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C H A P T E R

Simple Lifting Machines

z
z
z
z
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Definition of simple and compound machines

Discussion on effort, load, mechanical advantage, velocity ratio, and
efficiency
Definition of ideal machine, ideal effort, and ideal load
Discussion on reversibility, irreversibility, and law of machine
Description of inclined plane, simple screwjack, and differential screwjack
Discussion on pulley systems, differential pulley block, and gear pulley block
Discourse on simple wheel and axle, wheel and differential axle, and worm
and worm wheel
Description of single and double purchase crab and winch, worm geared
screwjack, and worm geared pulley block

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Key Concepts

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7.1 INTRODUCTION

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A machine can be defined as a device or a contrivance which receives energy

in some form or the other and utilizes this energy for doing some useful work.
The term useful work is very significant in this context. If a heavy box is pulled
from one point to another on a rough horizontal floor, the net work done
by the load is zero, although the pulling force does non-zero work. Thus the
useful work at output is not useful work. A machine, whatever its type, either
simple or compound, must always perform some useful work.

7.2 SIMPLE AND COMPOUND MACHINES

A simple machine is a mechanical device which can change the direction and
magnitude of a force or effort and makes work easier. The following are the
basic characteristics of a simple machine
z Has a few or no moving parts
z Uses energy to perform work
z Works with one movement

Simple Lifting Machines

421

Makes work easier by using less mechanical effort for moving an object
z Uses the concept of spreading force over distance
z Offers the scope for attaining advantage by changing the magnitude, speed,
or direction of force
z Allows to use a smaller force to overcome larger resistance
z Offers a trade-off of energy
The Renaissance scientists defined six classical simple machines as: (1) inclined plane, (2) wedge, (3) lever, (4) screw, (5) pulley, and (6) wheel and axle. All
these simple machines and their different types are generally used to lift loads.
Hence, these are also called simple lifting machines or simple hoisting machines.
When two or more simple machines work together, they are called compound or complex machines. These simple machines are connected in series
such that the output force of one machine serves as the input force of another
machine. For example, a bench vice is a compound machine which comprises
two simple machines, namely a lever and a screw. Similarly a simple gear train
consists of a number of wheels and axles in series.

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7.3 SOME BASIC DEFINITIONS

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Before starting the study of simple machines or simple lifting machines, we

need to get acquainted with some basic terms which are needed for analysis
and problem-solving purposes.

7.3.1 Effort and Load

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A simple machine is driven by an applied force, and by the application of

this force the resistance of force is overcome. This applied force is defined as
effort and is conventionally symbolized by P. The resistance of force which
is overcome, or in other sense, is hoisted up to a certain distance, is called the
load and is generally expressed as W.

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7.3.2 Mechanical Advantage

In the absence of any sort of friction, for maintaining equilibrium, the
work done on the load must be equal to the work done by the applied effort. This allows an increase in the output force at the cost of decrease in
the distance traversed by the load. The ratio of output force to input force is
defined as mechanical advantage (MA) of the machine. In other words, mechanical advantage is defined as the ratio of load lifted to the applied effort.
Load lifted
Thus M A =
= W . In cases where the machine neither absorbs
Effort applied P
nor dissipates energy, the mechanical advantage is computed from the geometry of the machine. For example, in case of levers, mechanical advantage is
equal to the ratio of its effort arm to load arm.
For a compound machine consisting of n number of simple machines, the
resultant mechanical advantage can be expressed as
( M A )compound = ( M A )1 ( M A )2 ( M A )3 ...( M A )n

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Engineering Mechanics

7.3.3 Velocity Ratio

In an ideal simple machine, the rate of input power must be equal to the rate of
output power. We know that power is the product of the force and its velocity
at the point of application. Assuming that the velocity of applied effort at the
point of application is vin and that of load is vout , we can write

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P vin = W vout
W = vin
or,
P vout
v
M A = W = in
So,
P vout
Thus, the ratio of input velocity to output velocity is defined as velocity ratio (Vr).
Hence, for an ideal machine, M A = Vr . Simplifying a bit, it can be written
Distance travelled by effort
Vr =
as
Distance travelled by load

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7.3.4 Efficiency and Loss of Energy

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The ratio of output power to input power is defined as the mechanical efficiency of the simple machine and is generally symbolized by h. Efficiency
is also a measure of loss of energy which mainly occurs due to friction and
also due to deformation and wear.
v
Output power W vout W vout
Now,
h=
=
=

= M A out
Input power
P vin
P
vin
vin
vin
or,
= h Vr
MA = h
vout

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As velocity is determined by the dimensions of the machine, mechanical efficiency

is reduced by the losses. In an ideal machine, h = 100% or 1. For a nonideal machine h < 1, so Vr > M A . In a compound machine consisting of n
number of simple machines, the resultant efficiency can be expressed as,
(h )compound = (h )1 (h )2 (h )3 ...(h )n

7.3.5 Ideal Machine

An ideal machine is a hypothetical system, where energy and power are neither
lost nor dissipated through friction, deformation, or wear. It possesses theoretical maximum performance, thereby maximum mechanical efficiency of 100
per cent. In an ideal machine, M A = Vr . Hence, an ideal machine is considered
as a baseline for evaluating performance of real machine systems.

7.3.6 Ideal Effort, Ideal Load, and Loss

Let us consider an ideal machine, where Vr = M A = W . Thus ideal effort,
P
Pideal = W . But in a non-ideal machine, actual effort required to raise a given
Vr
load W is more than the ideal effort.

Simple Lifting Machines

423

Again we know that, h Vr = M A = W .

P
W
1
So, actual effort Pactual = V h .
r
Hence, loss in effort due to friction, wear, etc.

Ploss = Pactual - Pideal = W 1 - W = W 1 - 1

Vr h Vr Vr h

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Similarly, for a given effort P, Wideal = P Vr . In a non-ideal machine, it is

noticed that the amount of load that can be lifted by a given effort P is less
than the ideal load.
So, actual load that can be lifted Wactual = hP Vr
Hence the decrease in the amount of load,
Wdecrease = Wideal - Wactual = P Vr - hP Vr = P Vr (1 - h )

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7.3.7 Reversibility and Irreversibility

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In a simple machine, let us consider an effort P moving a distance SE is required

to hoist a load W to a distance SL. If the effort is removed entirely, two situations may occur. Either the machine moves in the reverse direction and the
load comes down to its initial position, or the load does not move down and
remains static at the position wherefrom the effort is removed. Occurrence of
the first situation is due to reversibility of the machine, whereas the second
case happens due to the irreversibility property of the machine. Irreversibility
condition is also sometimes termed as self-locking condition as the machine
gets locked at the point of removal of effort. Hoisting any load by means of
a simple pulley is an example of reversibility because as we release the pull,
the load falls down. In case of a screwjack, self-locking situation can be
achieved if the inclination of thread becomes less than the limiting angle of
static friction.
Now we will investigate the condition of irreversibility. In an irreversible
simple machine,
Loss of work done due to friction Work done by the effort Work
done by the load
P SE W SL
When effort is withdrawn and the loss of work done due to friction is higher
than the work done by the load, then only self-locking can occur.
So,
( P SE - W SL ) > W SL
or

P S E > 2W S L

or

W SL < 1
P SE 2

h<1
2
Thus, if the efficiency of the machine becomes less than 50 per cent, irreversibility or self-locking condition can be achieved.
or

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Engineering Mechanics

7.3.7 Law of Machine

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If an effort P is applied on a machine to hoist a load W, the relationship

between load and effort can be idealized as P = aW + b , where a and b are
constants. This is the equation of a straight line. If the equation is plotted
considering W along x-axis and P along y-axis, then y-intercept is defined as
b. So b can be considered as initial effort at no load condition. The slope of
the line (a) can be defined as a = lim DP = dP . The governing equation
dW
DW 0 DW
of actual machine is shown as line AB in Fig. 7.1. For an ideal machine,
the y-intercept b 0 and thus the governing equation is P = aW , passing
through the origin of the coordinate system. This is shown as line OC in
Fig. 7.1. For both cases, the slopes of the lines are same and hence will be
parallel to each other.

