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A machine is any device that uses energy to perform some activity. In common usage, the meaning is that of a device having parts that perform or assist in performing any type of work. A simple machine is a device that transforms the direction or magnitude of a force without consuming any energy. The word "machine" is derived from the Latin machina.1
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Usage
Historically, a device required moving parts to be classified as a machine; however, the advent of electronics technology has led to the development of devices without moving parts that are considered machines—the computer being the most obvious example.1
"Engines" are machines that convert heat or other forms of energy into mechanical energy. Internal combustion engines for example use the expansion of gas caused by heat from an exothermic chemical reaction.
Machines are ubiquitous in a wide variety of industrial, commercial, residential and transportation applications. For instance, those employing hydraulics are useful in manufacturing, construction.
Another defenition mght be: Machine is a device that allows you to do work in a way that is easier or more effective. So basically, that means that it lets you work in a simpler manner; but that still doesn't mean that you do any less work eavnthought the work goes by faster.
Reference for the defenition above: Prentice Hall Science Explorer 7
Types of machines and other devices
| Simple machines | Inclined plane, Wheel and axle, Lever, Pulley, Wedge, Screw | |
| Mechanical components | Axle, Bearings, Belts, Bucket, Fastener, Gear, Key, Link chains, Rack and pinion, Roller chains, Rope, Seals, Spring, Wheel, | |
| Clock | Atomic clock, Chronometer, Pendulum clock, Quartz clock | |
| Compressors and Pumps | Archimedes screw, Eductor-jet pump, Hydraulic ram, Pump, Tuyau, Vacuum pump | |
| Heat engines | External combustion engines | Steam engine, Stirling engine |
| Internal combustion engines | Reciprocating engine | |
| Linkages | Pantograph, Peaucellier-Lipkin | |
| Turbine | Gas turbine, Jet engine, Steam turbine, Water turbine, Wind generator, Windmill (Air turbine) | |
| Aerofoil | Sail, Wing, Rudder, Flap, Propeller | |
| Electronics | Transistor, Diode, Capacitor, Resistor, Inductor | |
| Miscellaneous | Robot, Vending machine, Wind tunnel, Check weighing machines, Riveting machines |
Machines in Education and Art
- Gunderson Do-All Machine - an artistically presented network of more than 30 interconnected machines whose internal mechanisms are exposed to provide viewers with an understanding of their operating principles. The kinetic sculpture was designed by Mark Gunderson to function as an educational yet entertaining mechanical tutorial.
Notes
References
- Oberg, Erik; Franklin D. Jones, Holbrook L. Horton, and Henry H. Ryffel (2000). in ed. Christopher J. McCauley, Riccardo Heald, and Muhammed Iqbal Hussain: Machinery's Handbook, 26th edition, New York: Industrial Press Inc.. ISBN 0-8311-2635-3.
Wikipedia content modification information:
- This page was last modified on 21 November 2008, at 15:44.
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