What is Machines: Definition and 208 Discussions

A machine is a human-made device that uses power to apply forces and control movement to perform an action. Machines can be driven by animals and people, by natural forces such as wind and water, and by chemical, thermal, or electrical power, and include a system of mechanisms that shape the actuator input to achieve a specific application of output forces and movement. They can also include computers and sensors that monitor performance and plan movement, often called mechanical systems.
Renaissance natural philosophers identified six simple machines which were the elementary devices that put a load into motion, and calculated the ratio of output force to input force, known today as mechanical advantage.Modern machines are complex systems that consist of structural elements, mechanisms and control components and include interfaces for convenient use. Examples include: a wide range of vehicles, such as automobiles, boats and airplanes; appliances in the home and office, including computers, building air handling and water handling systems; as well as farm machinery, machine tools and factory automation systems and robots.

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  1. I

    Effort/ Load simple machines question

    Homework Statement A screw jack that is used on cars whenever tyres are changed by the owner. The screw moves though a distance equal to its pitch whenever the effort lever ( jack handle) is given a complete turn. If the length of the jack handle is 24cm, the pitch is 2mm and the jack is...
  2. M

    Questions regarding sputtering machines, their magnetrons, and etch process

    Hello, Years back, I used to work with a sputtering machine, but I never really understud some of the activities within the machine. One of the things that puzzled me was why the target was to be eroded, while the surrounding metal structure that held it in place and formed the lid, was not...
  3. N

    The Impossible Quest: Kicking Machines in Space to Reach Light Speed

    A gigantic machine that has let's say another 1000 machines inside of it. We start the primary machine to travel at 100 km/h. We send it out to space, then the machine sends the next machine inside of and kicks it to give it a boost for another 100 km/h. Now the kicked machine has an extra 100...
  4. C

    Spaceship concepts from The Dream Machines

    How plausible are these concepts? Thomas Ciesla's Centauri project utilizes a terraformed asteroid with antimatter propulsion that can travel at .30 c Alan Holt's interstellar transport system uses two field generators and 16 field amplifiers to create a space-time bubble around a vessel...
  5. B

    Need a software for working on electrical machines

    hi! i want to couple the 2 A.C. machines mechanically so i need a software to work out on this can anyone help me please...
  6. E

    Torque in AC Machines: Why is Theta Same?

    hi i have question related to torque = force X r = Fr sin (theta) and torque = k (Br X Bs) = k BsBr sin (theta) why does theta the same in both ??
  7. E

    How to Correct VHDL Code for Serial Input State Machine?

    VHDL help in state machines! I have to write a vhdl code to accept inputs serially in the form of bytes(1 byte at a time). These bytes are in a particular order i.e they are received in packets where each packet is a frame with a specific number of bytes. This number of bytes in a frame can be...
  8. Y

    If we saw the x-rays could we see whatever the x-rays machines see?

    if we saw the x-rays could we see whatever the x-rays machines see?
  9. G

    Medical How do xray machines produce xrays?

    If anyone has knowledge about how xrays are produced from xray machines could you please help me. Any information about this would be greatly appreciated and simple language would be great. I already know that the actual xray is produced from an electron shift in the tungsten to a lower...
  10. D

    Are calling machines legal?

    Are "calling machines" legal? My phone just rang. It was a pre-recorded message from a company I won't name just now, asking me to fill out a satisfaction survey. Is this legal? If machines are allowed to call people, then why don't every company program in the entire phone book and...
  11. V

    Electric machines & power electronics - PMAC machine connected in Y, 4 poles

    Homework Statement A PMAC machine is connected in Y and has 4 poles. I_F\,=\,27\,A and L_m\,=\,20\,mH. a) It is to operate at a torque of 35 Nm and at a speed of 4000 RPM. Calculate the necessary stator current I_S and voltage V_{S\,line-to-line} so that the losses are minimal. b) If the...
  12. V

    Engineering Electrical Machines and Power Electronics - 3 phase, 6 pole induction motor

    Homework Statement A three phase, 6-pole, \Delta connected induction motor is rated 208V, 60Hz. It has R_R\,=\,5.2\,\Omega, R_S\,=\,2.2\,\Omega, X_m\,=\,220\,\Omega, X_{lr}\,=\,7.5\,\Omega, X_{ls}\,=\,2.3\,\Omega. Calculate the starting torque and both phase and line currents when the motor...
  13. D

    Sound Intensity Problem of 3 Machines

    Homework Statement In a factory, 3 machines produce noise with intensity levels of 76 dB, 82 dB, and 85 dB. With all three running, what is the intensity level? Homework Equations B = 10 log (I/Io) The Attempt at a Solution B = 10 log (10e7.6 + 10e8.2 + 10e8.5) I do not know...
  14. B

    Behaviour of rotating Electric Machines in Free Space

    Hi Guys, This somewhat abstract concept just happened to pop in my mind. CASE 1 :- Assume a 3 phase Induction motor to be placed in free space such that both the stator and rotor are free to move relative to each other i.e. neither the stator (nor the rotor for that matter) is bolted or...
  15. Monique

    Is an espresso machine worth the investment?

