Mechanics of Machines

ME2031
LAB INSTRUCTOR: AWAIS LIAQAT
To study the motion of
crank-connecting rod
mechanism
EXPERIMENT 02
CLO-3 P3-PLO-4 (INVESTIGATION)
Slider-Crank Mechanism

“Slider-crank mechanism is an arrangement of mechanical

parts designed to convert straight-line motion to rotary
motion and vice versa”.
Slider-Crank Mechanism
A flexible body is used for the connection rod. The sliding
mass is not allowed to rotate and three revolute joints are
used to connect the bodies.
Inversion
When one of links is fixed in a kinematic chain, it is called
a Mechanism.
We can obtain as many mechanisms as the number of links
in a kinematic chain by fixing, in turn, different links in a
kinematic chain.
This method of obtaining different mechanisms by fixing
different links in a kinematic chain, is known as inversion of
the mechanism.
Inversion of Slider-Crank Mechanism.
Inversion of Slider-Crank Mechanism.
First inversion
This inversion is obtained when link 1 is fixed
and links 2 and 4 are made the crank and the
slider respectively.
Applications:
1. Reciprocating engine
2. Reciprocating compressor/Engine
Second inversion
Fixing of Link 2 of a Slider-crank chain results
in the second inversion.
◦ When its link 2 is fixed instead of link 1, link 3
along with the slider at its end B becomes a
crank. This makes link 1 to rotate about O along
with the slider which also reciprocates on it.
Applications:
1. Whitworth quick-return mechanism
2. Rotary engine.
Inversion of Slider-Crank Mechanism.
Third inversion
By fixing link 3 of the slider crank mechanism,
third inversion is obtained.
◦ Now, link 2 again acts as a crank and link 4
oscillates.
Applications:
1. Oscillating cylinder engine
2. Crank and slotted-lever mechanism.
Fourth inversion
If link 4 of the slider-crank mechanism is fixed,
the fourth inversion is obtained.
◦ Link 3 can oscillate about the fixed pivot B on
link 4. This makes end A of link 2 to oscillate
about B and end O to reciprocate along the axis
of the fixed link 4.
Application: Hand Pump
Oscillating Cylinder Mechanism
An oscillating cylinder mechanism is
used in steam engines which do not
require valves to direct steam into and
out of the cylinder. Instead of valves,
the entire cylinder oscillates, such that
cylinder becomes in line with intake
and exhaust ports alternatively as it
oscillates between the two extreme
positions.
Oscillating Cylinder Mechanism
Advantages:
Simplicity
Low manufacturing cost
Extend fuel economy and high power
to weight ratio (approx. 1.55 ) then
conventional engines
Uses:
Steam Engines
◦ Railway locomotives, ships,
steamboats and road vehicles.
Oscillating Cylinder Mechanism
Practice Exercise