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= 1
MA = W = W
P aW + b a + b
W

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For a particular load denoted by W OM, if we want to find the amount

of effort required for both ideal and actual machines, we need to draw a
normal at point M which intersects line OC at N and AB at R. So the ideal
effort Pideal MN and actual effort Pactual MR. Hence, loss of effort, Ploss
MR MN NR. Now the mechanical advantage can be computed as,

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Effort
(P)

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The equation suggests that when W increases, b decreases, and thus MA

W
b
increases. At the extremity, when W , = 0 and thus MAmax = 1 . The
W
a
variation of mechanical advantage MA with respect to load W has been plotted in Fig. 7.2, which is basically a hyperbolic plot, and the horizontal line
passing through M Amax = 1 is an asymptote of the curve.
a

P
a

P
a

b
O

aW
aW

1
a

b
C
N

Mechanical
advantage
(MA)
Load (W)

M Load (W)

Fig. 7.1 Law of machine in ideal and

actual conditions

Fig. 7.2 Variation of mechanical

advantage with load

Mechanical efficiency can thus be computed as,

h = 1 W = 1 W
= 1 1
Vr P Vr aW + b Vr
b
a+
W

Simple Lifting Machines

It is observed that at the extremity when

b
W ,
= 0 and thus hmax = 1 . The
aVr
W
variation of mechanical efficiency h with
respect to load W has been plotted in Fig. 7.3,
which is a hyperbolic plot, and the horizontal
1 ,
line passing through hmax =
is an
aVr
asymptote of the plot.

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1
aVr

Mechanical
efficiency
(h)

Load (W)

Fig. 7.3 Variation of mechanical

efficiency with load

7.4 INCLINED PLANE

Distance traversed by the effort L

L
=
=
= 1
Distance traversed by the load H L sin a sin a

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Vr =

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An inclined plane is one of the simplest types of simple machines. It consists

of a sloping surface which makes an acute angle above or below the horizontal.
Inclined planes are used to raise very heavy objects which are difficult to hoist
vertically. Gangways, ramps, chutes are some common examples of inclined
planes. A schematic diagram of an inclined plane is shown in Fig. 7.4. The
inclination with the horizontal is a,
vertical elevation of the tip from the
H
L
horizontal is H, and the inclined length Effort (P)
Load (W)
from the horizontal to tip is L. Load
a
(W ) is to be lifted from the bottom to
the top at height H and thus effort (P)
Fig. 7.4 Inclined plane
is applied. Now, the velocity ratio can
be computed as

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Assuming this as an ideal machine, we can say that mechanical advantage

M A = Vr = 1
sin a

7.5

SIMPLE SCREWJACK

A screwjack is a simple lifting device

which is used to lift heavy loads such
as large vehicles. It mainly consists
of three partsa nut attached to a
pedestal or stand, a large screw fitted
within the nut, and a lever attached
to the head of the screw, as shown
in Fig. 7.5. The weight which is to be
lifted is placed either on the head of
the screw or on a platform attached to
the screw. A screw thread is cut just like
an inclined plane. The distance which
the screw advances in one turn is called

Fig. 7.5

426

Engineering Mechanics

lead distance (L), and the distance measured between two consecutive threads
is called pitch distance ( p). Except for single-threaded screws, lead and pitch
distances are different. The slope of screw thread measured with respect to
lead is called lead angle (q ). When a load (W ) is to be raised by screwjack,
different situations arise that are explained in Figs 7.6, 7.7 and 7.8.
Let us assume P as the force generated at the circumference of the spindle
by virtue of the application of an external force Q at the end of the lever.
Now we will discuss different cases which arise during the working of a simple
screwjack.

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N = P sin q + W cos q

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P cos q = W sin q + m N

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Motion impending upwards This situation is shown in Fig. 7.6. Considering

equilibrium of forces along the incline and along the normal to the incline,
we obtain

Eliminating N from above the equations, we

obtain

Fig. 7.6

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P cos q = W sin q + m ( P sin q + W cos q )

P (cos q - m sin q ) = W (sin q + m cos q )

or

P =W
=W

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or

sin q + tan fs cos q

sin q + m cos q
=W
cos q - m sin q
cos q - tan fs sin q
sin q cos fs + sin fs cos q
cos q cos fs - sin fs sin q

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[multiplying numerator and denominator by cos fs ]

sin(q + fs )
=W
= W tan(q + fs )
cos(q + fs )

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From moment equilibrium about the axis of the screw, we obtain P d = QR

2
tan q + tan fs
or
Q = P d = Wd tan(q + fs ) = Wd
2R 2R
2 R 1 - tan q tan f
s

L -m
L + mp d
= Wd p d L = Wd
2 R 1 - p d m 2 R p d - m L

[substituting tan q = L ]
pd

p + mp d
For single-threaded screws, L = p and thus Q = Wd
2 R p d - m p
np + mp d
For n-threaded screws, L = np and thus Q = Wd
2 R p d - m np

Motion impending downwards

can write P = W tan(fs - q ).

Proceeding in the same manner as above, we

Taking moment equilibrium about the axis of the screw, we obtain P d = QR.
2

Simple Lifting Machines

or

427

tan Gs  tan R
Q  P d  Wd tan(Gs  R )  Wd
2R 2R
2 R 1  tan Gs tan R
N  L Wd
Qd
 Wd

2 R 1  N QLd 2 R

NQ d  L
Q d  N L

Wd NQ d  p
For single-threaded screws, L  p and thus Q  2 R Q d  N p .

Wd NQ d  np
For n-threaded screws,L  np and thus Q  2 R Q d  N np .

Fig. 7.7

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The movement of W in upwards direction by means of

short successive strokes of the lever is shown in Fig. 7.7.
After raising up to the desired level, if we do not keep
holding the lever, either of two situations occurs. The
screw may unwind automatically or may remain fixed at
the previous level to which it was raised. The second situation occurs due to self-locking arrangement. If R  Gs , the
screw is said to be self-locking. Otherwise it will unwind
if the lever is not hold.

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Efficiency of machine while hoisting load The actual effort available at the
circumference of the screw or spindle can be written as, Pactual  W tan(R  Gs ).
The expression for ideal effort for no-friction condition is Pideal  W tan R .
Thus the efficiency of the machine
P
tan R
I  ideal  W tan R

Pactual W tan(R  Gs ) tan(R  Gs )
We know that

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Condition for attaining maximum efficiency

sin R cos(R  Gs )
tan R
I

tan(R  Gs ) cos R sin(R  Gs )

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[sin(2R  Gs )  sin Gs ]

2  sin(2R  Gs )  sin Gs
sin(2R  Gs )  sin Gs
2
sin(2R  Gs )  sin Gs
2 sin Gs
1I 1

sin(2R  Gs )  sin Gs sin(2R  Gs )  sin Gs


or

[sin(2R  Gs )  sin Gs ]

For attainingImax , (1  I ) should be of minimum value. As sin Gs has a constant

value, Imax is possible for the maximum value of sin(2R  Gs ).
Q
Q
Thus sin(2R  Gs )  1  sin 2
and so(2R  Gs )  2 .
Substituting in the expression, we find
1  sin Gs
Imax 
1  sin Gs
Expression for torque In some specific cases, the rotation of load W is not
desirable when the loading lever is being rotated. To accomplish this, the head
of the screw is made up of two parts, as shown in Fig. 7.8, where upper part

428

Engineering Mechanics

W
A rests on lower part B through ball bearings. Thus
when the lever is rotated, upper part A moves up
A
vertically without getting rotated. Let us assume that
the external and internal radii at the contact surface
of A and B are r1 and r2, respectively. Thus the
r +r
r2
mean radius is rmean = 1 2 at which the frictional
2
B
r1
force of magnitude mW acts between A and B.
Hence, the applied force Q at the end of the lever
Fig. 7.8
will have to overcome the effect of this frictional
resistance in addition to raising the load. Considering moment equilibrium
equation about the axis of the screw, we obtain

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7.6 DIFFERENTIAL SCREWJACK

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= Required Torque
mW ( r1 + r2 ) Wd
Hence, Q =
+
tan(q + fs )
2R
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r +r
Q R = mW rmean + P d = mW 1 2 + W tan(q + fs ) d
2
2
2

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A differential screwjack is used in precision equipment where slow movement

or finer adjustment is necessary. It consists of two threads having different
pitches wound on the same cylinder or different cylinders. When the threads
are wound on the same cylinder, two nuts are necessary. But if the threads
are wound on different cylinders, then one nut will suffice. These two types
of arrangements are shown in Fig. 7.9.
During a single rotation of the lever, the load W gets raised by a distance
( p2 - p1 ). By then the effort Q traverses a distance 2p R. Thus the velocity ratio
(Vr ) for a differential screwjack can be computed as Vr = 2p R , mechanical
p2 - p1
M
W ( p2 - p1 )
advantage as M A = W and efficiency as h = A =
.
p
Vr
2p RP

Fig. 7.9

Simple Lifting Machines

7.7

429

SYSTEM OF PULLEYS

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Hero (or Heron) of Alexandria (c.AD 1070), a Greek mathematician and

engineer, identified pulley as one of the six simple machines used for hoisting
loads. Basically pulley is a wheel mounted on an axle designed for supporting
movement of belt or cable around its circumference. A pulley is sometimes
called drum or sheave and may also have grooves between flanges around the
circumference. The driving element of a pulley system can be a rope, chain,
cable, or belt. Other than hoisting loads, pulleys are also used for application
of forces and transmission of power.
Pulley systems consisting of one or more number of pulleys
can be classified in three ways depending on the arrangement
1
of pulleys.

