UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE

2017 MAY / JUN EXAMINATIONS

Faculty: ENGINEERING
Department: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Paper Code and Title: ME201 – APPLIED MECHANICS
Duration: 3 hrs
Examiner: Eng. L. Madiye

Authorized Materials: Non Programmable Calculator

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. This paper contains Six Questions
2. Answer ANY 4 QUESTIONS.
3. Start each question on a new page
4. All questions carry EQUAL marks

N/B: DO NOT TURN OVER THE QUESTION PAPER OR COMMENCE

WRITING UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO.
Question 1

(a) The mean diameter of the contact surfaces of a conical friction clutch is 320 mm and the width of the
conical surface is 70 mm. The angle between the generator of conical surface and its axis is 15˚. Given
that the intensity of the normal pressure between the surfaces is limited to 80 kN/m2, and the clutch is
lined with friction material with a coefficient of friction of 0.3, determine;

(i) The greatest power that can be transmitted at a speed of 1250 rev/min without slipping of the

clutch and [9]

(ii) The least axial force necessary to hold the clutch in engagement. [4]

(b) A multi-disc friction clutch has to be designed to transmit 75 kW from the engine running at 2000
rev/min. Assuming that the pressure distribution is uniform at 150 kN/m2 and that the inner and
outer diameter of the lining are respectively 100 mm and 150 mm, find;

(i) The necessary end thrust, and [4]

(ii) Necessary number of plates. [8]

Question 2

(a) A small air compressor is belt driven from a lay-shaft in a workshop, the pulley on the compressor
being 350 mm diameter, and the angle of lap of the belt is 170˚. When the belt is moved from the loose
to the fast pulley, it slips for 10s until the compressor attains its constant speed of 280 rev/min. The
flywheel of the compressor has a moment of inertia of 5 kg m2 and the friction requires a constant
torque of 5 Nm. If coefficient of friction is 0.3 during the accelerating period, determine:

(i) Tensions in both sides of the belt, [6]

(ii) The distance that the belt slips and [3]

(iii) The energy lost in that time due to slip. [2]

(b) The drive from an electric motor to a line shaft is by 3 V-belts in parallel. The mean diameter of the
pulley on the motor is 150 mm, and the motor and shaft speeds are 1600 and 400 rev/min respectively.
The shafts are 1 m apart. The belt has a mass of 1.4 Mg/m3, the cross sectional area of each belt is
800mm2, the angle between the sides of the V-groove is 30˚, and μ = 0.13. If the tensile stress in the belt
material is not to exceed 8 MN/m2, find the power that can be transmitted by the drive. [14]

Question 3

(a) A gear wheel has a mass of 1000kg and has radius of gyration 0.6m. It has 300 teeth of 5
module. If, owing to incorrect tooth from the speed fluctuates ±0.05 percent during the time of
contact, and assuming constant acceleration and deceleration, find
(i) Variation in the torque and [6]
(ii)Variation in tooth pressure, when the wheel rotates at 500r.p.m [3]

(b)The following particulars of a single reduction spur gear are given;

Approximate distance between centers : 880mm
Gear ratio = 10 to 1
Pinion transmits 1200kW at 2000r.p.m
Involute teeth of standard proportions (addendum = m)
Pressure angle : 22.5°
Permissible normal pressure between teeth : 250 N per mm of width
Determine:
(i) The nearest standard module if no interference is to occur, [5]
(ii) The number of teeth in each wheel, [5]
(iii)The necessary width of the pinion and [5]
(iv)The loads on the bearings of the wheels due to the power transmitted. [1]
Question 4

(a) Describe briefly any three commercial machining processes mainly used for producing gear
teeth. [9]
(b) Two shafts, A and B, in the same straight line are geared together through and intermediate
parallel shaft, C. The wheels connecting A and C have a module of 2.5, and those connecting C
and B a module of 4. The speed of B is to be about, but less than 1/15 that of A. If the two pinions
have each 30 teeth, determine;
(i) Suitable teeth for the wheels, [12]
(ii) Actual ratio and [2]
(iii) The corresponding distance of shaft C from A. [2]

Question 5

A petrol engine of cylinder diameter 100 mm and stroke 120 mm has a piston of mass 1.1 kg and a
connecting rod of length 250 mm. When rotating at 2000 rev/min, and on the explosion stroke with the
crank at 20˚ from the t.d.c. position, the gas pressure is 700 kN/m2. Find:

(i) The piston acceleration, [4]

(ii) The net piston force, [4]

(iii)The resultant load on the gudgeon pin, [8]

(iv) The thrust on the cylinder wall and [3]

(v) Determine also the speed above which, the other conditions remaining constant, the gudgeon pin
load would be reversed in direction. [6]
Question 6

(a) A spring of stiffness 5 kN/m is suspended vertically and two equal masses of 6 kg each are attached
to the lower end. One of these masses is suddenly removed and the system oscillates. Determine:

(i) The amplitude of the vibration, [3]

(ii) The frequency of the vibration, [2]

(iii) The velocity and acceleration of the mass when passing through the half amplitude position and
[4]

(iv) The energy of the vibration in joules. [3]

(b) A rotating shaft carries four masses A, B, C and D, rigidly attached to it. The mass centers are at 30mm,
36mm, 39mm and 33mm respectively from the axis of rotation. A, C and D are 7.5kg, 5kg and 4kg. The
axial distance between A and B is 400mm and that between B and C is 500m. The eccentricities of A and
C are at 90 degrees to one another. Find for complete balance

(i) The angles between A, B and D

(ii) The axial distance between the planes of revolution of C and D; and

(iii) The mass B [13]

END OF QUESTION PAPER