Machine
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A machine is any device that uses energy to perform some activity. In common usage, the meaning is that of a device having parts that perform or assist in performing any type of work. A simple machine is a device that transforms the direction or magnitude of a force without consuming any energy. The word "machine" is derived from the Latin machina.[1]
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Historically, a device required moving parts to be classified as a machine; however, the advent of electronics technology has led to the development of devices without moving parts that are considered machines—the computer being the most obvious example.[1]
"Engines" are machines that convert heat or other forms of energy into mechanical energy. For example, in an internal combustion engine the expansion of gases caused by the heat from an exothermic chemical reaction applies a force to a movable component, such as the piston of a reciprocating-piston gasoline engine.[2]
Machines are ubiquitous in a wide variety of industrial, commercial, residential and transportation applications. Those employing hydraulics are especially useful in manufacturing and construction.
| Simple machines | Inclined plane, Wheel and axle, Lever, Pulley, Wedge, Screw | |
| Mechanical components | Axle, Bearings, Belts, Bucket, Fastener, Gear, Key, Link chains, Rack and pinion, Roller chains, Rope, Seals, Spring, Wheel, | |
| Clock | Atomic clock, Chronometer, Pendulum clock, Quartz clock | |
| Compressors and Pumps | Archimedes screw, Eductor-jet pump, Hydraulic ram, Pump, Tuyau, Vacuum pump | |
| Heat engines | External combustion engines | Steam engine, Stirling engine |
| Internal combustion engines | Reciprocating engine | |
| Linkages | Pantograph, Peaucellier-Lipkin | |
| Turbine | Gas turbine, Jet engine, Steam turbine, Water turbine, Wind generator, Windmill (Air turbine) | |
| Aerofoil | Sail, Wing, Rudder, Flap, Propeller | |
| Electronics | Transistor, Diode, Capacitor, Resistor, Inductor | |
| Miscellaneous | Robot, Vending machine, Wind tunnel, Check weighing machines, Riveting machines |
- Oberg, Erik; Franklin D. Jones, Holbrook L. Horton, and Henry H. Ryffel (2000). ed. Christopher J. McCauley, Riccardo Heald, and Muhammed Iqbal Hussain. ed.. Machinery's Handbook (26th edition ed.). New York: Industrial Press Inc.. ISBN 0-8311-2635-3.
