THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department of Mechanical Engineering

MECE 3380-01(& -A or B) Kinematics & Dynamics of Machines 3 Credits Fall 2016

Room: ENGR 1.236 (& ACSB 2.150) Time: MW 9:25 10:40 a.m. (50 minutes)

Instructor: Dr. Robert A. Freeman Office: ENGR 3.222A Phone: (956) 665-2381
Office Hours: MW 1:45 - 3 pm Strict, or by Appointment
Email: robert.freeman@utrgv.edu Website: http://faculty.utpa.edu/rafree/
On campus: http://www.mece.utpa.edu/~rafree/
Textbook:
Erdman, Sandor, Kota, Mechanism Design - Analysis and Synthesis, Vol. 1, 4th Edition, Prentice-
Hall, 2001. [ISBN-10 0130408727 or ISBN-13: 978-0130408723] (Not required)
Prerequisites:
A grade of C or better in MECE 2304 or 2302 Dynamics (Engr. Graphics not required for MECE
majors admitted prior to F14)
Prerequisite Knowledge:
- Calculus (integration and differentiation) and Linear Algebra (systems of equations)
- Vector Analysis (understanding of vector representations and operations)
- Statics (free body diagrams and equilibrium analysis)
- Dynamics (planar rigid body kinematic and dynamic analysis Newton Euler Eqs of Motion)
Course Description:
Kinematic and dynamic modeling, analysis and design of mechanisms and machines; study of
machine components such as linkages, cams, gears, gear trains and differentials.
Course Outcomes & Assessment:
At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Classify planar linkages in terms of their name, DOF, function, and equivalent kinematic
diagram (H, Q, T).
2. Perform kinematic analysis of simple mechanical devices including; simple, compound, and
epicyclic gears, cams, friction drives, and differentials. This is to be accomplished by "hand",
by creating and/or using Mathcad scripts, and by using Working Model 2D (H, Q, T, P).
3. Perform parametric design (including optimization) of gear trains and friction drives with
respect to desired kinematic and dynamic performance, cost, and availability criteria. This is
to be accomplished by "hand" and by creating and/or using Mathcad scripts (H, Q, T, P).
4. Determine whether or not a specified linkage type is geometrically sufficient to satisfy
specific kinematic structural and performance requirements, and if so, to determine in general
how many solutions exist (H, Q, T, P).
5. Dimensionally synthesize planar four-bar and six-bar linkages for motion, function, and path
generation. This is to be accomplished by "hand" and by creating and/or using Excel and
Mathcad scripts (H, Q, T, P).

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 6. Perform position, velocity, acceleration, and force analysis of general 1DOF planar linkages
using DYAD (module-based) structure groups. This is to be accomplished by "hand", by
creating and/or using Mathcad scripts, and by using Working Model 2D (H, Q, T, P).
7. Use Working Model 2D to create and dynamically simulate general planar mechanical
devices (H, P).
8. Use Mathcad to analyze general planar mechanical devices (H, P).
Key: H - Homework, Q - Quiz, T Test, P - Project
Grading Policy:
There will be six major assignments (30%), a project (10%), three in-class midterm exams (45%
each), and a final exam (15%). Exams will be closed-book and notes but you will be provided with
formula sheets that contain all pertinent information. Only simple (nonprogrammable) scientific
calculators will be allowed in the exams. [To earn a grade of A you must obtain a combined
average of 85% or higher on the exams. (E.G., 84 avg => 50.4 exam points + 40 Hwk & Project
points = score of 90.4 but => B). Also, for a B the exam average has to be >= 75%, C >= 65%, D
>= 55%.].
Homework:
See course schedule. Note - work together in groups of 2 and hand in before class, on due date, 1
neatly produced solution per group. Be sure you understand each problem's solution (to be made
available on the due date). Note: this course is homework intensive and requires the use of both
WorkingModel 2D and Mathcad!

Project:
Kinematically synthesize, dynamically analyze, document, and build a virtual/computer model and a
functioning physical model [hopefully using MakerBot 3D printers] of a human powered six-bar
mechanism. To be done in groups of 2 students each. Project is to be done using MathCad &/or
Excel for analytic development and Working Model 2D for verification and graphical simulation. A
short 5 minute power point presentation is also to be prepared and may be given in class.
Due Monday 12/5 in lab

Topics Covered:
Fundamental concepts including; joint and link types, mobility, classification, and equivalent
diagrams
Survey of simple mechanical devices including; gears (simple, compound, and epicyclic),
cams, friction drives, and differentials
Design theory and methodology
Dimensional synthesis of planar 4 & 6-Bar linkages
DYAD based planar mechanism analysis including; structural formulation, position, velocity,
acceleration, and force analysis, and dynamic modeling
Introduction to Mathcad and Working Model 2D (supplemented by Web-based tutorials)

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Schedule:

