Books with title HOW LAND MACHINES WORK

This revised edition of an extremely clear Navy training manual leaves nothing to be desired in its presentation. Thorough in its coverage of basic theory, from the lever and inclined plane to internal combustion engines and power trains, it requires nothing more than an understanding of the most elementary mathematics. Beginning with the simplest of machines — the lever — the text proceeds to discussions of the block and tackle (pulleys and hoists), wheel and axle, the inclined plane and the wedge, the screw, and different types of gears (simple, spur, bevel, herringbone, spiral, worm, etc.). A chapter on the concept of work discusses the measurement of work, friction, and efficiency; this is followed by investigations of power, force, and pressure, with explanations of the uses of scales, balances, gauges, and barometers. The fundamentals of hydrostatic and hydraulic machines (such as the hydraulic braking system and the hydraulic press) are discussed in detail. The remaining chapters cover machine elements (bearings and springs), basic mechanisms (gear differential, couplings, cams, clutches), the internal combustion engine and power trains (including explanations of various transmission systems — synchromesh, auxiliary, etc.). Every concept is clearly defined, and discussions always build easily from elementary theory to specific applications familiar to anyone with the slightest interest in mechanics. Important concepts, machine components, and techniques are clearly illustrated in more than 200 diagrams, drawings, and cross-sections that reveal inner workings — all of these help to clarify even further an already clear and well-organized presentation. Although it was originally designed for use in U.S. Naval Training Schools, this book can be used to great advantage as a basic text in mechanical engineering in standard technical schools, and it will be immensely valuable even to lay readers who desire a basic knowledge of mechanics.

A unique interactive guide to understanding simple machines and mechanisms. Each spread introduces you to a key mechanical principle, for example levers, gears and pulleys. You then put these into practice by building working models using the perforated workshop board and colour-coded machine parts. A timeline on every spread explores how each machine has been used throughout history. With a hands-on approach that brings theories to life, this is a must for budding engineers.

This is one of a series which examines the science that underlies objects in the world around us. The book focuses on building machines, and discusses how and why they work, each spread developing the information presented in the previous one. Simple experiments are included to give children a chance to see for themselves how the machines work. The author won the "Times Educational Supplement" Junior Book Award in 1986.