Summary of chapter 1 - Essay Example

Kinematics of Mechanisms The term kinematics is usually used to refer to the geometric properties of displacement and movement such as acceleration, position and velocity of machinery components, whereas on the other hand kinetics refers to the properties of forces exerted by the part that is acting on the machinery (Norton 2004). Basing on the Newton’s second law of motion (Force=Mass x Acceleration), kinetics and kinematics are explained by defining the acceleration of a particle which is usually directly proportional to the difference between the forces that the particle exerts to that which is applies to it.

If these two forces are equal, where (F in –F out =0), then the particle will be found to move at a constant velocity.Mechanism and machines are terms that have been consistently used more so in the field of engineering and technology. The term mechanism is used to refer to the chemical, physical and fundamental processes that are accountable for the occurrence of an action or a reaction. On the other hand, the term machine refers to the assembly of various parts that can transmit or convey forces, energy and motion in a programmed manner.

In kinematics, mechanism can be seen as an ideal means of controlling, transmitting or compelling relative movement through rigid bodies which are connected together by joints.Kinematics has been widely applied in various subjects in order to reduce workload and describe certain complex scientific concepts. For instance, in the field of astrophysics, kinematics has been used to describe the movement of astronomic bodies and systems such as the solar system. In addition, it has also been used to explain the functioning of the various machinery parts more so in the fields of biomechanics, robotics and in mechanical engineering.

This chapter therefore generally surveys the theoretic basis and the existing applications of kinetic and kinematic synthesis for the appropriate functioning and design of machinery. In addition, the chapter has an organized presentation which aims at critically and scientifically illustrate the mechanical advantage in the kinematic synthesis process.Works CitedNorton, Robert L. Design of Machinery: An Introduction to the Synthesis and Analysis of Mechanisms and Machines. Boston [etc.: McGraw-Hill, 2004. Print.