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Simple
Machines

Simple
Machines

Simple Machine: A device for overcoming

resistance at one point by applying force
at some other point.

Work : The force applied on an object

multiplied by the distance traveled
by the object.

Effort : The force needed by a

machine in order to accomplish
work on a load.

Load : The resistance or weight

sustained by a machine.

Mechanical Advantage (MA) : The

ratio of the output force (acting on a
load) produced by a machine to the
applied effort (the input force).

The Six Simple Machines

Inclined Plane
Wedge
Screw
Lever
Wheel and Axle
Pulley

The Six Simple Machines

Two general classes of simple machines.
Those that operate in straight lines or
vectors.
Inclined Plane
Wedge
Screw

Those that operate by turning.

Lever
Pulley
Wheel and Axle

Inclined Plane
3 ft.

1 ft.

This inclined plane has a mechanical advantage of 3.

Mechanical Advantage = Length / Height
MA = Length (3 ft.) divided by the height of the incline (1 ft.).
3/1=3
MA = 3

Inclined Plane

3 lb

1ft.

Force x Distance = Work

3 lb of force x 1 ft or distance = 3 ft-lb work

Inclined Plane
3 ft.

1 lb

1 ft.

By using in inclined plane with a mechanical advantage of 3 the

amount of force required is reduced to one pound.

Inclined Plane
EXAMPLES

Wedge

A wedge is a movable inclined plane.

Wedge
3 ft.

1 ft.

Mechanical Advantage = Length / Width

MA = 3/1
MA = 3

50 lb

Wedge
4 in.

If the wedge to the right is

pushed downward 12 in. with a
50 lb force the result would be
a force on the material it is
driven into of three times that
or 150 lb. over one-third of the
distance, 4 in.

150 lb

12 in.

150 lb

Wedge
EXAMPLES

Screw
3 ft.

1 ft.

A screw is basically an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder.

Screw

Screw

Screw
EXAMPLES

Lever
Effort

Load
3 lb

Fulcrum
A lever is a bar that pivots about a point called the fulcrum.

Lever

1 ft.

3 ft.

MA=Fulcrum to Effort / Fulcrum to Load

MA=3 / 1
MA=3

1 lb
Effo
rt

Lever
Loa
d
3 lb

Lever
1 lb
Effort
Load
3 lb

Effort

Load

Work = 1 lb x 3 ft = 3 ft lb

Work = 3 lb x 1 ft = 3 ft lb

1 lb
Effo
rt

Lever
Loa
d
3 lb

Effort

Load

Work = 1 lb x 3 ft = 3 ft lb

Work = 3 lb x 1 ft = 3 ft lb

Lever
1 lb
Effort
Load
3 lb

Effort

Load

Work = 1 lb x 3 ft = 3 ft lb

Work = 3 lb x 1 ft = 3 ft lb

Types of Levers
Effort

Load

Fulcrum

First Class
Effort and Load on opposite sides of the Fulcrum

Types of Levers
Effort
Load

Fulcrum

First Class
Effort and Load on opposite sides of the Fulcrum

Types of Levers

First Class = See Saw

Types of Levers
Effort

Load

Fulcrum

Second Class
Effort and Fulcrum on opposite side of the Load

Types of Levers
1 lb
Effort

Load
4 lb

Fulcrum

Second Class
Effort and Fulcrum on opposite side of the Load

Types
of
Levers
1 lb

Effor
t

Load

4 lb

Fulcrum

Second Class
Effort and Fulcrum on opposite side of the Load

Types of Levers
Effor
t

Load

Fulcrum

Second Class
Effort and Fulcrum on opposite side of the Load

Types of Levers
Load

Effort

Fulcrum

Third Class
Fulcrum and Load on opposite side of the Effort

Types of Levers
4 lb
Effort

Load
1 lb

Fulcrum

Third Class
Fulcrum and Load on opposite side of the Effort

Types of Levers
Load
1 lb

4 lb
Effor
t

Fulcrum

Third Class
Fulcrum and Load on opposite side of the Effort

Types of Levers
Effort
Load

Fulcrum

Third Class
Fulcrum and Load on opposite side of the Effort

Lever
EXAMPLES

Wheel and Axle

Effort

Load 6 lb

Wheel and Axle

Effort

Load 6 lb

Wheel and Axle

Effort

Load 6 lb

Wheel and Axle

MA=Wheel Diameter / Axle Diameter

Effort

MA=6 / 1
MA= 6

Load 6 lb

Wheel and Axle

1 lb
Effort

Load 6 lb

Wheel and Axle

EXAMPLES

Pulley

3 lb
Effort
Load 3 lb

Pulley

Load 3 lb

3 lb
Effort

Pulley

3 lb
Effort
Load 3 lb

Pulley

Effort

Start
Start

Load

Pulley

1 lb
Effort

Load 3 lb

End
Start
Start

End

Pulley

4
1 lb
Effort

Load

4 lb

Pulley

1 lb
Effort

Load

4 lb

Pulley

Start

End
Start

End

Pulley
EXAMPLES

References:
Examples
Morrow, H.W. (1998). Statics and Strength of Materials,

Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall

Spiegel, L. & Limbrunner, G. (year). Statics and Strength

of Materials-4th ed., Englewood, NJ: Prentice Hall

Door Image - j0403728.jpg; Keyboard and Mouse - j0341934.jpg; Robots Welding - j0401916.jpg; Arm - j0431692.jpg www.office.microsoft.com/enus/clipart

Pulley Image - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:PulleyShip.JPG

Crane Pulley Image - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Crane_pulley_4x.jpg
Wheelchair and ramp - http://www.riton.com.au/wheel%20chair%20%20ramp%2014.jpg
See Saw - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Seesaw-aa.jpg
Wrench - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Open_ended_spanner.jpg
Tractor and Auger - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Tractor_with_Auger_01.JPG
Drill and Screw - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Wood_screw.jpg
Spiral Staircase - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Cremona%2C_torrazzo_interno_02_scala_a_chiocciola.JPG
Locomotive - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:462driving.jpg
Bicycle Wheel - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bicycle_wheel.jpg
Gears - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Gears_large.jpg

Credits:
Writer: Tad A. Douce
Content Editor: Tad A. Douce
Production Work: Tad A. Douce