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First-order pulley system In this system, out of n number of

2
pulleys comprising the system, there exists one fixed pulley P
and (n 1) number of movable pulleys. The fixed pulley
3
is designated as 1 and at the end of n-th pulley the load is
suspended, while effort is applied through the rope wrapped
over pulley 1. A first-order pulley system consisting of one
4
fixed pulley and three movable pulleys is shown in Fig. 7.10.
Effort P is applied through the rope wrapped over pulley 1
W
and load W is suspended from pulley 4. If we consider the Fig. 7.10 Firstvertical force equilibrium of pulley 4, we can write
order pulley
Load(W )
system
8P W, or effort (P) =
8
Thus the mechanical advantage
M A = Load = W
8 23 (2)number of movable pulleys
Effort W
8
Considering it as an ideal machine, velocity ratio
Vr = M A = 23
For n-number of movable pulP
P
P
leys,
(c)

all components P

(a)

(b)

W
(d)

Fig. 7.11 Second-order pulley system

Vr = M A = 2 n
Second-order pulley system In
this case, we need two blocks
of pulleys. The top block is
attached to a fixed support and
the bottom block is movable.
One end of the rope is attached
to the hook at the bottom-most
pulley of the top block and then
the rope is wound around each
and every pulley successively,
as shown in Fig. 7.11(a). At the

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Engineering Mechanics

end of bottom block, the load W is suspended and the effort P is applied
through the top-most pulley of the top block. If the system is separated
through a section plane XX, as shown in Fig. 7.11(b), and the freebodies as shown in Figs 7.11 (c) and (d) are analysed, we can easily write
Load(W )
6P = W or effort (P)
6
Thus the mechanical advantage of the system, M A = Load = W
6 23
Effort W
6
2 number of pulleys in the bottom block.
Considering it as an ideal machine, velocity ratio Vr MA 6 2 number
of pulleys in the bottom block. If the number of pulleys in the bottom block
is n, then Vr MA 2n.

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Third-order pulley system In this system, one pulley is

attached to the fixed support and is called fixed pulley,
1
as shown in Fig. 7.12(a) as 1. The rope passes over this
fixed pulley and one end is attached to a rigid base. The
P 2P 4P
2
other end of the rope holds pulley 2 hanging. One end
of a separate rope passing over pulley 2 is attached to the
rigid base and the other end of the rope holds pulley 3
W
3
hanging. Another rope is wound over pulley 3, having its
(b)
one end attached to rigid base and the other end serves P
as the point of application of effort P. The load W is
hooked at the bottom of the rigid base. Depending on the
W (a)
requirement, we can easily change the number of movable Fig. 7.12 Thirdpulleys. Considering the free-body diagram of the rigid order pulley system
base, as shown in Fig. 7.12(b), we can easily infer that
Load(W )
7P W or effort (P)
.
7
Thus the mechanical advantage of the system
M A = Load = W = 7 = 23 1 = [(2)total number of pulleys in the system 1].
Effort W
7
Considering it as an ideal machine, velocity ratio
R
B
Vr = M A = 7 = 23 1 = [(2)total number of pulleys in the
A
system 1].
r
Effort
(P)

If the total number of pulleys in the system is n,

then Vr = M A = (2)n - 1

7.8

WESTON DIFFERENTIAL PULLEY BLOCK

Weston differential pulley block is a special type of pulley

system, which is normally used to hoist very large masses
to a small distance, for example, the pulley system used for
manually lifting car engines. This differential pulley was
invented by Thomas Aldridge Weston from Kings Norton,
England, in 1854. Hence, this simple machine is also called
Weston differential pulley block. The schematic view of this
machine is shown in Fig. 7.13(a).

Endless
chain
Load
(W)

(a)
Fig. 7.13 Weston
differential pulley
block.

Simple Lifting Machines

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2R
This system consists of two fixed pulleys of unequal
2r
radii, which are coaxially attached to each other and
can rotate together and are fixed to the support, a single
pulley hanging at the bottom and holding load W, and
P
an endless rope wrapped around the pulleys. In order to
avoid slipping, generally rope is substituted by a chain
and connected to pulleys by sprockets.
W2
To determine velocity ratio (Vr) of the system, we W 2
(b)
need to consider the pulley block as an ideal machine.
For an ideal machine, we know that Vr MA. Consider Fig. 7.13 FBD of
the radii of the smaller and larger pulleys as r and R, fixed pulley
respectively, and a weight W is hoisted with an effort P. The free-body diagram
of the upper part of the system is shown in Fig. 7.13(b). Considering moment
equilibrium of forces about the axis of the pulleys, we can write

M
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W (R - r ) = P R
2

or

at

W R =W r+PR
2
2

W = 2R
P R-r
Thus mechanical advantage M A = 2 R
R-r

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or

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As we assumed the system as an ideal machine, velocity ratio

Vr = 2 R .
R-r
When r R or (R r) 0, the mechanical advantage of the system M A = .
This implies that no force (besides friction) is required to move the chain,
but movement of chain fails to hoist the load. If r 0, then M A = 2 and this
system becomes a simple gun tackle.

7.9

GEAR PULLEY BLOCK

In a gear pulley machine, an axle is coaxially attached to an effort wheel having T1 number of teeth. A pinion having teeth T2 and a ratchet and clutch are
attached coaxially on the axle. A pawl presses against this ratchet and clutch
with the help of a spring. The pinion is geared with a spur wheel having teeth
T3. On the same axle as spur wheel a load drum having teeth T4 is keyed on
its circumference. An endless rope or chain is wound over the effort wheel
with which the effort (P ) is applied. A schematic diagram of the gear pulley
block is shown in Fig. 7.14. The motion is transmitted from effort wheel to
load drum through pinion and spur wheel. A separate rope is wound around
half the perimeter of load drum. One end of it is fixed to the frame and other
end holds the load (W ). When the load is hoisted, the ratchet passes under
the pawl. On the removal of effort, the pawl prevents the load from falling
down. Hence, it is a self-locking arrangement.

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Engineering Mechanics
Effort wheel T1
Load drum T4
Pinion T2

Spring
Spur wheel T3

Spur wheel T3

Pawl

Load
drum T4

Effort
wheel T1

Endless chain

Pinion T2

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Ratchet
and clutch

Fig. 7.15

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Working illustration of gear pulley

block

Fig. 7.14 Schematic diagram of gear pulley

block

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T1 .T3
T2 .T4

SIMPLE WHEEL AND AXLE

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7.10

T1
T2
T T4
3

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i

Vr

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In a single rotation of effort wheel, (Fig. 7.15) effort (P) moves through a distance proportional to T1. At the same time, the spur wheel and the load drum
T
rotate by 2 of a rotation. In a single rotation of load drum, the load (W ) is
T3
lifted through a distance proportional to T4. So for a single rotation of effort wheel,
T
the load is lifted by a distance 2 T4 . Hence, the velocity ratio of the machine,
T3

This simple machine is basically a wheel or pulley

R
which is rigidly attached to an axle or a drum of
smaller diameter. Since the wheel and the axle are
fitted coaxially, both of them can rotate together.
r
We see the common use of this simple machine in
steering wheels of automobiles, doorknobs, etc.
The effort (P) is applied with a rope wound over
the wheel. Another rope, keeping it fixed with some P
W
suitable point on the axle, is wrapped over the axle,
Fig. 7.16
from which a load (W ) is suspended. A schematic
diagram of a simple wheel and axle is shown in Fig. 7.16.
Let us assume the radii of wheel and axle are R and r, respectively. As the axle
and wheel rotate together, the distance traversed by the wheel during a single
rotation is 2pR, while that by the axle, and thereby the load, is 2pr. Thus the
velocity ratio of the machine,

