Handbook of Basic Machines and How They Work

Understand the machines that move, lift, hold, cut, fasten, and transmit power.

Handbook of Basic Machines and How They Work is a clear, illustrated guide to simple machines, mechanical advantage, forces, motion, and power transmission. It explains how common mechanical systems work, why their performance changes, and how to study them safely and accurately.
The book begins with the foundations of engineering mechanics, including force, work, energy, power, efficiency, materials, friction, wear, and lubrication. It then explains the six simple machines: the lever, wheel and axle, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, and screw.

Readers will also learn about:

• Levers, pulleys, gears, cranks, and handwheels
• Wheels, axles, wedges, screws, and threaded mechanisms
• Ropes, belts, chains, and flexible power transmission
• Mechanical advantage, velocity ratio, torque, and efficiency
• Machine elements, compound machines, and everyday mechanisms
• Load movement, support, balance, and stability
• Measurement, performance testing, and basic machine design
• Inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, and machine safety