
= = = = =


Ans.
* In this example, the value of m = 0.04 and C = 7.5 as the law of the machine is given by the relation
P = mW + C.
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182 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
Effort required to overcome the machine friction
We know that effort required to lift a load of 600 N
P = mW + 8 = (0.02 600) + 8 = 20 N
and effort required to overcome the machine friction, while lifting a load of 600 N,
(effort )
600
20 14 N
V.R. 100
W
F P = = = Ans.
Efficiency of the machine
We know that mechanical advantage of the machine while lifting a load of 600 N.
600
M.A 30
20
W
P
= = =
and efficiency,
M.A. 30
0.3 30%
V.R. 100
= = = = Ans.
Example 10.10. In an experiment of a weight lifting machine, with velocity ratio as 18, the
values of effort required to lift various loads were as given in the table below :
Load (W) in N 250 500 750 1000 1500 2500
Effort (P) in N 42.5 62.5 82.5 105 142.5 220
Plot a graph showing the relation between effort and load, and determine the law of the
machine. Find the effort required and efficiency of the machine, when the load is 2 kN. Also find the
maximum efficiency, this machine can attain.
Solution. Given: Velocity ratio (V. R.) = 18
Law of the machine
First of all, draw a suitable graph and plot the points 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. From the geometry of the
points, we find that points 1, 2, 3, and 5 lie on the same straight line, whereas the point 4 lies above the
line and the point 6 below the line. Therefore let us ignore the points 4 and 6. Now draw a straight line
AB passing through the points 1, 2, 3 and 5 as shown in Fig. 10.3. Now let us measure the intercept
OA on y-y axis, which is equal to 22.5 N.
Fig. 10.3.
Now consider two points 1 and 5 (having maximum distance between them), which lie on the
straight line AB. From the geometry of these two points, we find that the slope of the line AB,
142.5 42.5 100
0.08
1500 250 1250
m = = =
Contents
Chapter 10 : Principles of Lifting Machines 183
Law of the machine is given by the relation
P = 0.08 W + 22.5 Ans.
Effort required when the load is 2 kN
Substituting the value of W equal to 2 kN or 2000 N in the above equation,
P = (0.08 2000) + 22.5 = 182.5 N Ans.
Efficiency of the machine when the load is 2 kN
We know that M.A.
2000
10.96
182.5
W
P
= = =
and efficiency,
M.A 10.96
0.609 60.9%
V.R. 18
= = = =
Ans.
Maximum efficiency the machine can attain
We also know that maximum efficiency the machine can attain,
1 1
Max. 0.694 69.4%
V.R. 0.08 18 m
= = = =

Ans.
EXERCISE 10.2
1. In a certain weight lifting machine, an effort of 15 N can lift a load of 300 N and an effort
of 20 N can lift a load of 500 N. Find the law of the machine. Also find the effort required
to lift a load of 880 N. [Ans. P = 0.025 W + 7.5 ; 29.5 N]
2. In a weight lifting machine, an effort of 40 N can lift a load of 1000 N and an effort of
55 N can lift a load of 1500 N. Find the law of the machine. Also find maximum
mechanical advantage and maximum efficiency of the machine. Take velocity ratio of the
machine as 48. [Ans. P = 0.03 W + 10 ; 33.3 ; 69.4%]
3. The following results were obtained from a test on a certain weight lifting machine having
a velocity ratio of 20 :
Load in N (W) 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
Effort in N (P) 85 100 115 135 145 160 175
Plot the graph showing load and effort. From the graph, determine the law of the
machine. [Ans. P = 0.15 W + 2.5]
Hint. All the points, except 4, will lie on the straight line. Therefore ignore this point
and now study the law of the machine from any two remaining points.
QUESTIONS
1. What is a machine ? Explain the difference between a simple machine and a compound
machine.
2. Define mechanical advantage of a machine.
3. What is an ideal machine ?
4. Define velocity ratio of a machine.
5. Derive the relation between mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency of a machine.
6. Explain how the efficiency of a simple machine is determined ?
Contents
184 A Textbook of Engineering Mechanics
7. What do you understand by the term Reversibility of a machine ? Explain the difference
between a reversible machine and a self-locking machine.
8. What is law of a machine ? Derive an equation for the same.
9. Obtain an equation for the maximum mechanical advantage and maximum efficiency of a
machine.
10. What is meant by friction in a machine? In how many ways it can be expressed in terms
of velocity ratio ?
OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS
1. The efficiency of a lifting machine is the ratio of
(a) Its output to input
(b) Work done by it to the work done on it
(c) Its mechanical advantage to its velocity ratio
(d) All of the above.
2. If efficiency of a lifting machine is kept constant, its velocity ratio is directly proportional
to its
(a) Mechanical advantage (b) Effort applied
(c) Machine friction (d) All of the above
3. In an ideal machine, the mechanical advantage is ....... velocity ratio
(a) Equal to (b) Less than (c) Greater than
4. A lifting machine having an efficiency less than 50% is known as
(a) Reversible machine (b) Non-reversible machine
(c) Ideal machine (d) None of the above
5. A weight of 1000 N can be lifted by an effort of 80 N. If the velocity ratio of the machine
is 20, then the machine is
(a) Reversible (b) Non-reversible (c) Ideal
6. The maximum mechanical advantage of a lifting machine is
(a) 1 + m (b) 1 m (c) 1/ m (d) m
7. The maximum efficiency of a lifting machine is
(a) 1/ m (b) V. R./ m (c) m/ V. R. (d) 1/ (m V. R.)
ANSWERS
1. (d) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (a) 6. (c) 7. (d)
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