The animation shows a Pelton turbine wheel with nozzle, water jet and deflected jet. A schematic of the double bucket shows the velocity triangles at inlet and outlet, and a characteristic diagram shows the driving torque and the power over the speed ratio. Flow rate and load torque can be set; the rotational speed settles… Read More: Interactive Animation: Pelton Turbine »
The animation shows the refrigeration cycle of a heat pump. The four components (evaporator, compressor, condenser and expansion valve) are displayed with color coded temperature visualization and animated mass flow. The thermodynamic state is shown in a log p-h diagram or a T-s diagram. Links Description of the Animation The left side of the animation… Read More: Interactive Animation: Heat Pump »
Why valve timing determines engine performance Whether a four stroke petrol engine pulls from low revs or delivers power at the top end depends on the valve timing. It defines when the intake and exhaust valves open and close. A shift of 10 to 20 degrees changes cylinder filling, torque and emissions. This is why… Read More: Interactive Animation: Control of a Four Stroke Gasoline Engine »
The following animation shows the linkage of a windscreen wiper system – a crank-rocker mechanism that converts the rotation of the wiper motor into the oscillating movement of two synchronously running wiper arms. Crank radius, lever length and wipe angle can be changed in real time. Links Description of the Animation The animation shows a… Read More: Interactive Animation: Four-Joint Transmission – The Example of a Windshield… »
This animation illustrates the concept of mechanical work \( W = F \cdot s \) using a driving car as an example. Use the “Accelerator pedal position” slider to control the car and observe how the forces (shown as arrows on the car), the work diagram (centre) and the velocity (right) change in real time.… Read More: Interactive Animation: Mechanical Work »
This simulation shows an ideal gas (1 mol, diatomic) in a cylinder with a movable piston. A process selector lets you explore the four idealised changes of state: isothermal, isobaric, isochoric and adiabatic. It also offers a free relaxation towards ambient equilibrium. The state is displayed simultaneously in the p-V diagram, as a time series, and… Read More: Interactive Animation: Changes in the State of an Ideal Gas »
The following interactive 3D model shows a historical post windmill of Dutch design with its essential constructional elements. By clicking on the colored objects, information about the respective component is displayed. Links Description The 3D model depicts a traditional windmill of the type used for centuries to grind grain. Shown are the external components (sails,… Read More: Interactive Animation: Dutch Windmill »
The following animation illustrates the operation of a PID controller using the example of a water level control system. Control behavior, manipulated variable, and disturbance influence are visualized in real time. Links Animation Description The animation shows a water tank with a percentage scale (0–100%) on the left side. Water flows in from the top… Read More: Interactive Animation: PID Controller »
The following animation illustrates the forces acting on the rotor of a wind turbine in the rotor plane. The various force components and their vector addition are displayed dynamically during rotation. Links Description of the Animation The animation shows a simplified wind turbine rotor with three blades in a top-down view. Pressing the Start button… Read More: Interactive Animation: Rotor Forces »
This animation shows Snell’s law at a curved interface. A light ray strikes the surface and is reflected and refracted. The refractive index is adjustable. The angular relationships between the incident, reflected, and refracted rays are visualized through dynamic angle markers. Links Animation Description The animation shows a light ray emitted from a flashlight striking… Read More: Interactive Animation: Law of Refraction »