The objective of the course is to develop the students’ ability to identify problems related to rigid-body mechanics, mechanical drives, and vibration mechanics, to approach them using scientifically rigorous methods, and to solve them in order to carry out an effective functional design of mechanical systems.

Basic knowledge of calculus and physics.

Lecture Topics Kinematics -Particle kinematics and vector analysis. -Rectangular, local, and polar coordinate systems. -Time derivatives of unit vectors. -Rigid-body kinematics and connections between rigid bodies. -Translational motion and rotation about a fixed axis. -Fundamental laws of kinematics and Rivals’ theorem. -Instantaneous center of zero velocity. -Slider-crank mechanism. -Relative motion and Coriolis acceleration. Dynamics -Operations involving forces and moments. -Types of forces and constraint reactions. -Cardinal equations of dynamics. -Free-body diagrams and practical applications. -Work, energy, power, and efficiency. -Principle of conservation of energy. -Impulse, linear momentum, and angular momentum. -Conservation laws for momentum and angular momentum. -Collisions between bodies. Rotor Dynamics -Central reference systems. -Static and dynamic balancing. -Flexural critical speed. Friction -Static and kinetic friction. -Vehicle start-up dynamics. -Dry journal bearings. -Rolling friction. Brakes and Clutches -Types and operating principles of brakes. -Wear assumptions and analysis. -Pad brakes: pivoted and non-pivoted configurations. -Drum brakes: pivoted and non-pivoted configurations. -Band brakes and disc brakes. -Clutches: flat-disc and conical-disc clutches. -Examples of practical implementations. Power Transmission -Rigid and elastic couplings. -Mobile couplings and universal joints. -Cardan joints and constant-velocity joints. -Spur gears: involute tooth profile, transmission ratio, geometry, minimum number of teeth, rack-and-pinion systems, force analysis, and manufacturing processes. -Helical gears: geometry and force analysis. -Bevel gears: geometry and force analysis. -Worm gear sets. -Gear trains: ordinary and epicyclic gear trains, including automotive differential systems. Flexible Mechanical Elements -Belts, ropes, and chains. -Stiffness of flexible elements. -Block-and-tackle systems. -Power screws. Transient Motion in Mechanical Systems -Motor torque characteristics. -Direct motor-load coupling. -Coupling by means of clutches. -Periodic steady-state machines. -Flywheels. Vibrations -Single-degree-of-freedom systems. -Series and parallel spring systems. -Torsional oscillations. -Damped free vibrations and logarithmic decrement. -Forced vibrations. -Accelerometers and seismographs. Lubrication -Rolling-element and lubricated bearings. -Viscosity and lubrication principles. -One-dimensional Reynolds equation. -Velocity profiles in lubricating films. -Types of bearings. -Hydrodynamic and hydrostatic lubrication pads.

Tutorials Exercises related to the course topics are proposed and solved with the assistance of the teaching staff. The solutions are discussed and developed during classroom sessions and are also made available on the course web page. Laboratory Activities Laboratory sessions include experimental measurements of the efficiency of speed reducers and belt transmission systems. Each student team is required to prepare a final report presenting the experimental results and submit it to the instructors before the exam.

Reference book: C. Ferraresi, T. Raparelli, Applied Mechanics, 2017, Clut, Torino. Other books: J.L. Meriam, L.G. Kraige, Engineering Mechanics, John Wiley and Sons. R. Juvinall, K.M. Marshek, Fundamentals of Machine Component Design, John Wiley and Sons.

Text book; Exercises; Video lectures (previous years);

Exam: Written test;

The exam is intended to assess the above-mentioned competencies (see the expected learning outcomes), the understanding of the topics listed in the official course syllabus, and the ability to apply the methodologies provided to solve problems. In fact, the exam includes calculation problems that require choosing and applying the most appropriate mathematical tool for their solution, as well as theoretical questions that require the student to construct a logical sequence to describe the operation of a particular device or mechanical system covered during lectures. The exam is conducted only in written form. Its duration is usually approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. During the exam, the use of a calculator is allowed, while consulting any supporting material (textbooks, handouts, notes, formula sheets, or other materials) is not permitted. The exam must be completed on the sheets distributed for the occasion; the use of other sheets is generally not allowed. Normally, students are required to solve three problems similar to the exercises carried out during the lectures and practice sessions, which may cover all topics. In addition, students are required to provide an open-ended description of a topic explained during a class. Grades are expressed on a scale of thirty points, and the exam is passed if the student achieves at least 18/30. The score assigned to each question is proportional to its difficulty; the maximum grade is 30/30. Particular attention is given to the clarity of the notation and logical structure of the student’s answers, which may allow the student to obtain honors (“cum laude”). The results of the exam will be communicated to students through a notice on the teaching portal. Students will be able to review their exam and the corresponding evaluation during a general meeting, the date of which will be announced through a notice on the teaching portal at the same time the written exam results are published.

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.