MechAnalyzer: Software to Teach Kinematics Concepts Related to Cams, Gears, and Instantaneous Center

Abstract

Theory of Machines and Mechanisms is the foundation for the world’s race toward automation. Simple mechanisms, cams, and gears find applications in all such automated systems. Therefore, a thorough understanding of these basics is quite essential. The authors are a part of the development team of MechAnalyzer, a software aimed at easing the teaching and learning of concepts related to mechanisms. In this paper, several new modules are reported. Cam module lets user select properties of a cam-follower mechanism and the steps required to draw cam profile is animated and shown to the user. Similarly, concepts related to gear profiles and meshing of gears are illustrated in gears module. Another module is presented which lets user understand the velocity analysis of planar mechanisms using the Instantaneous Center (IC) method. All these modules and the earlier set of modules to teach kinematics of mechanisms are readily available for free at http://www.roboanalyzer.com/mechanalyzer.html. © 2021, Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.