Simple Lifting Machines

433

Vr = 2p R = R .
2p r
r

Considering no-friction condition, that is, for 100 per cent efficiency,
mechanical advantage will be M A = Vr = R .
r
Let us analyse the effect of friction on the machine. In an actual machine,
if Pactual is the effort required to lift load W,

ia

Work done by the effort Pactual 2p R

Work done by the load W 2pr
Hence, the actual efficiency of the machine,

hactual = W 2p r = W r = ( M A )actual r
Pactual 2p R Pactual R
R

WHEEL AND DIFFERENTIAL AXLE

7.11

at

er

Thus, the actual mechanical advantage, ( M A )actual = hactual R

r

Pr

ev
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ew

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ed

A wheel and differential axle set-up different from a simple wheel machine
because of its axle configuration. Instead of prismatic single axle in simple
wheel and axle, step-down axles are used in wheel and differential axle. This
machine has a better mechanical advantage as compared to single wheel and
axle. Referring to Fig. 7.17(a) two axles of different diameters are coaxially
fitted with a spindle, with which a wheel is also coaxially attached. The effort
(P ) is applied through a wrapped string or rope wound around this wheel.
Another string or rope is wound over two axles and carries a load (W ) with
the help of a movable pulley. The rope on the wheel and smaller axle are
wound in the same direction, whereas that on the larger axle is in opposite
direction. When an effort is applied through the wheel, the rope on the wheel
and smaller axle gets unwound but gets wound on the larger axle, thus lifting
the load. For a single rotation of wheel and axles
Distance moved by P through wheel pD
Length of rope unwound on smaller axle pd2
Length of rope wound on larger axle pd1
So, net length of rope wound on larger axle p ( d1 - d 2 )
p ( d1 - d 2 )
Thus the load W gets lifted by a distance
2
D
p
2
D
Hence, velocity ratio, Vr =
=
p ( d1 - d 2 ) / 2 ( d1 - d 2 )
Considering the free-body diagram of wheels and axle and taking moment
equilibrium at point O, we obtain

d
d
P D +W 2 =W 1
2 2
2
2
2
or

PD=

W ( d1 - d 2 )
2

434

Engineering Mechanics
D
d1

Wheel
Larger axle
Spindle

d2
O

Smaller axle

d2

d1

Ball bearing

W
2

Ball bearing

W
2

er

ia

ovable pulley
W

at

ed

So, mechanical advantage, M A = W =

Fig. 7.17 (b) Free body diagram

of wheel and differential axle

Fig. 7.17(a)
Schematic diagram of wheel and differential axle

ew

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2D
P ( d1 - d2 )
As the velocity ratio and the mechanical advantage bear the same expression, we can infer that efficiency is 100 per cent; thus an ideal machine with
no friction.
Let us evaluate the actual case by considering friction, when the actual
effort is denoted by Pactual.
Now, for a single rotation of wheel and axles, work done by the effort
Pactual p D
W p ( d1 - d2 )
2

ev
i

Work done by the load

So, the efficiency of the machine,

Pr

W p ( d1 - d 2 )
( d - d2 )
( d - d2 )
2
h=
= W 1
= MA actual 1
Pactual p D
Pactual
2D
2D

Thus actual mechanical advantage, MAactual =

7.12

2D h
( d1 - d 2 )

WORM AND WORM WHEEL

A worm is a square-threaded screw and a worm wheel is a toothed wheel. In

this machine, a worm and worm wheel are geared together maintaining their
axes at right angle to each other. An effort wheel or pulley is attached to the
worm coaxially so that effort (P) can be applied through a rope wound over
the pulley. A load drum is securely mounted coaxially on worm wheel and load
is connected with a separate rope wound around the load drum. The pictorial
and schematic views of this machine are shown in Fig. 7.18(a) and (b).
For a single rotation of effort wheel, effort traverses a distance pD.

Simple Lifting Machines

435

Effort wheel
Bearing

Worm
D
Worm wheel

Load drum

er

Fig. 7.18 (b) Schematic diagram

at

Fig. 7.18 (a) Worm and worm wheel

ia

CRAB AND WINCH

Pr

7.13

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For an n-threaded worm, worm pushes the worm wheel through one tooth
during a single rotation of effort wheel. If the total number of teeth in a worm
wheel is T, push of one
tooth means the load drum traverses through n rotations. Thus, when the
T
radius of load drum is r, distance moved by the load 2p r n .
T
D
p
DT
Therefore, the velocity ratio, Vr =
.
=
2p rn / T 2 nr
In ideal condition, neglecting friction loss, mechanical advantage,
M A = Vr = DT
2 nr
For a single-threaded worm, in ideal condition, n 1 and thus
M A = Vr = DT .
2r

Crab and winch are machines used for hoisting heavy loads applying smaller
amount of effort. These machines use gear systems in order to augment velocity ratio. Depending on the number of gear assemblies, crab and winch
systems can be classified into two types.

7.13.1

Single Purchase Crab and Winch

In this system, one set of gears, one pinion of teeth T1, and one spur wheel of
teeth T2 are deployed. The pinion is fitted coaxially with the effort axle and
effort pulley, as shown in Fig. 7.19. Generally a rope is wound around the
effort pulley or wheel of diameter D through which effort (P) is applied. Effort
then moves the pinion and thereby the spur wheel gets rotated. As the spur
wheel is mounted coaxially with a load drum of diameter d, the load drum
will get rotated. A strong rope is attached with load drum, at the end of which
load (W ) is connected. Thus the load is lifted by the rotation of effort wheel.

436

Engineering Mechanics

Pinion T1

Effort axle

Load drum
Effort pulley
d
P

Spur wheel T2
W

ia

Fig. 7.19 Single purchase crab and winch

ed

at

er

For a single rotation of effort wheel, distance traversed by the effort p D.

For a single rotation of pinion, spur wheel and thereby the load drum rotate
T1
times
T2
T
So, displacement of load p d 1
T2
p D = D T2
T
d T1
pd 1
T2

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Hence, velocity ratio, Vr =

In the absence of friction, the work done by the effort equals the work done
by the load. So,

ew

T
P p D = W p d 1
T

ev
i

W D T2
Thus, mechanical advantage, MA = P = d T
1

Pr

As it is no-friction condition, velocity ratio and mechanical advantage are

same and thereby efficiency is 100 per cent.
When friction is present for actual machine, let us assume the actual effort
is Pactual.
Now, for a single rotation of effort wheel,
work done by the effort Pactual p D

T
W p d 1
T2

So, the efficiency of the machine,

Work done by the load

T
W p d 1
T

T
T
2
h=
= W d 1 = MAactual d 1
Pactual p D
Pactual D T2
D T2
T
Thus actual mechanical advantage, M Aactual = h D 2
d T1

Simple Lifting Machines

7.13.2

437

Double Purchase Crab and Winch

In this machine, two sets of gear assemblies are used, as shown in Fig. 7.20.
One additional axle, called an intermediate axle, is deployed. The pinion of
teeth T1 mounted on effort axle meshes with spur wheel of teeth T2 mounted
on the intermediate axle. Similarly, the pinion of teeth T3 on intermediate
axle meshes with spur wheel of teeth T4 mounted on load drum. The effort
(P) is applied with a rope wrapped around the effort wheel, and load (W ) is
attached to another rope wound around the load drum.
Effort wheel
Pinion T1

Effort axle

er

Intermediate axle

Spur wheel T2

Load drum
d

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at

Pinion T3

ia

Spur Wheel T4
W

Fig. 7.20 Double purchase crab and winch

ev
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ew

For a single rotation of the effort wheel, distance traversed by the effort pD.
For a single rotation of pinion on effort axle, spur wheel on intermediate
T1
axle rotates
times.
T2
T1
Now the pinion on the intermediate axle also rotates
times
T2

Pr

So, the spur wheel of the load drum rotates

Thus the distance traversed by the load

T1 T3
T T times
2
4

T T
pd 1 3
T2 T4

T T
pD
=D 2 4
d T1 T3
T1 T3
pd

T2 T4
In an ideal condition, when there is no friction, mechanical advantage,
T
T
M A = Vr = D 2 4
d T1 T3
and efficiency is 100 per cent. In actual condition, considering the effect friction, actual mechanical advantage,
T
T
M Aactual = h D 2 4
d T1 T3
Hence the velocity ratio, Vr =

438

Engineering Mechanics

7.14

WORM GEARED SCREWJACK

at

er

ia

In order to attain large velocity ratio in a simple screwjack, a worm and worm
wheel can be attached to a screwjack without changing its basic principle. The
sectioned pictorial view of a worm geared screwjack is shown in Fig. 7.21.
The effort may be applied with the help of either a handle of length L or a
pulley of radius R, attached to the worm (not shown in figure). Assume the
number of start of threads in the worm is n. For single start thread n 1, and
for double start thread n 2. If an effort P is applied through one single rotation of handle or pulley, the worm moves the worm wheel through n teeth.
Assume the pitch of the thread of the screwjack is p and the total number
of teeth in the worm wheel is T. Now as the effort (P ) traverses a distance of
2p R or 2p L, for a single rotation of handle or pulley, the load (W ) vertically
np
moves a distance
.
T

M
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Sleeve Cap
Threaded onto sleeve and
secured with set screws.