    Does anyone here have an espresso machine? I was thinking of buying one, but when I trust the reviews the best one costs $700 and the best valued one $450. Those prices are steep! http://www.consumersearch.com/espresso-machines Is it really worth investing that kind of money into an espresso...
  16. R

    Calculate Number of Turns Per Phase: Electrical Machines Exam

    Hi there [I] am presently studying for my electrical machines exam and i have a few examples to tackle. A 50hz, 3 phase, core-type transformer is connected star-delta and has a line voltage ratio of 11000/400V. The cross-section of the core is square with a circumscribing circle of 0.6m...
  17. D

    Laser Cutting Machines: What Cuts Steel?

    Just curious after watching some lasers cutting 5mm thick steel sheets very fast, what is exactly cutting the steel? Is it just a laser beam? Light only? The machines run on bottles of gas, so if not, what exactly is the beam made of? thanks
  18. O

    What Machines Are These (Metrology)?

    Hello, Can anyone please tell me what are these machines name? Thank you Huygen http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/1338/35973441.png [PLAIN][PLAIN]http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/7932/50181838.png
  19. C

    Can Anyone Explain These Perpetual Motion Videos?

    Does anyone have explanation for these videos? << video links removed by berkeman >>
  20. pslarsen

    Infinity machines where to buy?

    "Infinity" machines... where to buy? To start out with - they don't exist so let's not discuses that. What does exist are these small machines that can run with extremely little friction which I would love to have here on my desktop - my only problem is that I CANNOT find them and I have...
  21. R

    Good book on kinematics and dynamics of machines.

    Can u suggest me a very good book on Kinematics and Dynamics of Machines covering topics in deep. It should cover topics like velocity acceleration in mechanisms, balancing, gearing , gyroscope, basic mechanims and motion, static and dynamic force analysis and various others.
  22. X

    Electric Power & Machines BSc Possible Nuclear Engineering MSc ?

    I'm a fresh graduate with a BSc degree in Electric Power & Machines. However, my MSc thesis should be nuclear related due to some issues with my university. What do you think a proper field of research in Nuclear Engineering where I could use my BSc electric power background ? It worth...
  23. M

    Virtual Machines: Do you have one ? Xen,VMware, Virtual Box

    Virtual Machines: Do you have one ? Xen,VMware, Virtual Box Hi ... all ...Do you have a virtual machine ? (XEN, VMware, VirtualBox, or any other ...) ... please give more info on how you are using it ? I''m trying to find out what are the different ways to use them ?... how are people...
  24. A

    DC Machines: Laminated Rotor Core Benefits

    why are laminated rotor cores used in dc machines (with dc current in the rotor) when there is no possibility of eddy current (or is there?).
  25. S

    Perpetual motion machines - gravity an unconventional source?

    This example is highlighted in the Wikipedia definition of perpetual motion. Machines which are claimed not to violate either of the two laws of thermodynamics but rather to generate energy from unconventional sources are sometimes referred to as perpetual motion machines, although they are...
  26. M

    Machines Testing: Types, Operation & More

    Does anybody know where can I find something about testing machines? Something about main types, how do they operate etc.
  27. M

    Are all time machines flawed?

    Hello, This might be an old question by now, though I have never seen any mention of it yet. I was considering all the fictional time machines and even theoretical the laser time tunnel idea. When it occurred to me that all have a certain flaw, in that they are all based on a stationary...
  28. M

    What is the Functionality and Mechanical Advantage of Different Pulley Systems?

    The simple pulley :- A simple pulley consists essentially of a wheel with a rope round it which it contained in a suspended framework . suppose W is the load or weight in lb.wt. attached to one end of the rope , and P is the effort in lb.wt. applied downwards at the other end which can just...
  29. A

    Creating a Beowulf Cluster from 5 Machines

    I have a question, if I had 5 machines I'd like to make into slave nodes, 3 600MHz Pentium 3's, 1 2GHz P4, and 1 2.6GHz P4, is it possible to hook them up into a beowulf cluster?
  30. N

    [Theory of Machines] Why is Belt in a Belt drive a Link

    Hello every1... I'm a mechanical enggineering student... I've been studying theory of Machines... My academic syllabus includes only "Simple Mechanisms"... Now in Simple Mechanisms...the first thing we get to know is a "Kinematic Link"... Definition of a Kinematic Link:-it is a rigid or...
  31. L

    Probability of people having answering machines

    According to a research company survey, 70% of telephone subscrivers have an answering machine. If a telemarketing campaign contacts 200 telephone subscribers, what is the probability that 150 or more iwll have an answering machine? Im lost for the tree diagram but and i have no clue for what...
  32. Z

