simple machine (redirected from Simple Machines)

simple machine [′sim·pəl mə′shēn]

(mechanical engineering)

Any of several elementary machines, one or more being incorporated in every mechanical machine; usually, only the lever, wheel and axle, pulley (or block and tackle), inclined plane, and screw are included, although the gear drive and hydraulic press may also be considered simple machines.

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Simple machine

Any of several elementary machines, one or more of which is found in practically every machine. The group of simple machines usually includes only the lever, wheel and axle, pulley (or block and tackle), inclined plane, wedge, and screw. However, the gear drive and hydraulic press may also be considered as simple machines. The principles of operation and typical applications of simple machines depend on several closely related concepts. See Efficiency, Friction, Mechanical advantage

Two conditions for static equilibrium are used in analyzing the action of a simple machine. The first condition is that the sum of forces in any direction through their common point of action is zero. The second condition is that the summation of torques about a common axis of rotation is zero. Corresponding to these two conditions are two ways of measuring work. In machines with translation, work is the product of force and distance. In machines with rotation, work is the product of torque and angle of rotation. See Hydraulic press, Wedge