Power Machinery Vocabulary
Air Compressor: An air compressor is a machine that takes in atmospheric air and increases the pressure of the air by compressing it. This increased pressure can then be used in various power machinery and tools, including nail guns, paint sprayers, and sanders.
Alternator: An alternator is a type of electrical generator that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Alternators are commonly used in cars and trucks to provide power to a vehicle’s electrical components.
Axle: An axle is a central shaft or spindle in a rotating machine that supports rotating parts. Axles are used to transfer rotational power from a power source to an output device.
Bearings: Bearings are components that are used to support and reduce the friction of rotational or linear motion in machinery. They are typically found in rotational devices such as pulleys and shafts.
Chain Drive: A chain drive is a type of power transmission system that transfers power from one location to another using a series of linked chains. This system is commonly used in bicycles and other small machines.
Clutch: A clutch is a mechanical device used to engage and disengage the rotation of two shafts that are coupled together. Clutches are used to allow the operator of a vehicle or machine to control the power transfer.
Crankshaft: The crankshaft is a main component in many types of engines. It is a shaft connected to the camshaft and is used to transfer rotational motion from the pistons to the other power components in the engine.
Cylinder: A cylinder is a mechanical component that is used to contain and compress a gas or liquid in order to create a force capable of producing rotational or linear motion. Cylinders are commonly used in internal combustion engines and pneumatic systems.
Gearbox: A gearbox is a type of power transmission system that uses gears and shafts to transfer rotational power from one device to another. Gearboxes are commonly used in cars and other vehicles to provide power from the engine to the wheels.
Generator: A generator is a machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Generators can be powered by a variety of sources, such as wind, water, or combustion engines.
Hydraulics: Hydraulics is a branch of engineering that deals with the study and application of fluids to create motion and power. Hydraulic systems are commonly used in machinery, power tools, and construction equipment.
Motor: A motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. Motors are used in a variety of machines, from cars and trucks to robots, washing machines, and fans.
Piston: A piston is a component of an engine that is used to convert the force created by fuel combustion into rotational motion. Pistons are typically made of metal and are housed in a cylindrical chamber.
Sprocket: A sprocket is a type of wheel that has a series of interlocking teeth that are designed to mesh together with a chain. Sprockets are commonly used to transfer power from one device to another, such as in bicycles and motorcycles.
Valve: A valve is a device that regulates and controls the flow of liquids and gases. Valves are used in a variety of machines, such as engines and pumps, to control the flow of fluid and control the speed of operation.
