Torque Production Using Hand Cranks in a Simulated Gear-Operated Valve Opening Task

Lawrence J H Schulze1, Edward Stanton1, Anupam Patel1

  • 1a University of Houston , USA.

Related Concept Videos

Torque01:10

Torque

Torque is an important quantity for describing the dynamics of a rotating rigid body. We see the application of torque in many ways in the world, such as when pressing the accelerator in a car, which causes the engine to apply additional torque on the drivetrain. Here, we define torque and provide a framework to create an equation to calculate torque for a rigid body with fixed-axis rotation.
Torque can be considered as the rotational counterpart to force. Since forces change the translational...
Net Torque Calculations01:19

Net Torque Calculations

When a mechanic tries to remove a hex nut with a wrench, it is easier if the force is applied at the farthest end of the wrench handle. The lever arm is the distance from the pivot point (the hex nut in this case) to the person’s hand. If this distance is large, the torque is higher. Only the component of the force perpendicular to the lever arm contributes to the torque. Therefore, pushing the wrench perpendicular to the lever arm is more advantageous. If multiple people apply force to rotate...
Screw: Problem Solving01:21

Screw: Problem Solving

In mechanical engineering, the interaction between a threaded screw shaft and a plate gear involves analyzing the resisting torque on the plate gear that can be overpowered when a specific torsional moment is applied to the shaft. To better comprehend this concept, consider a generic situation with a threaded screw shaft with a given mean radius and lead and a plate gear with a specified mean radius. The coefficient of static friction between the screw and gear is also provided.
To evaluate the...
Angle of Twist: Problem Solving01:13

Angle of Twist: Problem Solving

An electric motor applies a torque of 700 N·m to an aluminum shaft, triggering a stable rotation. Two pulleys, B and C, are subjected to torques of 300 N·m and 400 N·m, respectively. The modulus of rigidity is provided as 25 GPa. With the knowledge of the length and diameter of each segment, the twist angle between the two pulleys can be computed. First, a section cut is made between pulleys B and C, and the cut cross-section is analyzed using a free-body diagram. Given that the torque exerted...
Mechanical Efficiency of Real Machines01:14

Mechanical Efficiency of Real Machines

The mechanical efficiency of a machine is a fundamental concept that describes how effectively a machine can convert input work into output work. According to this concept, the efficiency of a machine is equal to the ratio of the output work to the input work. An ideal machine, meaning a machine that has no energy losses, has an efficiency of one. This implies that the input work and the output work are equal.
However, in reality, no machine can be truly ideal, and all of them experience some...
Frictional Forces on Screws01:17

Frictional Forces on Screws

Screws are characterized by a helical ridge known as a thread wrapped around a cylindrical shaft. They are commonly used as fasteners to hold objects together or to transmit power and motion in machines. One type of screw that is particularly useful for transmitting power is the square-threaded screw.
A jack with a square-threaded screw is a mechanical device used to lift heavy loads by applying a force at its handle. When the force is applied, the screw turns, raising the load. The screw can...