Tensegrity Linkage
This is a design concept that uses tensegrity beam elements as the bars of a large-scale linkage system for use in deployable structures for disaster relief. This animation is by Mark Plecnik.
W16 Veyron engine
This animation shows the W16 Bugatti Veyron engine with four cam-shafts actuating 64 valves, four on each of sixteen cylinders.
Cam actuation in a V8 engine
This animation shows the operation of the cam shaft, lifters and valves in a V8 engine.
Diesel engine animation
This animation shows the part by part assembly of a four cylinder diesel engine.
Engine animations
The web-site AnimatedEngines.com provides animations of a variety of engines that provide insight to their operation
Otto cycle animation
Introduction to Theoretical Kinematics
Introduction to Theoretical Kinematics
My 1990 book is now on-line as an iBook. It is available as of March 31, 2013. This 2013 version has corrections to errors and language, and includes a glossary and animations of various linkage systems. I hope you like it.
You can see it at the link: Introduction to Theoretical Kinematics.
Translational Linkages from Kempe
These linkages guide a platform in straight-line translation. They are generalizations of traditional straight-line linkages and can be found in Kempe’s How to Draw a Straight Line. Mark Plecnik generated the SolidWorks files and animations to help my MAE 183 students.
An RSSR-TS Car Door Linkage
Kassim Abdul-Sater provides this CATIA animation of a spatial linkage that guides a car door through a spatial movement. This is a spatial RSSR four-bar linkage that connects the SS coupler to ground using a TS chain to control its orientation. He reports that this application was inspired by Kaustubh Sonawale’s spherical Watt I car door linkage.
Kinetic Sculptures by Arthur Ganson
This is a video montage of kinetic sculptures by Arthur Ganson that were on display at MIT. You can see more at his website at the link: arthurganson.com
Spherical Watt I six-bar up close
This view shows the operation of the spherical Watt I six-bar door linkage designed by Kaustubh Sonawale.