Historically, a device required moving parts to be classified as a machine; however, the advent of electronics technology has led to the development of devices without moving parts that many refer to as machineshe computer being the most obvious example.
"Engines" are machines that convert heat or other forms of energy into mechanical energy. For example, in an internal combustion engine the expansion of gases caused by the heat from an exothermic chemical reaction results in a force being applied to a movable component, such as a piston or turbine blade. An engine is often considered part of a larger machine, such as an automobile or an aircraft.
Machines are ubiquitous in a wide variety of industrial, commercial, residential and transportation applications. Those employing hydraulics are especially useful in manufacturing and construction.
Types of machines and related components
Types of machines and related components
Classification
Machine(s)
Simple machines
Inclined plane, Wheel and axle, Lever, Pulley, Wedge, Screw
Mechanical components
Axle, Bearings, Belts, Bucket, Fastener, Gear, Key, Link chains, Rack and pinion, Roller chains, Rope, Seals, Spring, Wheel,
Main articles: Outline of machines and Outline of industrial machinery
Automation
Engineering
History of technology
Technology
References
^ a b The American Heritage Dictionary, Second College Edition. Houghton Mifflin Co., 1985.
^ "Internal combustion engine", Concise Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, Third Edition, Sybil P. Parker, ed. McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1994, p. 998 .
Further reading
Oberg, Erik; Franklin D. Jones, Holbrook L. Horton, and Henry H. Ryffel (2000). ed. Christopher J. McCauley, Riccardo Heald, and Muhammed Iqbal Hussain. ed. Machinery's Handbook (26th edition ed.). New York: Industrial Press Inc.. ISBN 0-8311-2635-3.
