Mechanical Advantage and Types of Machines

Wedge

A simple machine that is linear and derived from the incline plane.

Screw

A linear simple machine derived from the incline plane with an IMA formula of (2πr) thread/pitch.

Inclined Plane

A linear simple machine with an IMA formula of 1/ sin theta.

Lever

A rotational simple machine with an IMA formula of Effort Distance/ Load Distance.

Pulley

A rotational simple machine with an IMA formula based on the number of cables supporting the load.

Wheel and Axle

A rotational simple machine where the IMA is calculated as (diameter of wheel) / (diameter of axle).

Gear

A rotational simple machine with an IMA formula of (larger gear diameter) / (smaller gear diameter).

Mechanical Advantage

The ability of a machine to magnify force, also known as MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE.

Ideal Mechanical Advantage (IMA)

One of the two types of mechanical advantage, representing the theoretical magnification of force.

Actual Mechanical Advantage (AMA)

One of the two types of mechanical advantage, representing the practical magnification of force.

Efficiency

The ratio of Actual Mechanical Advantage (AMA) to Ideal Mechanical Advantage (IMA).

Class 1 Lever

A type of lever where the load is between the fulcrum and the effort.

Class 2 Lever

A type of lever where the fulcrum is between the load and the effort.

Class 3 Lever

A type of lever where the effort is between the fulcrum and the load.

Linkages

Mechanisms that transfer, magnify, or convert motion, with types like 4-bar and 3-bar linkages.

Cams

Mechanical devices used in mechanisms for various functions like transferring motion.