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.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. L

    How can I make a cost-effective foam machine for a party using household items?

    I'm thinking of throwing a party in three months or so. A fad that has been getting more popular lately is a foam party. To do this you need a foam machine. Rental for one of these units is well above $100, and sometimes around $400. That's a little pricy for my budget, but I figure that with a...
  2. S

    100% Efficient machines through LQG?

    I was sitting in my car today, before class, pondering the meaning of the universe. When I thought,"Hey, if there is a smallest unit of matter, then there should also be a smallest unit of energy." Well, then I thought, "If that's true, then if the smallest unit of energy were to act upon the...
  3. W

    Why can't machines be 100 percent efficient?

    Why can't machines be 100 percent efficent[?]
  4. L

    Fun and Quirky Answering Machine Greetings to Keep Telemarketers at Bay

    I'm sure most of us have, at one time or another, thought of silly greetings to leave on our answering machine. I have recently come up with one that I wish to share. I would also like to know if anyone here is the legal expertise to tell me whether or not I can legally enforce the following...
  5. wolram

    Which Lifter Bearing is Best for Food Industry Machines

    what is best,a machine we use in the food industry, cycles at 30rpm a direct drive cam opperates a lifter that travels 500mm up and down, the machine is washed down every night,there is no particulate matter. so would linear bearings or bushes be best for lifter? "lubrication is minimal"
  6. Greg Bernhardt

    Greek deity found extensive use in photocopying machines?

    What non-metallic element named for an ancient Greek deity found extensive use in photocopying machines?
  7. R

    Positive and negative charges(mainly relating to copy machines)

    Why is it that black colors create a positive elctrical charge, while white colors send a negative charge? Does it have to do with different wave lengths? When light (in a copy machine) is focused on to the photoconductive drum, why and how does the black color become positively charged? I...
  8. R

    Understanding Copy Machines: The Science Behind Positive and Negative Charges

    Why is it that black sends a positive charge through a copy machine while white sends a negative charge? I presume it has something to do with the wave lengths? If you don't know how a copy machine works, consult me. I have an unexplained obssession of learning about copy machines (and it is...
Back
Top