POLYTECHNIC OF NAMIBIA

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SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Email azulu@polytechnic.edu.na Tel: +264 (61) 207 2514

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Department of Mechanical Engineering

Theory of Machines (TOM320S)
Examination #1
Date: 22nd August 2014
Duration: 2 hours
Total marks: 60

Examiner: Mr. A. Zulu

Moderator: Dr. R. Steenkamp

IMPORTANT NOTICES:
Write neatly and legibly, as illegible work will not be considered for marks. If
you are of the opinion that insufficient information was provided to solve a specific
problem, make realistic assumptions, motivate these and continue solving the
problem based on your assumptions made.
Use free-body diagrams, illustrative diagrams and reference (Cartesian) axes
Where possible or applicable.
Pay attention to units and show the relevant unit in each calculated answer.
No marks will be awarded for answers only. Calculations must contain a
minimum number of logically sequenced steps followed by an answer.
In cases where two or more different - and undeleted answers are given for the
same item, the right answer will not be considered for marks.
Do not write your name anywhere on the answer scripts
Cellular phones and programmable calculators and not permitted.
Use gravitational acceleration g = 9.81 m/s2, where applicable.
Answer all questions.

Question 1
(a) A four-bar mechanism has links with lengths 100 mm, 250 mm and 350 mm. For the mechanism to have at least one link completely rotatable, what should be the minimum length of
the fourth link? [3]
(b) The shortest link on a four-bar mechanism has length 100 mm and the other two links have
lengths 250 mm and 350 mm. What should be the length range of the fourth link for complete rotatability? [4]
(c) The longest link on a four-bar mechanism has length 300 mm and the other two links have
lengths 100 mm and 250 mm. What should be the length range of the fourth link for complete rotatability? [4]
(d) The shortest and longest links on a four-bar mechanism have length 100 mm and 350 mm
Respectively. If the one link has length 250 mm, what should be the minimum length of the
fourth link for complete rotatability? [2].
Question 2
(a) What do you understand by linkage shrinkage? Give an example [2]
(b) What is meant by linkage inversion? By how many degrees of freedom does an inverted
linkage changes (if any)? [2]
(c) Using the graph paper provided and a suitable scale, show you geometrical construction for
a mechanism that will move the linkage shown in Figure Q2 from positions 1 to 2 to 3 [10].

Figure Q2.

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Question 3
The link DC of the four-bar mechanism of Figure Q3 is fixed (ground). The driving link AD rotates uniformly at an angular speed of 100 rpm clockwise and the constant driving torque has a
magnitude of 50 N.m.
(a) Determine the velocity of point B using a velocity diagram [7]
(b) Determine the angular velocity of link AB [3]
(c) Determine the angular velocity of link BC [2]
(d) If the efficiency of the mechanism is 75%, determine its mechanical advantage [3]
(e) Determine the output torque on link BC [3].

Figure Q3 (AD = 300 mm; AB = BC = 360 mm; DC = 600 mm).

Question 4
An engine slider-crank mechanism is shown in Figure Q4. The crank CB has length 100 mm
and the connecting rod AB has length 300 mm with centre of gravity at G, 100 mm from B. In
the position shown, the crankshaft has a speed of 75 rad/s and an angular acceleration of 1200
rad/s2.
(a) Using the instant zero velocity centre, determine the angular velocity of AB [7]
(b) Using an acceleration diagram, determine the acceleration of point A and the and the
angular acceleration of AB {Hint: acceleration of point A must be directed in the horizontal
direction} [8].

Figure Q4 (AC = 237.2 mm).

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