Day/Date Topic
M 8/29 Mechanism Recognition, Classification & Degrees of Freedom (DOF)
W 8/31 Intro. to Parametric Design
M 9/5 No class Labor Day Holiday
W 9/7 Motion Guidance - Co-Planar Motion Synthesis
M 9/12 Motion Guidance - Co-Planar Motion Synthesis
W 9/14 CMS Overview & Wrap-up
M 9/19 Lift Mech. Control Mechanism: Angular Coordination of Two cranks
W 9/21 Crank-Rocker Synthesis
M 9/26 Combined Watt2 Solution
W 9/28 Other Synthesis Tasks
M 10/3 Other Synthesis Tasks
W 10/5 Review E1
M 10/10 Exam 1: Fund. Concepts & Kinematic Synthesis
W 10/12 Dyad-based Modular Structure
M 10/17 M1C3a: Kinematics (Pos., Vel., & Accel.) via Dyads
W 10/19 M1C3a: Kinetic Analysis (Forces) via Dyads
M 10/24 M1C3a: Newton-Euler Analysis Wrap-up & WM2D
W 10/26 Dyad-based Modular Structure Overview
M 10/31 KIC based Dynamic Modeling (Effective Inertia & Natural Frequency)
W 11/2 Review E2
M 11/7 Exam 2: Dyad-based Modular Analysis
W 11/9 Fixed Axis Gear Trains
M 11/14 Epicyclic Gear Trains
W 11/16 Gear Train Design
M 11/21 GTD Optimization
W 11/23 Epicyclic GT Applications
M 11/28 E3 Review & Project Wrap-up
W 11/30 Exam 3: Gear Train Analysis & Design
M 12/5 Project Report Due Before
W 12/7 Final Exam Review

W 12/14 Final (10 - 11:45am): Cumulative

Attendance:
1. Attendance will be taken every time the class meets. Any student arriving to class 5 minutes
after the class has started will not be allowed in class. Students will be allowed a maximum of
three absences for the whole semester for classes meeting twice a week, two absences for classes
meeting once a week, and one absence for laboratory courses. Five points will be deducted from
the total (100%) for each absence exceeding the maximum allowable unless documentation
justifying that absence is provided.
2. Students will not be permitted to leave the classroom during lectures and exams except for
extreme emergencies.

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Homework and Exams:
1. Absolutely no late assignments will be accepted.
2. Absolutely no cell phones, laptops, iPads, iPods, or any other smart technology devices are
allowed in exams.
3. Make-ups for in-class exams for documented emergencies will be scheduled during the last
week of class.
Scholastic Integrity:
As members of a community dedicated to Honesty, Integrity and Respect, students are reminded that
those who engage in scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the
possibility of failure in the course and expulsion from the University. Scholastic dishonesty includes
but is not limited to: cheating, plagiarism, and collusion; submission for credit of any work or
materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person; taking an examination for
another person; any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student; or the attempt to commit such
acts. Since scholastic dishonesty harms the individual, all students and the integrity of the
University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced (Board of Regents Rules and
Regulations and UTRGV Academic Integrity Guidelines). All scholastic dishonesty incidents will be
reported to the Dean of Students.
Calendar of Activities:
Aug 29 Fall classes begin
Sept 1 Last day to add or register for Fall classes
Sept 2 Last day to withdraw (drop all classes) for a 80% refund
Sept 5 Labor Day Holiday, no classes
Sept 14 Census day (last day to drop without appearing on transcript)
Nov 17 Last day to drop (DR grade) a class or withdraw (grade of W)
Nov 18 - Dec 8 Online course evaluations available
Nov 24 - Nov 25 Thanksgiving Holiday, no classes
Dec 8 Study Day, no classes
Dec 9 Dec 15 Final Exams
Course Drops:
According to UTRGV policy, students may drop any class without penalty earning a grade of DR
until the official drop date. Following that date, students must be assigned a letter grade and can no
longer drop the class. Students considering dropping the class should be aware of the 3-peat rule
and the 6-drop rule so they can recognize how dropped classes may affect their academic success.
The 6-drop rule refers to Texas law that dictates that undergraduate students may not drop more than
six courses during their undergraduate career. Courses dropped at other Texas public higher
education institutions will count toward the six-course drop limit. The 3-peat rule refers to additional
fees charged to students who take the same class for the third time.

Students with Disabilities:

If you have a documented disability (physical, psychological, learning, or other disability which
affects your academic performance) and would like to receive academic accommodations, please
inform your instructor and contact Student Accessibility Services to schedule an appointment to
initiate services. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with Student Accessibility
Services before classes start. However, accommodations can be provided at any time. Brownsville
Campus: Student Accessibility Services is located in Cortez Hall Room 129 and can be contacted
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by phone at (956) 882-7374 (Voice) or via email at accessibility@utrgv.edu. Edinburg Campus:
Student Accessibility Services is located in 108 University Center and can be contacted by phone at
(956) 665-7005 (Voice), (956) 665-3840 (Fax), or via email at accessibility@utrgv.edu.
Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and Violence:
In accordance with UT System regulations, your instructor is a responsible employee for reporting
purposes under Title IX regulations and so must report any instance, occurring during a students
time in college, of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, or sexual harassment
about which she/he becomes aware during this course through writing, discussion, or personal
disclosure. More information can be found at www.utrgv.edu/equity, including confidential
resources available on campus. The faculty and staff of UTRGV actively strive to provide a learning,
working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an
environment free from sexual misconduct and discrimination.
Course Evaluation:
Students are required to complete an ONLINE evaluation of this course, accessed through your
UTRGV account (http://my.utrgv.edu); you will be contacted through email with further
instructions. Online evaluations will be available Nov. 18 Dec. 9, 2015. Students who complete
their evaluations will have priority access to their grades.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT OF SYLLABUS

By signing below, I hereby affirm that I have received a copy of the syllabus for MECE 3380
Kinematics and Dynamics of Machines and have been informed by the Instructor that it is my
responsibility to carefully read and understand this document and abide by all its content. I also
agree to prepare and submit to the Instructor, at the end of the semester, a folder that contains all
my homework assignments, quizzes, exams, projects, reports and/or literature review (if applicable).

__________________________________________
Student ID Number

__________________________________________
Printed Name

__________________________________________
Signature

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Date