book

Mechanical Engineering for Makers

by Brian Bunnell, Samer Najia

January 2020

Beginner to intermediate

232 pages

11h 26m

English

Make: Community

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Basic Topics of Mechanical EngineeringSimple MachinesMaterialsStress (in the mechanical sense)Static Structures and Dynamic SystemsThermal/Fluid SystemsElectrical Engineering and Electromechanical SystemsDesign and Design ToolsManufacturingTwo Tales of Maker Inspiration
Project-Realization ProcessDefine the Project IdeaDefine the SpecificationsConceptualize (Sketch) the ConceptPerform the ResearchFabricate the Project IdeaTest and Refine the Project IdeaAir Horn ProjectModularization of DesignObject-Oriented Programming
Material Properties to ConsiderTypes of MaterialsExamples of Material Shapes (Focus on Metals)Protection from the EnvironmentTool AvailabilityMaterial AvailabilityMaterials Breakdown for Brian’s Tot-Size TankMaterials Breakdown for Samer’s Adult-Size Tank
Types of FastenersThreaded Fastener Units of MeasureAssembly BasicsCorrosionFixing Fastener-related MistakesAdhesivesFasteners Used in the Tot-Size Tank
Design Considerations for StructuresA Static Structure Example – Tot-Size Tank BodyA Dynamic Structure Example – Tot-Size Tank Tracks
Classes of LeversClassy Lever Contraption ProjectThe Accordion Project
Claw and Pulley ExperimentsThe Door Frame Clampy Claw (DFCC) Detour ProjectPulley Experiments ProjectPVC Articulated Crane (PAC) Project

Types of GearsGeneral Gear Nomenclature – The Simplest Example (the Spur Gear)Gear RatiosThe Humble Can Opener – A Gear Ratio Discussion and Intro to Compound GearsGear -Based Device Discussion: DifferetialThe Cog Gear Differential (CGD) Project
The Reality of Making vs. EngineeringPneumatic Paper "Rockets"Making a Pneumatic (Paper) Rocket ProjectPneumatic Rocket Launcher ProjectRemovable/Replaceable Model Rocket Booster SectionPneumatic Cannon – Harnessing the Power of AirPneumatic Cannon – How it WorksAltitude Payload Dropper – Using Hobby Servos, Sensors & Microcontrollers

Content preview from Mechanical Engineering for Makers

Materials — the elements, constituents, or substances of which a thing is or can be made —have been important to humans since ancient times. They even define historical eras: Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman (lead) Age and the Industrial (steel) Age. Humans utilize all types of materials, including stone, cement/concrete, wood, ceramics, fiber/cloth, ...