Machine

This article is about devices that perform tasks. For other uses, see Machine (disambiguation).

Wind turbines

The scientific definition of a "machine" (derived from the Latin machina) is any device that transmits or modifies energy. In common usage, the meaning is restricted to devices having rigid moving parts that perform or assist in performing some work. Machines normally require some energy source ("input") and always accomplish some sort of work ("output"). Devices with no rigid moving parts are commonly considered tools, or simply devices, not machines.

People have used mechanisms to, or transform one form of motion or energy into another.

The mechanical advantage of a simple machine is the ratio between the force it exerts on the load and the input force applied. This does not entirely describe the machine\'s performance, as force is required to overcome friction as well. The mechanical efficiency of a machine is the ratio of the actual mechanical advantage (AMA) to the ideal mechanical advantage (IMA). Functioning physical machines are always less than 100% efficient.

Modern power tools, automated machine tools, and human-operated power machinery are tools that are also machines. Machines used to transform heat or other energy into mechanical energy are known as engines.

Compound Machines are made up of smaller easier machines called Simple Machines. Simple Machines can be used and are considered Simple Machines if, what they are made for, they do in one movement (Simple Machines Ex:Wedge, Pulley etc.)

Hydraulics devices may also be used to support industrial applications, although devices entirely lacking rigid moving parts are not commonly considered machines. Hydraulics are widely used in heavy equipment industries, automobile industries, marine industries, aeronautical industries, construction equipment industries, and earthmoving equipment industries.

Types of machines and other devices

References

1. Oberg, Erik; Franklin D. Jones, Holbrook L. Horton, and Henry H. Ryffel (2000). in ed. Christopher J. McCauley, Riccardo Heald, and Muhammed Iqbal Hussain: Machinery\'s Handbook, 26th edition, New York: Industrial Press Inc.. ISBN 0-8311-2635-3. 

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