Analysis of Mechanism
ME 301
MATLAB
2023
Mechanism
About Project
In this project, we need to analyze the system presented on the cover. To complete this, we must use nearly all the concepts we have learned throughout the semester. The project is completed in two stages: first, we conduct position, velocity, and acceleration analyses of the system; then we move on to force analysis. This approach allows us to gain critical insights into the system. Identifying the forces acting on each component during operation helps determine critical positions for structural analysis. You can see how we used these critical positions in the “Design of Box Transport Mechanism” project. The analysis of this mechanism is planned to be automated using a computer program. This aims to solve the equations with many unknowns more quickly. Since each angle will be given as a separate input, calculating all the values manually is not feasible, making it necessary to prepare a program. MATLAB was used for coding.
ME 301
Theory of Machines (ME301) is a compulsory course for third-year Mechanical Engineering students at Middle East Technical University. This course provides a comprehensive analysis of mechanisms, divided into two main parts: kinematics and force analysis. In kinematic analysis, the focus is on examining position, velocity, and acceleration of mechanisms. Force analysis, on the other hand, is split into static and dynamic analysis, where the forces acting on mechanisms in both stationary and moving states are studied. Understanding these elements is crucial for comprehending the overall movement of mechanisms. Therefore, the course adopts a holistic approach, ensuring students grasp the interconnectedness of these analyses. Additionally, the course includes a project that aims to develop a program capable of performing these analyses for a selected mechanism. This project not only reinforces theoretical knowledge but also enhances practical skills in mechanism analysis.
Steps of Project
- Determining how many equations to write by finding the DOF and Loop number of the mechanism. Writing as many Loop Closure Equations as needed
- Obtaining velocity and acceleration closure equations from loop closure equation.
- Deriving equations by preparing free body diagrams of the elements of the mechanism.
- By transferring the equations to Matlab, graphing the output changes according to variable input values.
Conclusion
With this project, we repeat almost all the concepts we saw throughout the period. We also see how a process that normally takes only minutes to calculate a single calculation can be made easier with the help of a computer to obtain results for all values that the input can take. In this way, we obtain comprehensive information about the behavior of our mechanism. The force analysis we have made can later be used to determine critical positions for structural analysis. This project consists of two stages and is spread out over the period. In the first stage, only location analysis was performed. In the second stage, kinematic and kinetic analysis was carried out completely. However, since the second stage coincided with the final week, only the coding part was emphasized. The report of both phases is given below.