Simple Machines Blog

Simple Machines

 

Lever, Nolan Borgersen & Nick Poggi,
Dec. 2013

 

Wheel and Axel (crank), Minjun,
Dec. 2013

Pulley, Nolan Borgersen,
Dec. 2013

 

Inclined Plane, Nolan Borgersen,
Nick Poggi, Dec. 2013

In this project, we first narrowed down six simple machines to four. We created the wheel and axel, the pulley, the lever, and the inclined plane. For every machine nesides the pulley, we built our machines trying to achieve a ideal machanical advantage of six. For the pulley, we built it for two. After completing the constructions of the machines we tested all of them using a spring scale and a weight. We used formulas from diagrams to calculate the correct machanical advantage. Many other factors came into play such as friction. We also calculated percent error with another formula including the actual machanical advantage and the ideal machanical advantage. If any machine had a percent error of more than 13% it was disqualified. This project took about 8 class periods. 

For the wheel and axel we came in second to last place. Our machine was built for a IMA of 6 but proportions and frame work limited out machine. For the inclined plane, we came in last place again after we thought we made a good machine. We sanded the surface to reduce friction but out machine did not test well. Our lever had problems, but we fixed it before testing with correct markings and correct calculations for IMA. Our lever tied for first. Our pulley took first place after testing the best and being constructed correctly. It was very hard to pick a winner because many machines were built with a IMA of over the allowed IMA, so many machines were disqualified.

 

For all machines, we did not get 100% effeciency. Not one machines had a 100% effeciency. All students ran into problems like structure failure, friction, and material failure. Friction was a big problem for many people. We could have sanded our machines to limit friction or even put oil or something slippery on the surface of the inclined plane. Out of all the problems, I believe friction was the largest problem.