Compound Machines

Compound Machines is a 2014-2015 event for Division C in which students answer questions on simple and compound machines, and use a compound lever to determine the ratios of 3 unknown masses. Students should bring their device and any other supplies for impound, a binder of notes, and any calculator.

Compound Machines can be considered the Division C equivalent of the Division B event, Simple Machines.

General Overview
Compound Machines is an event in which you take a written test over compound and simple machines, and create and use a device to accurately and quickly determine the ratios of some unknown masses.

This event covers all 6 simple machines: lever, pulley, inclined plane, wedge, screw, and wheel and axle. The event will mainly test knowledge of these simple machines used together, which are known as compound machines.

Simple and compound machines are tools that help change the direction and magnitude of the force and the distance that the force is applied over--this can makes the work "easier" to do.

Written Test
The written test for Compound Machines tests knowledge over the different types of simple and compound machines and making calculations about the forces involved in these machines at static equilibrium. This test can include topics such as simple and compound machine terminology, mechanical advantage, load, effort, energy, and friction. Free response answers must include metric units and significant figures. For this section of the test, you are allowed one binder of reference materials. This will not need to be impounded.

Terms
The Simple Machines page has in depth information on these devices if further reference is needed.

Machine: A mechanical device that improves or assists in labor using force inputted, and converts it do a different type of force or direction

Simple Machine: There are 6 Simple Machines. These are all different types of machines that change the input force to a different output. They are:

1) Lever

2) Inclined plane

3) Wedge

4) Pulley

5) Wheels and axle

6) Screw

Compound Machine: A machine made up of more than one simple machine. A compound Machine can allow more complex machines and more complex outputs and functions. For example, a scissor combines three different simple machines. 1) Lever- The handle, 2) Wheel and Axle: Pin to attach both sides, 3) Wedge- Blade

"Ideal Mechanical Advantage" The Ideal Mechanical Advantage is the mechanical advantage under ideal conditions, when no friction or air resistance is present. The Ideal Mechanical Advantage has different equations depending on the machine. The most simple and generic way to calculate it is using the distance in over the distance out.

"Actual Mechanical Advantage" The Actual Mechanical Advantage differs from the Ideal in that it is the actual work out over work in. This will always be lower then the ideal due to energy lost in friction and heat. "Efficiency" Efficiency is the work out divided by the work in. Another common way to measure it is the Actual Mechanical Advantage divided by the Ideal Mechanical Advantage.

The Device
The device test for Compound Machines involves making a series of levers that will be able to determine the mass ratios of 3 weights as quickly and accurately as possible.

Construction Restrictions
The device must be made of a Class 1 and Class 2 lever connected in series. The length of each lever should be less than 40cm. This device can be made out of anything except anything electronic. You are not allowed to bring any masses of your own with you into the competition to determine the weights of the unknown masses.

The Device in the Competition
The supervisors will give your team 3 masses, labeled A, B, and C. You have a small amount of time to determine the mass ratios A/B and B/C using your compound machine. This must be done as accurately and quickly as possible.

Types of Machines
All concept questions will be limited to the topics of levers, inclined planes, wedges, pulleys, wheels and axles, and screws. See the Simple Machines page for more in-depth information.

Other machines that one may see include gears and Belt and pulley systems.