    Probability of defective machines question

    [solved]probability question Homework Statement Three machines A, B, and C produce 50%, 30% and 20% respectively of the total number of items at a factory. Each produces a number of defective: 3%, 4% and 5% respectively. (a) If an item produced by one of these machines is selected, find...
  33. T

    Revision: Register Machines Questions and Answers

    stuck on a question on register machines for revision, basically i don't have the notes for these problems but i do have the questions and answers. the question starts off giving us the information 1(1,2,7) 2(2,3) 3(1,4,9) 4(2,5) 5(1,6,10) 6(2,1) 7(1,8) 8(1,9) 9(1,10) 10(halt)...
  34. B

    Artificial intelligence - the rise of machines

    Hi all, :smile: Technology has advanced phenomenally in the past few decades or so. A particular point of concern…….yeah that’s right!, ‘concern’ is the massive advent in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. Softwares so powerful that it will decide the fate of mankind! Maybe, the...
  35. L

    How do these machines work (parking meter, etc )

    Hi guys ,, how are you all ?? my teacher had us to make a report about parking meter and the coins we are using for it ,, the new issued ones doesn't work with the parking meters ,, so i have a question ... how does parking meters , Pepsi machines and other machines that you have to...
  36. I

    Injection Molding Machines - Plastic Gears

    Hello, I need some help with the general very basic cost analysis of an injection molding machine and a mold for a particular part (Plastic Gear). For example, a Gear made out of Nylon plastic resin. The gear dimensions are roughly 2 cm diameter (20 teeth). Something like the black one...
  37. M

    Stargazing Telescopes: Magnifiers or Time Machines?

    As I was helping my teenage kids with their science homework, I began to wonder if and how Einsteins theories on time/space relationship would apply to someone who was using a telescope to view a far distant Red Giant going SuperNova. Would using a telescope to view such an event result in...
  38. A

    Physics has to do with simple machines

    Homework Statement 1.) What are the five uses of simple machines? 2.) A bicycle is a combination of simple machines. What are at least three things that can be done to increase the efficiency of a bicycle? 3.) Give an example of a device that is a lever that increases force, but does...
  39. T

    Is It Possible to Create Perpetual Machines That Violate the Laws of Physics?

    Well you might know that perpetual machines violate the laws of physics but do they really. Well firstly Newton's first law of motion states that an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon an outside unequal force. Most the time when we roll a ball or something it's usually stooped by...
  40. S

    What are the main sub-topics of Thermodynamics in Machines?

    What are some sub-topics that I can research on Thermodynamics in Machines? Thank you.
  41. Greg Bernhardt

    Do Sleep Machines Emit Delta Waves?

    Anyone use sleep machines? My father is asking one for xmas. Are they really just cd players or is there more to it? For example this Brookstone one I am looking at has claims of delta wave technology. Is that bunk?
  42. E

    Turing machines and decidability

    Okay, so if I have a turing machine so called M, is there a configuration alpha s beta which yields a configuration with state q? If it's decidable can someone explain the algorithm to proceed?
  43. A

    Inertia and equlibrium of machines

    well, i would like to ask abt sth we studied in theory of machines ' we studied chapter named(equilibrium of machines) but i am really so confused abt concept of this equilibrium because in this chapter we have studied that any part of machines under equlibrium u can apply these equations...
  44. A

    Inertia and equlibrium of machines

    well, i would like to ask abt sth we studied in theory of machines ' we studied chapter named(equilibrium of machines) but i am really so confused abt concept of this equilibrium because in this chapter we have studied that any part of machines under equlibrium u can apply these equations...
  45. S

    Theory of Machines: Determine Reaction Force Between Rod AC & Trunnion B

    In the plane mechanism shown,the driving crank OA,which is 50mm between centers,oscillates about the fixed axis O.The rod ZC,which is uniform,100mm long and of tatol mass 0.05kg,slides through the trunnion(swiveling pin)B.The distance OB is 75mm.When the crank OA is at the position shown,it has...
  46. S

    How efficiently do we digest our food compared to machines?

    How much energy is wasted as we digest and convert our food into energy?
  47. I

    Uncovering the Mystery: How a Wheel and Axle Multiply Force in Simple Machines

    Here is something that has been bothering me for quite a while... Growing up, I was always taught that a wheel and axle decreased effort by multiplying the input force. In other words, the axle actually exerts more force than the wheel, just over a shorter distance. This makes sense and...
  48. I

    Proton decay [was: Are atoms 'perpetual machines'?]

    don't all atoms decay? don't even protons decay?
  49. D

    Are atoms 'perpetual machines'?

    Are atoms 'perpetual machines'? To me it seems they are? Does friction affect electrons at all? For example, A rock's atom's electrons have been orbiting the nucleus for the past, say 4 billion years without energy being supplied to the atom... Thanks for your input.
  50. M

    Solving the Paradox of Self-Built Time Machines

    Suppose i build a time machine , then go back in the past & kill myself . I die the instant i kill my past , but how in the first place i built the time machine ?
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