Wednesday, April 30, 2008
10:06 PM
Technical VocabularyAnchorA rigid point of support.Anti-clockwiseIn the direction opposite to the rotation of the hands of a clock.AxleA supporting shaft or rod on which a wheel or a set of wheels revolves.ChassisA rectangular frame, usually supported on springs and attached to the axles, that holds the body and motor of an automotive vehicle.Centrifugal forceThe force, equal and opposite to the centripetal force, drawing a rotating body away from the centre of rotation.ClockwiseIn the same direction as the rotating hands of a clock.CrankAn input device, such as a handle, that when turned makes parts of a machine move or operate.DiameterThe length of a straight line drawn across a circle passing through it's centre.ForceForces are pushes or pulls that make things start or stop moving. Forces can also speed up,slow down or change the direction of movement.FrictionThe force that stops things from moving freely when they rub against each other.FulcrumThe pivot point around which a lever turns.InputEnergy, work, or power used to drive a machine.IntermittentStopping and starting at intervals.LeverA rigid rod pivoted about a fixed axis called a fulcrum.Linear motionMovement in a straight line.LinkageA series of levers connecting together moving parts of a mechanism.MotionMovement: the act or process of changing position or place.Oscillating motionMovement backwards and forwards along a circular arc.OutputThe energy, power, or work produced by a system.ParallelWhen two objects or lines are the same distance apart along the whole of their length.PistonA solid cylinder or disk that fits snugly into a larger cylinder and which is forced to move under fluid pressure.PivotThe central point or short shaft on which something balances or turns.PlatformA horizontal surface raised above the level of the area next to it.Reciprocating motionMovement backwards and forwards in a straight line.Rotary motionMovement in a circular path.ShaftA rod in a machine to which cams, gears and pulleys are attached.StationaryNot moving.TorqueThe turning effect of a force in rotary systems. Measured in Newton Metres (Nm).UndulateTo move in a wave like motion.