UNIT 60: DYNAMICS OF MACHINES

Unit 60:

Dynamics of Machines

Unit code:

H/601/1411

QCF level:

Credit value:

15

Aim

This unit will deepen learners knowledge of the principles and techniques used in the design of
machine elements.

Unit abstract

This unit will develop learners understanding of the parameters and characteristics of
mechanical systems. Learning outcome 1 is concerned with the characteristics of a wider range
of power transmission elements. Learning outcome 2 will introduce learners to an in-depth
analysis of some common mechanical systems using both analytical and graphical techniques.
Learning outcome 3 is concerned with mechanical vibrations and in particular the transient and
steady-state response of mass-spring systems to disturbing forces.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

1

Be able to determine the kinetic and dynamic parameters of power transmission system
elements

Be able to determine the kinetic and dynamic parameters of mechanical systems

Be able to determine the behavioural characteristics of translational and rotational massspring systems.

BH023332 Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals specification in Engineering

Issue 1 May 2010 Edexcel Limited 2010

277

UNIT 60: DYNAMICS OF MACHINES

Unit content

Be able to determine the kinetic and dynamic parameters of mechanical power

transmission system elements
Gears: gear geometry; velocity ratios of simple, compound and epicyclic gear trains;
acceleration of geared systems
Screw drives: motion on an inclined plane; efficiency of square-threaded lead screws and
screw jacks
Flywheels: turning moment diagrams for reciprocating engines and presses; determination of
required flywheel moment of inertia to satisfy specified operating conditions
Universal couplings: Hookes joint; constant velocity joint; conditions for a constant velocity
ratio

Be able to determine the kinetic and dynamic parameters of mechanical systems

Cams: radial plate and cylindrical cams; follower types; profiles to give uniform velocity;
uniform acceleration and retardation and simple harmonic motion outputs; output
characteristics of eccentric circular cams, circular arc cams and cams with circular arc and
tangent profiles with flat-faced and roller followers
Plane mechanisms: determination of instantaneous output velocity for the slider-crank
mechanism, the four-bar linkage and the slotted link and Whitworth quick return motions;
construction of velocity vector diagrams; use of instantaneous centre of rotation
Resultant acceleration: centripetal, tangential, radial and Coriolis components of acceleration
in plane linkage mechanisms; resultant acceleration and inertia force; use of Kleins
construction for the slider crank mechanism
Gyroscopic motion: angular velocities of rotation and precession; gyroscopic reaction torque;
useful applications eg gyro-compass and gyro-stabilisers

Be able to determine the behavioural characteristics of translational and

rotational mass-spring systems
Natural vibrations: mass-spring systems; transverse vibrations of beams and cantilevers;
torsional vibrations of single and two-rotor systems; determination of natural frequency of
vibration; whirling of shafts
Damped vibrations: representative second-order differential equation for mass-spring system
with damping; transient response of a mass-spring system to an impulsive disturbance;
degrees of damping; frequency of damped vibrations; logarithmic decrement of amplitude
Forced vibrations: representative second-order differential equation for a damped massspring system subjected to a sinusoidal input excitation; transient and steady state solutions;
amplitude and phase angle of the steady state output; effect of damping ratio; conditions for
resonance

278

BH023332 Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals specification in Engineering

Issue 1 May 2010 Edexcel Limited 2010

UNIT 60: DYNAMICS OF MACHINES

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria

Learning outcomes

Assessment criteria for pass

On successful completion of
this unit a learner will:

The learner can:

LO1 Be able to determine the

kinetic and dynamic
parameters of mechanical
power transmission system
elements

1.1 analyse geared systems to determine velocity ratio

and required accelerating torque
1.2 determine the operating efficiency of screw jacks
and lead screws
1.3 analyse turning moment diagrams for reciprocating
engines and presses to determine the required
flywheel parameters for specific operating conditions
1.4 analyse the characteristics of Hookes joints and
constant velocity joints and recognise the conditions
for a constant velocity ratio

LO2 Be able to determine the

kinetic and dynamic
parameters of mechanical
systems

2.1 determine the output motion of radial plate and

cylindrical cams
2.2 determine the velocities and accelerations of points
within plane mechanisms and the associated inertia
forces
2.3 analyse systems in which gyroscopic motion is
present to determine the magnitude and effect of
gyroscopic reaction torque

LO3 Be able to determine the

behavioural characteristics of
translational and rotational
mass-spring systems

3.1 determine the natural frequency of vibration in

translational and rotational mass-spring systems
3.2 determine the critical whirling speed of shafts
3.3 determine the transient response of damped massspring systems when subjected to a disturbance
3.4 determine the steady state response of damped
mass-spring systems when subjected to sinusoidal
excitation.

BH023332 Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals specification in Engineering

Issue 1 May 2010 Edexcel Limited 2010

279

UNIT 60: DYNAMICS OF MACHINES

Guidance

Links
This unit is intended to provide progression from Unit 2: Engineering Science and Unit 4:
Mechanical Principles.

Essential requirements
There are no essential requirements for this unit.

Employer engagement and vocational contexts

Delivery of this unit will benefit from centres establishing strong links with employers willing to
contribute to the delivery of teaching, work-based placements and/or detailed case study
materials.

280

BH023332 Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals specification in Engineering

Issue 1 May 2010 Edexcel Limited 2010