Grease fitting

ev
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Sleeve (Housing)
Material varies based on size
of jack.

Wormgear
made from aluminum
bronze material.

Load Pad End Condition

Jack must be attached to load
and rotation must be restrained.
Keyed machine screwjacks are
available (wj 1000 and larger).
Lifting Screw
Standard end conditions,
plain (t1), load pad (t2),
threaded (t3) and male clevis (t4).
Thrust Bearing
Upper (shown) and lower (not
shown) permit jack to bear load
in both directions.

Pr

Input Shaft (worm)

Standard input shaft extends
to the right and the left. Shaft
modifications are available.

Input Shaft Bearing

One bearing supports at each
end of the input shaft.

Input Shaft Seal

Standard on 2-ton and
large jacks.
Sleeve/Sleeve Cap Material
Aluminum
250-lb1-ton
Ductile iron
2-ton35-ton
Steel
50-ton250-ton
Options
2-ton
Stainless steel
5-ton25-ton
Stainless steel
5-ton35-ton
Steel

Mounting Bolt Holes

Bearing Cap
2-ton and larger jacks smaller
jacks have retaining rings.
Protection Tube

(Courtesy: 2011 Joyce/Dayton Corp.)

Fig. 7.21 Worm geared screwjack

Simple Lifting Machines

439

Thus the velocity ratio

Vr = 2p R = 2p RT [for pulley attachment]
np / T
np
or

Vr = 2p L = 2p LT [for handle attachment]

np / T
np

7.15

WORM GEARED PULLEY BLOCK

Pr

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ia

Load drum
In a worm geared pulley machine, an endless
chain is wound around the effort pulley. A worm
Effort pulley
is fitted coaxially with the effort pulley, a spur Spur
r
wheel is geared with the worm, and a load drum is wheel
mounted coaxially over the spur wheel. When the Worm
effort (P ) is applied by pulling the endless rope or
D
chain, motion is transmitted from effort pulley to
load drum through worm and spur wheel. A separate rope fixed to the rigid base passes over the Rigid base
load drum and holds a movable pulley or snatch
block and then is fixed at a separate point on the Movable
rigid base again. The load (W ) is attached to this pulley
Endless
chain
movable pulley. A schematic diagram of worm
W
geared pulley block is shown in Fig. 7.22.
In a single rotation of effort pulley, effort (P) Fig. 7.22 Worm geared
moves through a distance p D. If the worm is pulley block
single threaded, the worm pushes forward the
spur wheel by one tooth. If T is the number of teeth of spur wheel, the spur
wheel and thereby

the load drum rotates through 1 of a rotation. Hence the
T
length of the rope between load drum and rigid

base decreases by 2p r 1 .
T
So, the distance the load moves p r .
T
Hence, the velocity ratio of the machine, V = p D = TD .
r
pr /T
r

RECAPITULATION
A simple machine is a mechanical device which can change the direction and
magnitude of a force or effort and makes work easier. When two or more simple
machines work together, they are called compound or complex machines. Six
classical simple machines are: inclined plane, wedge, lever, screw, pulley, and
wheel and axle.
Load lifted
zMechanical advantage M A =
=W
Effort applied P
distance travelled by effort
z Velocity ratio Vr =
distance travelled by load
z

440

Engineering Mechanics

Output power M A
=
Input power
Vr
z For an ideal machine, h 1, otherwise h < 1.
W 1 , and
zIn an actual machine, for a given load W, actual effort Pactual =
Vr h
z

Mechanical efficiency h =

corresponding loss in effort due to friction, etc., is Ploss = W 1 - 1 . For a given

Vr h
effort P, actual load to be hoisted Wactual = hP Vr and the corresponding
decrease in load is Wdecrease = P Vr (1 - h ).
zIn

at

er

ia

a simple machine, if the effort is removed entirely and the machine moves in
the reverse direction and the load comes down to its initial position, it is called
reversibility of the machine. But if the load does not move down and remains static
at the position wherefrom the effort is removed, it is called irreversibility or selflocking property of the machine. In self-locking condition, efficiency is less than 0.5.

zIf

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effort P is required to hoist a load W for a machine, the relationship between

dP ,
and b is the
load and effort P = aW + b , where a is the slope of the line, a =
dW
initial effort at no-load condition. Thus mechanical advantage,
MA = W = W
= 1
P aW + b
b
a+
W
b
= 0 and thus
At the extremity, when W ,
W
M Amax = 1 and hmax = 1
aVr
a

1 =M .
A
sin a
zIn a simple screwjack having single-threaded screw of inclination q and limiting
angle of static friction fs , if P is the force generated at the circumference of the
spindle and Q is the force applied at the lever end then
an inclined plane, Vr =

ev
i

ew

zFor

Pr

(i) for upward motion, P = W tan(q + f s )

and

P + mp d
Q = Wd
2 R p d - m p

(ii) for downward motion, P = W tan(f s - q )

and

mp d - p
Q = Wd
.
2 R p d + m p

tan q .
tan(q + f s )
The condition for attaining maximum efficiency, (2q + f s ) = p and
2
1 - sin f s
h
.
=
thus max
1 + sin f s

Efficiency of the screwjack during hoisting load, h =

The expression for torque,

r +r
Q R = mW 1 2 + W tan(q + f s ) d
2
2

Simple Lifting Machines

z
In

441

a differential screwjack, velocity ratio,

W ( p2 - p1 )
Vr = 2p R and efficiency, h =
p2 - p1
2p RP

a first-order pulley system, for n number of movable pulleys, Vr = M A = 2 n.

In a second-order pulley system, for n number of pulleys in the bottom block,
Vr = M A = 2 n. In a third-order pulley system, for total n number of pulleys in

z
In

the system, Vr = M A = (2)n - 1.

a Weston differential pulley block, M A = 2 R = Vr .
R-r
T1 T3
T1
=
z
In a gear pulley block, Vr =
.
T2 T4
T2
T T4
3

ia

z
In

M A = Vr = R in no-friction condition. In reality, actual

r

mechanical advantage, ( M A )actual = hactual R .
r

at

er

z
In a simple wheel and axle

Vr =

2 Dh
.
( d1 - d 2 )

2D
= M A.
( d1 - d 2 )

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In actual condition, M Aactual =

ed

z
In wheel and differential axle, for an idealized condition,

a worm and worm wheel, for idealized condition, M A = Vr = DT .

2r
D T2 = V .
z For single purchase crab and winch, in no-friction condition, M A =
r
d T1
T
In the presence of friction, M Aactual = h D 2 .
d T1
z
For double purchase crab and winch, in no-friction case, mechanical advantage,
T T
T
T
M A = Vr = D 2 4 . In actual condition, M Aactual = h D 2 4 .
d T1 T3
d T1 T3

ev
i

ew

z
In

worm geared screwjack, Vr = 2p R = 2p RT [for pulley attachment] or

np / T
np
2
p
L
2
p
LT
Vr =
=
[for handle attachment]
np / T
np

Pr

z
In

z
In

worm geared pulley block, Vr = p D = TD

pr /T
r

NUMERICAL EXAMPLES
A
Example 7.1 A handle drives pinion D,
which in turn drives drum M, through
gear wheels A, B and C, as shown in Fig.
E7.1. The length of the handle and the M
diameter of drum M are 170 mm and 85
mm, respectively. Wheel D has 25 teeth
gearing with B of 75 teeth and wheel C
W
has 25 teeth gearing with A of 100 teeth.
Considering the efficiency of the system as

Handle

C
D

Fig. E7.1

442

Engineering Mechanics

64.5%, compute the weight W that can be raised by the drum M, if an effort of 250
N is applied through the handle.
Solution Let the revolutions made by the wheels at a fixed time interval be denoted
by RA, RB, RC, and RD and the number of teeth in the corresponding wheels are TA,
TB, TC, and TD.
Now,

RB TD
=
RD TB

RA TC
=
RC TA

and

RB RA TD TC
.
=
(1)
RD RC TB TA
As wheels B and C are mounted on same shaft, RB RC.
Substituting in Eq. (1) and with TD 25, TB 75, TC 25, TA 100
RA
= 25 25 = 1
RD 75 100 12
While the handle makes one revolution, wheel D revolves once, by virtue of which

at

er

ia

Multiplying the above relations,

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ed

wheel A revolves 1 times. Thus drum M revolves 1 times. In one revolution of

12
12
handle, effort thus moves through (2 170) mm, and the load attached on drum
gets lifted by an amount 1 p 85 mm.
20

So, the velocity ratio (Vr ) = 2p 170 = 80

1 p 85
20
Here efficiency h 0.645 and effort P 250 N.
Now

W
250 80

ew

or

h = W or 0.645
PVr
W 12900

So, the magnitude of load to be lifted is 12.9 kN.

