POLYTECHNIC OF NAMIBIA

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SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Email azulu@polytechnic.edu.na Tel: +264 (61) 207 2514 Fax: +264 (61) 207 2521

Department of Mechanical Engineering Theory of Machines (TOM320S)

Examination #1
Date: 18th August 2011 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 F.B.Ds and illustrative diagrams wherever possible. Clearly show the reference Cartesian axes system used for each question. 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. Use gravitational acceleration g = 9.81 m/s2. Answer all questions.

Section A [15] 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. A mechanism has link lengths of 160 mm, 200 mm and 240 mm (ground). What link length(s) will give a class III (special-case Grashof) mechanism if the 240-mm link is the longest? [3]. What link length(s) in problem 1 above will give a class III (special-case Grashof) mechanism if the 160-mm link is the shortest? [3]. What do you understand by kinematic inversion of a linkage system? How many kinematic inversions are possible for four-bar mechanism? [3]. [MCQ] In linkage synthesis motion generation refers to the tracing of [a] a line [b] a point [c] both a point and a line [d] neither a point nor a line [e] a function generator [1]. [MCQ] What is the minimum value of the transmission angle for the Grashof crankrocker mechanism? [a] 0 [b] 180 [c] 40 [d] will depend whether the linkages are

extended or overlapping [e] I dont know (for no marks) [1].

6. 7. The rotatability of a linkage can be found using Grashof condition for 4 bars. This can be extended to multibar systems using the triangle inequality. Explain, in your own words, the concept of trianglular inequality [2]. In a four-bar mechanism, the lengths of the crank, coupler and rocker are 200 mm, 500 mm and 400 mm respectively. In the instant when the crank horizontal, the rocker (output) is vertical. What is the transmission angle? Is this a Grashof mechanism [3].

Section B [45] 8. Calculate the number of degrees of freedom of the mechanisms shown in Figure Q8a, b and c [12].

Figure 8a.

Figure 8b.

Figure Q8c.

9.

Using the graph paper provided, design a four-bar linkage system so that garage door of Figure Q9 can move from position 1 to position 2 to position 3. Show all your construction lines [16].

Figure Q9.

L2 = 40 mm; L3 = 96 mm; L4 = 122 mm; L1 = 162 mm Figure Q10.

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The linkage in Figure Q10 has the dimensions and crank angle given below. (a) Locate all the 6 instant centres of the mechanisms and label them [7]. (b) Given that for the position shown ( AO2O4 = 90 2 = 20 rad/s CCW, determine ), 4, VA and VB [10]. List of formulas
2 2 2 2 2 2 1 b + c ( d + a ) 1 b + c ( d a ) 1 = cos (extended); 2 = cos (overlap) 2bc 2bc

a 2 + d 2 b 2 c 2 bc n! = cos 1 ; DOF = 3 ( L 1) 2 J1 J 2 ;0 2toggle ; ICV = toggle 2ad ad ( n r ) !r ! v VA = ia2 ( cos 2 + i sin 2 ) = a2 ( sin 2 + i cos 2 ) v VBA = ib3 ( cos 3 + i sin 3 ) = b2 ( sin 3 + i cos 3 ) v VB = ic4 ( cos 4 + i sin 4 ) = c4 ( sin 4 + i cos 4 ) v 2 AA = a 2 ( sin 2 + i cos 2 ) a2 (cos 2 + i sin 2 ) v 2 ABA = b 3 ( sin 3 + i cos 3 ) b3 (cos 3 + i sin 3 ) v 2 AB = c 4 ( sin 4 + i cos 4 ) c4 (cos 4 + i sin 4 )

Reference four-bar linkage.

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