Mechanics

Interactive animations on mechanics: force decomposition, linkages, oscillations, projectile motion and more – clearly explained and free to use in your browser.

Four-Joint Transmission: The Example of a Windshield Wiper

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: Four-Joint Transmission: The Example of a Windshield Wiper »

Mechanical Work

This animation illustrates the concept of mechanical work \( W = F \cdot s \) using a driving car as an example. In the work diagram, the work done appears as the area beneath the force-distance curve. Links Description of the Animation Use the accelerator pedal to speed up the car. The arrows on the… Read More: Mechanical Work »

Dutch Windmill

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: Dutch Windmill »

Rotor Forces

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: Rotor Forces »

Crank Mechanism

The following animation illustrates the crank mechanism – the fundamental linkage for converting rotational motion into linear motion. Crank angle, connecting rod inclination, and piston position are visualized in real time. Links Animation Description The animation shows a crank mechanism consisting of a crank, connecting rod, and piston. The play button starts the rotation. The… Read More: Crank Mechanism »

Damped Mass-Spring System

The animation compares the oscillation behavior of two spring-mass systems: one without damping (harmonic oscillation) and one with damping (damped oscillation). Amplitude, frequency, and damping constant are adjustable. The motions are shown both mechanically and in a time diagram. Links Description of the Animation The animation visualizes two fundamental types of mechanical oscillations side by… Read More: Damped Mass-Spring System »

Forces on a Wedge

The following animation illustrates the principle of force resolution at a wedge. The decomposition of a main force into two flank forces is visualized in real time through an interactive force parallelogram. Links Description of the Animation The animation shows a symmetrical wedge with three synchronized elements: wedge geometry, force vectors, and lines of action.… Read More: Forces on a Wedge »

HD Animation: Forces on the wedge

The following interactive animation illustrates the principle of force decomposition on the wedge. Description The principle is of fundamental importance in mechanics. This principle explains the functionality of a number of tools such as: The animation is based on the following assumptions: The tip of an ideal wedge is infinitely small. The workpiece only comes… Read More: HD Animation: Forces on the wedge »

Structure of a Crank Swing Arm

The animation shows the mechanical structure of a crank swing arm. When cycling, the crank swing arm is formed by the cyclist himself. Note on Use After starting the application, you can view the animation in full-screen mode. To do this, click on “View” and then on “Full screen”: To exit full screen mode, press… Read More: Structure of a Crank Swing Arm »