Pr

ev
i

Example 7.2 In a lifting machine, an effort of 310 N raised a load of 10,000 N. What
is the mechanical advantage? If the efficiency is 0.75, what is the velocity ratio? If on
this machine, an effort of 610 N raised a load of 20,000 N, what is the new efficiency?
What will be the effort required to raise a load of 5000 N? What is the maximum
mechanical advantage and what is the maximum efficiency?
Solution For P

310 N and W 10,000 N

10,000
Mechanical advantage M A = W =
= 32.258
P
310
Now,
or

10,000
h = W or 0.75 =
310 Vr
PVr
Vr 43.01

So, the velocity ratio is 43.01.

Considering the same velocity ratio, for P 610 N and W 20,000 N,
20,000
efficiency h =
= 0.7623 or 76.23%
610 43.01
The linear relation between load and effort can be idealized as, P = a W + b
Substituting the two sets of values of P and W, we obtain
310 10,000 a + b
610

20,000 a + b

(1)
(2)

Simple Lifting Machines

443

Solving Eqs (1) and (2), we obtain a 0.03 and b 10.

So, the governing equation: P 0.03 W + 10
Hence, the effort required to raise a load of 5000 N will be
P 0.03 5000 + 10 160 N
W =
W
= 1
Thus mechanical advantage M A =
P aW +b
b
a+
W
b
For MA to be maximum, is to be minimum; and this is possible for W o f.
W
max

= 1 = 1 = 33.33
a 0.03

Thus, maximum efficiency hmax =

MA

max

Vr

= 33.33 = 0.7749 or 77.49%

43.01

MA

ia

Hence

at

er

Example 7.3 A screwjack has a mean diameter 80 mm and pitch 15 mm. The
coefficient of friction between its screw and nut is 0.075. Find the effort required to
be normally applied at the end of its operating lever 800 mm long to (i) raise a load
of 2 kN, and (ii) lower the same load. Find the efficiency under this load.
tan f

0.075, d

p
= 15 = 0.05968
p d 80p

80 mm and p

15 mm

ed

Solution Here, m
tan a =

Now,

tan (a + f ) =

tan a + tan f
= 0.05968 + 0.075 = 0.13528
1 - tan a tan f 1 - 0.05968 0.075

and

tan (f - a ) =

tan f - tan a
= 0.075 - 0.05968 = 0.01525
1 + tan f tan a 1 + 0.05968 0.075

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So,

ew

Effort required at the circumference of the screw to raise 2000 N load

= W tan(a + f ) = 2000 0.13528 = 270.56 N
So, the effort required at the end of the lever

Pr

ev
i

= 270.56 40 = 13.528 N
800

Corresponding efficiency

W tan a
= 0.05968 = 0.4412 or 44.12%
W tan (a + f ) 0.13528

Effort required at the circumference of the screw to lower 2000 N load

= W tan (f - a ) = 2000 0.01525 = 30.5 N

So, the effort required at the end of the lever

= 30.5 40 = 1.525 N
800
Example 7.4 A screwjack is used horizontally in sliding a bed-plate into position on
its foundation. The bed-plate weighs 4 kN and coefficient of friction between it and
the foundation is 0.25. The screw of the jack has a mean diameter of 50 mm and a
pitch of 12.5 mm, and the coefficient of friction is 0.1. The axial thrust is carried on a
collar of mean diameter 80 mm for which the coefficient of friction is 0.15. Find the
torque required on the jack and the efficiency of the operation.
Solution We know torque required for a screwjack

444

Engineering Mechanics

r +r
= Pl = mW 1 2 + W tan (f + a ) d
2
2
Here W is equal to the friction force between the bed-plate and its foundation so that
its value is 4000 0.25 1000 N.
Now, m coefficient of friction of collar 0.15
r1 + r2
= mean radius of collar = 80 = 40 mm
2
2
p 12.5
=
= 0.07957
p d 50p
tan f coefficient of friction of the screw 0.1
tan a + tan f
tan (a + f ) =
= 0.07957 + 0.1 = 0.181
So,
1 - tan a tan f 1 - 0.07957 0.1
Hence the torque
= 0.15 1000 40 + 1000 0.181 50
2
= 10525 Nmm

at

er

ia

tan a =

Solution (a)
So,

Here p

tan a =

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Example 7.5 A screwjack has a square thread 7.5 mm mean diameter and 15 mm
pitch. The load on the jack revolves with the screw. The coefficient of friction at the
screw thread is 0.05. (a) Find the tangential force required at 360 mm radius to lift
a load of 6 kN, and (b) state whether the jack is self-locking. If it is, find the torque
necessary to lower the load. If it is not, find the torque which must be applied to keep
the load from descending.
15 mm, d

75 mm, W

6000 N, m

tan f

0.05

p
= 15 = 0.06366
p d 75p

tan a + tan f
= 0.06366 + 0.05 = 0.114
1 - tan a tan f 1 - 0.06366 0.05
Hence the force required at the circumference to lift 6000 N load
W tan (a + f) 6000 0.114 684 N
If P is the tangential force required at a radius of 360 mm, then
P 360 = 684 75 or P 71.25 N
2
(b) As we find, tan a > tan f, thereby a > f. Thus, we can conclude that the jack is
not self-locking.
Now, the force required at the circumference to prevent the load from descending
tan a - tan f
W tan (a f) 6000
1 + tan a tan f

ew

tan (a + f ) =

Pr

ev
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and

6000 0.06366 - 0.05 = 81.69 N

1 + 0.06366 0.05
So, the torque required

75
81.69
2

3063.375 N mm.

Example 7.6 An inextensible string wound around all eight pulleys, four in each
block, is shown in Fig. E7.6. The upper block is fixed with the ceiling and load to be
lifted is attached with the lower block. One end of the string is tied to the bottom
end of the upper block and the string is passed successively through the pulleys and
the force P is applied at the end of the string. If the tension of the string as it passes

Simple Lifting Machines

445

over each pulley increases by 15%, compute the force that will
have to be applied at the end of the string to lift 5 kN through
this pulley system.

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Solution Let P be the required effort to raise 5 kN load. Let

us assume the tension in the string wrapped around largest
pulley in the upper block is S. When the load W is about to
be lifted, overcoming the frictional force, we can write
P 1.15 S
or
S= P
1.15
Similarly, the tension in the successive portions of the string
will be
P , P ,! P
(1.15)2 (1.15)3
(1.15)8
From the condition of equilibrium, we can say

or

1 1 - 1

1.15 1.15

= 5000
P
1- 1
1.15

ed

1
+ 1 3 + "" + 1 8 = 5000
P 1 +
2
1.15 (1.15)
(1.15)
(1.15)

Fig. E7.6

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or

at

P + P + P + "" + P = 5000
(1.15)1 (1.15)2 (1.15)3
(1.15)8

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1- 1
1.15
or
P
= 5000
0.15
or
P 1114.25
Hence the required force is 1114.25 N.

