Edward L. Prater.
Basic Machines and How They Work: revised edn.
Dover. 1994
Beginning with the simplest of machines—the lever—the text proceeds with discussions of the block and tackle (pulleys and hoists), wheel and axle, the inclined plane and the wedge, the screw, and different types of gears (simple, spur, bevel, herringbone, spiral, worm, etc.). A chapter on the concept of work discusses the measurement of work, friction, and efficiency; this is followed by investigations of power, force and pressure, explaining the uses of scales, balances, gauges and barometers. The fundamentals of hydrostatic and hydraulic machines (such as the hydraulic braking system and the hydraulic press) are discussed in detail. The remaining chapters cover machine elements (bearings and springs), basic mechanisms (gear differential, couplings, cams, clutches), the internal combustion engine and power trains (including explanations of various transmission systems—synchromesh, auxiliary, etc.).
Every concept is clearly defined and the discussions always build easily from elementary theory to particular applications familiar to anyone with the slightest interest in mechanics. Important concepts, machine components and techniques are clearly illustrated in more than 200 diagrams, drawings, and cross-sections that reveal inner workings—all of these help to clarify even further an already clear and well-organized presentation. Although it was originally designed for use in U. S. Naval Training Schools, this book can be used to great advantage as a basic text in mechanical engineering in standard technical schools, and will be immensely valuable even to the layman who desires a basic knowledge of mechanics.