Machine elements are fundamental components used in mechanical systems to control motion, transmit forces, store energy and absorb mechanical energy. This section provides RoyMech engineering references covering cams, flywheels, power screws and shock absorbers.
More extensive information on mechanisms and springs is provided in their own RoyMech sections, which contain multiple technical reference pages and engineering calculations.
Jump to: Selection Guide - Cams - Flywheels - Power Screws - Shock Absorbers - Mechanisms & Springs
The following references cover four common machine elements used for motion control, energy storage, force transmission and impact-energy control.
Cams convert rotary motion into a prescribed follower movement. The RoyMech reference covers cam types, follower arrangements, displacement diagrams, rise, dwell and return motion, velocity and acceleration relationships.
Cam and Follower ReferenceFlywheels store rotational kinetic energy and help control fluctuations in speed and energy delivery in cyclic machinery. The RoyMech reference covers rotational energy, moment of inertia, speed fluctuation and rotating stresses.
Flywheel ReferencePower screws convert rotary motion and torque into linear movement and axial force. The RoyMech references cover thread forms, ball and roller screws, torque and efficiency, self-locking, stresses and buckling.
Power Screw ReferenceShock absorbers dissipate mechanical energy and reduce the forces produced when moving loads are brought to rest. The RoyMech reference covers impact energy, stopping force, effective mass and industrial shock absorber selection.
Shock Absorber ReferenceMechanisms and springs cover broader areas of mechanical engineering and are therefore maintained as separate RoyMech sections containing multiple technical references.
The Mechanisms section covers mechanical arrangements used to transmit, transform, constrain and sequence motion, including clamping devices, ratchets, escapements, indexing systems, reciprocating and rocking mechanisms, couplings and motion generators.
Mechanisms SectionThe Springs section provides detailed engineering references for spring types, materials, stresses, deflections, design calculations and spring selection.
Springs SectionDifferent machine elements perform different functions within a mechanical system. The appropriate component depends on whether the design requires a prescribed motion, energy storage, force transmission, impact control or a more complex motion transformation.
| Machine Element | Primary Function | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Cams | Generate a prescribed follower motion | Automatic machinery, mechanisms and valve operation |
| Flywheels | Store rotational energy and reduce speed fluctuations | Engines, presses and cyclic machinery |
| Power Screws | Convert rotary motion and torque into linear movement and axial force | Jacks, presses, clamps, actuators and positioning equipment |
| Shock Absorbers | Dissipate mechanical energy and control impact | Industrial machinery, handling equipment and motion systems |
| Mechanisms | Transmit, transform, constrain or sequence motion | Linkages, indexing systems, clamps and motion-control machinery |
| Springs | Store elastic energy and provide controlled force or movement | Machines, mechanisms, suspensions and actuators |