Pr

Example 7.7 In a Weston differential pulley block, the larger pulley has 12 recesses
while the smaller has 10. Compute the efficiency of the machine if an effort of 1235 N
is required to lift a load of 13.5 kN.
Solution Here P

1235 N, W 13500 N, N1 12, N2

2 N1
= 2 12 = 12
So, the velocity ratio Vr =
N1 - N 2 12 - 10

10

W = 13500 = 0.9109 or 91.09%

Hence the efficiency h =
PVr 1235 12
Example 7.8 In a simple wheelaxle system, the diameters of axle and wheel are
120 mm and 500 mm, respectively. The thickness of the rope is 10 mm. Find the velocity
ratio. While hoisting a load of 3000 N at 15 m per minute, if the efficiency becomes
75%, determine the power necessary for supply to the machine.
Solution Mean radius of wheel and rope = 500 + 10 = 255 mm.
2
120
+ 10 = 65 mm.
Mean radius of wheel and rope =
2

446

Engineering Mechanics

So, distance travelled by effort per revolution of wheel 2 p 255 510 p mm.
and distance travelled by load per revolution of axle 2p 65 130 p mm.
Velocity ratio Vr = 255 = 3.923
65
Work done by the machine per minute 3000 15 Nm
So, power obtained from the machine = 3000 15 = 750 watt
60
Considering efficiency, supplied power = 750 = 1000 watt = 1 kW
0.75

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Example 7.9 Two rigidly connected shafts A and B of a differential winch are driven
by handle C of length R 600 mm. A load D of weight
A
P
Q 720 N is fixed to the moving pulley E driven by
a rope. When the handle C starts rotating, the left side
of the rope uncoils from the shaft A of radius r1 100
R
mm, while the right side coils on the shaft B of radius
C
r2 120 mm. Calculate for this mechanism (a) the
E
magnitude of force P required at C in order to lift the
weight, (b) the mechanical advantage, and (c) the
D
velocity ratio.
Solution In one revolution of C, the effort moves
through a distance 2pR.
The length of rope that uncoils from A 2p r1 and coils on B 2p r2
Hence, decrease in length of rope passing around D 2p (r2 r1).
So, during lifting, load passes through a distance p (r2 r1).
Therefore, velocity ratio Vr = 2p R = 2p 600 = 60
p ( r2 - r1 ) p (120 - 100)

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Fig. E7.9

As efficiency has not been provided, let us assume an ideal machine having 100%
efficiency. So, mechanical advantage MA 60
h= W
PVr

or

1 = 720
P 60

ev
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Now,

12 N.

Pr

or

Example 7.10 For a single purchase crab and winch, following is the relevant data:
Effort 250 N; Number of teeth on spur wheel 150, Number of teeth on pinion 30,
Pitch of teeth 18 mm, Diameter of drum 200 mm, Length of the handle 420 mm,
Diameter of lifting rope 15 mm.
Compute velocity ratio. Determine the pressure between the teeth for (a) no-friction
condition and (b) efficiency 75%.
Solution Here, length of the handle (R)

420 mm.
Mean radius of drum and rope (r) 200 + 15 = 107.5 mm
2
Number of teeth on wheel (Tw) 150

Number of teeth on pinion (TP) 30

T
Now, velocity ratio (Vr) R w = 420 150 = 19.5349
r TP 107.5 30
Circumference of pitch circle of pinion

TP pitch

30 18

540 mm.

Simple Lifting Machines

If rp is the radius of pitch circle, 2prp

540

or rp

447

85.9437 mm.
P R = 250 420 = 1221.73 N
85.9437
rp

(a)

In no-friction condition, pressure between teeth

(b)

Considering 75% efficiency, pressure between teeth

1221.73 0.75

916.29 N

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Example 7.11 In the double purchase crab and winch, as shown in Fig. E7.11, the
crank handle H and pinion A are fixed to the shaft MN. Wheel D and pinion E are
fixed together but loose on the shaft MN. Wheel F and drum are also fixed together
but loose on the shaft QR. Wheel B and pinion C are fixed to the shaft QR. The
number of teeth in wheels and pinion are TA 18, TB 72, TC 20, TD 60, TE 18,
TF 72. The effective diameter of drum is 300 mm and radius of crank is 500 mm.
Determine the effort required at the crank to lift a weight of 68 kN.

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Drum

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R
B

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Fig. E7.11

Pr

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Solution For each rotation of the crank handle, the effort moves through a distance
of 2p 500 1000 p mm. During rotation of crank handle, pinion A rotates and
thus drives wheel B. As wheel B and pinion C are rigidly connected to shaft QR, due
to rotation of B, pinion C also rotates and thus it drives wheel D. As wheel D and
pinion E are rigidly connected, due to rotation of D, pinion E rotates and thus it
drives wheel F. As F is rigidly connected to drum, due to the rotation of F, drum will
rotate. Hence we can say that pinions A, C, and E are drivers, while wheels B, D, and
F are followers. So, we can write,
Rotational speed of drum
Rotational speed of follower F
=
Rotational speed of crank handle
Rotational speed of drum A
=

TA TC TE 18 20 18 1

=
TB TD TF 72 60 72 48

Thus, when crank handle rotates once, drum revolves 1 rotations and thus the
48
distance travelled by weight W during hoisting
p 300 1 mm 6.25 p mm.
48
So, velocity ratio Vr =

1000 p
= 160
6.25 p

448

Engineering Mechanics
68,000
= 425 N.
160

Hence the effort required to hoist 68 kN weight

Example 7.12 In a worm geared screwjack, number of teeth of worm wheel is 110
and pitch of the screw is 11 mm. Determine the amount of load that can be lifted by
an effort of 250 N applied through a 300 mm long handle, considering the worm is
single threaded and of efficiency 20%.

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Solution In one revolution of handle, effort moves through a distance of

2p 300 600 p mm
Thus when worm wheel is pushed forward by one tooth, the worm wheel and also the
screw of the jack rotates through 1 of a revolution. Hence load is lifted through
110
11
0.1 mm
110
So, velocity ratio Vr = 600p = 18849.56
0.1
Using the relationship h = W , we obtain W hPVr
PVr
0.20 250 18849.56

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So, the amount of load to be lifted is 942478 N.

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942478 N.

EXERCISES

Multiple Choice Questions

7.3

7.4

7.5

7.6

Pr

ev
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7.2

Which of the following is/are not simple machine(s)?

(a) inclined plane
(b) bench vice
(c) screw
(d) lever
Which of the following combination of simple machines comprises a bench
vice?
(a) Inclined plane and screw
(b) wedge and pulley
(c) lever and pulley
(d) screw and lever
Which of the following is the correct relationship amongst mechanical advantage
(MA), velocity ratio (Vr), and mechanical efficiency (h)?
(a) MA hVr
(b) Vr hMA
(c) MAVr h
(d) MAVr h 1
In an ideal simple machine, which of the following relation holds good?
(a) MAVr 1
(b) MA < Vr
(c) MA Vr
(d) MA > Vr
In an actual simple machine, which of the following relation holds good?
(a) h 1
(b) h2 1
(c) h > 1
(d) h < 1
Which of the following is the correct expression for mechanical advantage of a
compound machine comprising three simple machines?

ew

7.1

(a) M A = M A1 M A 2 M A3
(c) M A =

M A1 + M A 2 + M A3
3

(b) M A = M A1 + M A 2 + M A3
(d) M A =

1
M A1 + M A 2 + M A3

Simple Lifting Machines

7.7

Which of the following is the correct expression for mechanical efficiency of a

compound machine comprising three simple machines?
(a) h = h1 h2 h3
(c) h =

7.8

h1 + h2 + h3
3

(b) h = h1 + h2 + h3
1
(d) h = h + h + h
1
2
3

In an actual machine, which of the following is the valid expression for loss of
effort, for a given load?

