What does these structures do? (pistons with linear and circular motion)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the practical applications and understanding of mechanical linkages, specifically those involving pistons with linear and circular motion, as encountered in dynamics problems. Participants explore the relevance of these structures in real-world scenarios versus their use in academic exercises.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the purpose of pistons in dynamics problems, seeking clarity on their typical applications.
  • Another participant suggests that these objects may have little real-world utility, viewing them primarily as exercises for practice.
  • A different participant draws a comparison to a sliding garage door mechanism, indicating that there are various applications for such linkages and references external resources for further information.
  • Some participants question the practicality of studying these mechanisms, suggesting a preference for more applicable topics.
  • One participant shares a link to an image of a pantograph mirror, indicating that visual aids can help clarify the concepts discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the practical utility of the discussed structures, with some believing they are primarily academic exercises while others point to real-world applications. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall relevance of these mechanisms.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not reach a consensus on the usefulness of the structures, and there are varying interpretations of their applications. The discussion highlights a lack of clarity on the practical implications of the mechanisms in question.

Femme_physics
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I always see them in my dynamics problem but I never understand what are they used for, typically? Just to get some sort of perspective on the thing.


It's supposed to be a rod connected to two pistons moving with linear and circular motion

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/3977/whatdothey.jpg
 
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Do you mean what are these objects useful in real world ?
I think almost nothing. It's just for practising with exercises.
 
Your picture is similar to a sliding garage door mechanism (but drawn upside down).

There are many applications for these types of linkage. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanical_linkage (and the links to Watt's linkage, etc on that page)
 
Quinzio said:
Do you mean what are these objects useful in real world ?
I think almost nothing. It's just for practising with exercises.


Really? Wouldn't we be better off studying something more practical?

This helped clear it though :) -->

[URL]http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ce/Pantograph_Mirror.gif[/URL]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Femme_physics said:
Really? Wouldn't we be better off studying something more practical?

This helped clear it though :) -->

Cool picture! :cool:
 

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