MRYE1 Wheel and Axle Unit

The Wheel and Axle Unit, "MRYE1", is a unit which allows to investigate the mechanics of a simple wheel and axle machine and to demonstrate the laws of the formation of equilibrium of moments in static systems.

Two pulleys with different diameter have an axle supported on pivots with ball bearings in a base plate. Each pulley (wheel) has a cord wrapped around its periphery. The cords can be wrapped in either direction around each pulley.

A weights holder is added to each cord, allowing the loading of the pulleys using the set of weights provided. These weights can be easily changed, thus allowing to quickly vary the peripheral force on the pulleys.

Using the holders and weights the velocity ratio can be experimentally determined and compared with the calculated values. Students can also determine the variation of effort with load and the variation of efficiency with load.