1-h
(a) Ploss = W
Vr h
Vr 1 - h
W h

h - 1
(b) Ploss = W
Vr h
(d) Ploss =

Vr
W

h - 1
h

(c) Ploss =

ia

In an actual machine, which of the following is the valid expression for decrease
of load, for a given effort?
(a) Wdecrease = P Vr (h - 1)
(b) Wdecrease = P Vr (1 - h )

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7.9

449

P (1 - h )
V (1 - h )
(d) Wdecrease = r
Vr
P
7.10 To attain the condition of irreversibility of a machine, the value of mechanical
efficiency h is
(a) more than 0.50
(b) more than 0.75
(c) exactly 1.0
(d) less than 0.50
7.11 Velocity ratio for an ideal inclined plane
(a) sina
(b) sin -1 a
1
1
(c)
(d)
sina
sin -1 a
7.12 In a simple screwjack, if q is the inclination of the thread and f s is the limiting
angle of static friction, the necessary condition for attaining self-locking is
(a) f s = 1
(b) q > f s
q
1
(c) q < f s
(d) q = f
s

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(c) Wdecrease =

Pr

7.13 In a simple screwjack, if q is the inclination of the thread and f s is the limiting
angle of static friction, the necessary condition for attaining maximum efficiency
during hoisting of load is
p
(a) (q + f s ) = p
(b) (q + 2f s ) = 2
2
p
(c) (2q + f s ) = p
(d) (2q + f s ) =
2
4
7.14 In a simple screwjack, if q is the inclination of the thread and f s is the limiting
angle of static friction, the expression for maximum efficiency during hoisting
load is
1 - sin f s
1
(a)
(b) 1 - sin f
1 + sin f s
s
1 + sin f s
1
(c) 1 + sin f
(d)
1 - sin f s
s
7.15 The velocity ratio of a first-order pulley system comprising n number of moving
pulleys is
(a) 22 n
(b) 2n
2n
(c) 2 - 1
(d) 2n+1

450

Engineering Mechanics

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7.16 The mechanical advantage of a third-order pulley system comprising n number

of pulleys is
(a) 2n - 1
(b) 2n+1
(c) 2n-1
(d) 2n + 1
7.17 In a simple gun tackle, how much is mechanical advantage?
(a) 1
(b) 2
(c) 3
(d) 4
7.18 Which of the following is the correct relationship between mechanical advantage
and mechanical efficiency of a simple wheel and axle having diameter D and d,
respectively, in actual condition?
(a) h = 1 d
(b) h = M A D
MA D
d
d
2
(c) h = M A
(d) h = M A d
D
D
7.19 In a differential wheel and axle, the actual mechanical advantage can be
expressed as
Rh
2 Rh
(a)
(b)
2( r1 - r2 )
( r + r2 )
Rh
2 Rh
(c)
(d)
( r + r2 )
( r1 - r2 )
7.20 In an n-threaded worm and worm wheel, velocity ratio can be expressed as
(b) RT
(a) rT
2 nr
nR
RT
(c) 2
(d) RT
nr
nr
7.21 Mechanical advantage for a single purchase crab and winch in actual condition
can be expressed as
T
T
(a) D 2
(b) h D 2
d T1
d T1

Pr

7.22

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T
T
(c) h D 1
(d) d 1
D T2
d T2
Mechanical advantage for a double purchase crab and winch in ideal condition
can be expressed as
T T
T T
(a) h D 2 4
(b) D 2 4
d T1 T3
d T1 T3
T
T T
T
(c) D 1 4
(d) h D 2 3
d T2 T3
d T1 T4
Velocity ratio of a single-threaded worm geared pulley block can be expressed as
(b) TD
(a) Tr
2D
2r
TD
Tr
(c)
(d)
r
D
In a pulley attached worm geared screwjack with double start thread, velocity
ratio is expressed as
(a) p RT
(b) 2p RT
p
p
p RT
2p RT
(c) 2 p
(d)
np
In a handle attached worm geared screwjack with single start thread, velocity
ratio is expressed as

7.23

7.24

7.25

Simple Lifting Machines

(a)

2p LT
p

(b) 2p LT
np

(c)

p LT
p

(d) p LT
2p

451

Review Questions
7.1
7.2

ia

7.3
7.4
7.5

Write down the basic characteristics of a simple machine. What do you mean
by a complex machine?
Write short notes on (i) mechanical advantage (ii) velocity ratio (iii) mechanical
efficiency.
What are the differences between an actual machine and an ideal machine?
What do you mean by ideal load and ideal effort?
Derive for a real machine, the expressions for actual load for a given effort and
the decrease in load amount.
Derive for a real machine, the expressions for actual effort for a given load and
corresponding loss in effort due to friction, wear, etc.
Distinguish between the properties of reversibility and irreversibility of a machine.
Prove that the limiting value of efficiency to attain self-locking property of a
machine is 0.5.
Write down the law of machine and explain it with suitable sketches for every
possible case. Derive the expression for maximum mechanical advantage and
maximum efficiency.
With the help of suitable schematic diagrams, explain the working principle of
a simple screwjack.
For a simple screwjack, derive the expressions for effort applied at the circumference of spindle and force applied at the end of the lever, when the load is
hoisted upwards.
What is self-locking condition for a simple screwjack? Is it advantageous and
how can it be achieved?
While hoisting a load using a simple screwjack, deduce the expression for mechanical efficiency. What is the condition for attaining maximum efficiency and
derive its expression?
Explain with suitable sketches, how a differential screwjack is different from a
simple screwjack.
What are the various systems of pulleys? In each case, derive the expression for
velocity ratio.
Describe the Weston differential pulley block.
How is a wheel and differential axle different from a simple wheel and axle?
Compare the actual mechanical advantage of both.
Amongst single purchase and double purchase crab and winch, which one is
advantageous for use and why?
Describe the working principles of a double purchase crab and winch with a
neat sketch.
Explain the working principle of worm geared screwjack.

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7.6

7.11

7.12
7.13

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7.14

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7.10

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7.9

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7.7
7.8

7.15
7.16
7.17
7.18
7.19
7.20

Numerical Problems
7.1

A double square-threaded screwjack of lead 12 mm has coefficient of friction

0.15. Outer diameter of the screw is 55 mm and length of the lever rod is 650 mm.
Compute the force required to (a) hoist and (b) lower a load of 4500 N.

7.2

7.3

7.4

The mean diameter of a single square-threaded screw of 6 mm pitch is 60 mm.

The head consists of two parts so that the load does not rotate with the screw.
The upper part of the head rests on the lower part through ball bearings having
outer diameter 90 mm and inner diameter 70 mm and coefficient of friction
0.05. The coefficient of friction between the nut and the screw 2 0.1.
Evaluate the amount of torque required to hoist a load of 5000 N.
A screwjack having mean diameter 90 mm, pitch of the screw 15 mm, and
coefficient of friction 0.1 is used to raise a load of 4500 N through 165 mm.
Determine the torque required, work done, and efficiency of the machine.
In a simple wheel and axle, as shown in Fig. P7.4,W 6500 N, R 325 mm,
r 175 mm, coefficient of friction in spindle bearing 0.12. It weighs 2.5 kN
and is mounted on a spindle of diameter 60 mm. Compute (a) velocity ratio,
(b) effort required, (c) mechanical advantage, and (d) efficiency.
A differential pulley lifting tackle in which the upper block consists of two pulleys of diameters D and d, rotating on a fixed axis and a movable pulley below,
to which is attached the load, is shown in Fig. P7.5. The tackle is operated by an
endless chain and effort P is applied to length coming off the larger pulley. If D
350 mm, d 250 mm, efficiency 80%, determine the velocity ratio. Compute the
effort to lift a load of 850 N.

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7.5

Engineering Mechanics

452

d
O

Pr

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Fig P7.4

l
W

Fig P7.5
W

7.6

7.7

1200 N

In a double purchase crab and winch the

Fig. P7.7
number of teeth in spur wheels are 50 and
45, while those in pinions are 20 and 25. The length of the handle with which
effort is applied is 450 mm long. The effective diameter of the drum is 160 mm.
Assuming the efficiency of the winch as 42%, determine the amount of load
that can be lifted by applying an effort of 200 N. Compute the pressure between
teeth of each pair of wheels when the pitch of the teeth is 25 mm and friction
is neglected.
A load W of 1.2 kN is to be lifted by the pulley arrangement, as shown in
Fig. P7.7. Determine the magnitude of effort P for hoisting the load if r 300
mm, d 75 mm, and the coefficient of friction in the journals supporting large

Simple Lifting Machines

453

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pulley m 0.3. Neglect friction of the small pulley. Compute also the efficiency
of the system.
7.8 The table of a planing machine is driven by a screw of pitch 60 mm. The driving
pulley on the screw has a diameter of 800 mm and the difference in tensions
of the belt on it is 950 N. If the coefficient of friction between the table and its
guide is 0.08 and the efficiency of the screw is 55%, determine the weight of the
table.
7.9 In an unloaded pulley block, initial frictional resistance is 22 N and it increases
at the rate 17 N per kN load lifted by the block. If the velocity ratio of the
pulley-block is 17.5, calculate the amount of effort required to raise 13 kN load
and also find the efficiency of the machine at that time.
7.10 A double purchase crab and winch a has number of teeth on spur wheels as 80
and 95, on pinions 25 and 35, effective diameter of loading drum 175 mm, and
length of the handle providing effort 380 mm. In test condition it was found
that 100 N and 135 N effort can hoist loads of 1900 N and 3200 N, respectively.
Determine the law of machine, required effort for hoisting 4500 N load, and corresponding efficiency of the machine. Also determine the maximum efficiency.