This is the fifth edition of a one-of-a-kind engineering reference book covering the past,
present, and future of mechanisms and mechanical devices. It includes clear illustrations
and straightforward descriptions of specific subjects rather than the theory and mathematics
found in most engineering textbooks. You will find that this book contains
hundreds of detailed line drawings that will hold your interest regardless of your background
in mechanical engineering. The text accompanying the illustrations is intended
to help you to understand the basic concepts of subjects that may or may not be familiar
to you.
You will find drawings and illustrations that are simply interesting and informative
and perhaps others that could spur your creativity and prompt you to recycle them into
your new designs or redesigns. They may offer solutions you had not previously considered
because they were not visible inside contemporary products unless the product is
disassembled. Solid state electronics and computer circuitry have displaced many earlier
mechanical solutions, no doubt improving product reliability and efficiency while reducing
their price.
Nevertheless, many of those displaced mechanical components have lives of their own
and may very well turn up in other products in different form performing different functions
after undergoing dimensional and material transformations.
Classical, proven mechanisms and mechanical devices may seem to disappear only to
reappear in other forms and applications. Anyone who believes that all mechanisms will
be replaced by electronics need only examine the sophistication of the latest self-winding
mechanical watches, digital cameras, gyro-stabilized vehicles, and navigational systems.
This book illustrates the ongoing importance of classical mechanical devices as well as
the latest mechatronic devices formed by the merger between mechanics and electronics.
It is a must addition to your personal technical library, and it offers you a satisfying way
to “get up to speed” on new subjects or those you may have studied in the past but have
now faded from your memory. Moreover, it is hoped that this book will encourage you to
refresh your knowledge of these and other topics that interest you by accessing the many
related Web sites on the Internet.
What’s New in This Book?
This fifth edition contains three new chapters: Chapter 3, Stationary and Mobile Robots,
Chapter 4, Mechanisms for Renewable Power Generation, and Chapter 17, 3D Digital
Prototypes and Simulation. Chapter 18, Rapid Prototyping, has been updated and completely
revised, and new articles have been added to Chapters 5 through 16 that make up
the archival core of the book. Five new articles have been added to Chapter 13, Motion-
Specific Devices, Mechanisms, and Machines, which is part of the archival core. Also, five
new articles have been added to Chapter 19, New Directions in Mechanical Engineering.
A Quick Overview of Some Chapters
Chapter 1 on basic mechanisms explains the physics of mechanisms including inclined
planes, jacks, levers, linkage, gears, pulleys, genevas, cams, and clutches—all components
in modern machines. A glossary of common mechanical terms is included.
Chapter 2 on motion control explains open- and closed-loop systems with diagrams
and text. Described and illustrated are the key mechanical, electromechanical, and electronic
components that comprise modern automated robotic and mechatronic systems,
including actuators, encoders, servomotors, stepper motors, resolvers, solenoids, and
tachometers. It includes a glossary of motion control terms.
Chapter 3, a new discussion of robots, includes an overview of stationary industrial
robots and a wide range of mobile robots. Drawings and text explain the geometry of
industrial robots and leading specifications are given for four of the newest robots. Seven
mobile robots are described accompanied by their illustrations and leading specifications.
They operate on Mars, on Earth, in the air, and under the sea. Other articles describe
innovative NASA robots that climb, crawl, hop, and rappel down cliffs. In addition, a
glossary defines common robot terms.
Chapter 4, a new addition, describes the leading contenders for generating carbon-free
renewable power, which happen to be mechanical in nature. They are driven by the free
energy of the wind, sun, and natural water motion. Examples described and illustrated
include wind turbines and their farms, four different solar thermal farm concepts, and
proposed methods for tapping ocean tidal and wave energy. Both the upsides and downsides
of these plants are stated. Attention is given to location, efficiency, public acceptance,
Magnetic Circuits and Magnetic Materials 1
2 Transformers 63
3 Electromechanical-Energy-Conversion Principles 122
4 Introduction to Rotating Machines 190
5 Synchronous Machines 262
6 Polyphase Induction Machines 344
7 DC Machines 403
8 Variable-Reluctance Machines and Stepping Motors 460
9 Single- and Two-Phase Motors 510
10 Speed and Torque Control 553
Appendix A Three-Phase Circuits 635
Appendix B Voltages, Magnetic Fields, and Inductances
of Distributed AC Windings 651
Appendix C The dq0 Transformation 664
Appendix D Engineering Aspects of Practical Electric Machine
Performance and Operation 676
Appendix E Table of Constants and Conversion
Factors for SI Units 688
Index 689
