Theory of Machines Formula Sheet
All Key Equations — Mechanisms, Gears, Vibrations, Flywheels & Balancing
Last Updated: March 2026
1. Mechanisms
Grubler’s criterion (planar): F = 3(n−1) − 2j₁ − j₂
n = links, j₁ = lower pairs, j₂ = higher pairs. F = 1 → constrained mechanism.
Grashof’s law: s + l ≤ p + q (for four-bar with full rotation)
Slider-crank displacement: x = r(1−cosθ) + r²sin²θ/(2l)
2. Gear Trains
Fundamentals
Speed ratio: N₁/N₂ = T₂/T₁ (meshing gears)
Compound train: Overall ratio = Product of driven teeth / Product of driving teeth
Module: m = D/T (mm). Circular pitch: pc = πm
Centre distance: C = m(T₁ + T₂)/2 (external), C = m(T₂ − T₁)/2 (internal)
Epicyclic (Planetary)
Tooth relation: Tring = Tsun + 2Tplanet
Tabular method:
Fix arm, rotate sun by +x → All gear speeds as ratios of x
Add +y to all → Arm = y, Sun = x+y, Ring = y − x(TS/TR)
Apply boundary conditions to solve for x and y.
3. Vibrations
Free Undamped
ωn = √(k/m) rad/s
fn = (1/2π)√(k/m) Hz
Tn = 2π√(m/k) s
Static deflection method: ωn = √(g/δst)
Damped Vibrations
Damping ratio: ξ = c/(2√(km)) = c/(2mωn)
Critical damping: cc = 2√(km) = 2mωn
Damped frequency: ωd = ωn√(1 − ξ²)
Log decrement: δ = ln(xn/xn+1) = 2πξ/√(1−ξ²)
ξ < 1: underdamped. ξ = 1: critically damped. ξ > 1: overdamped.
Forced Vibrations
MF = 1/√[(1−r²)² + (2ξr)²], where r = ω/ωn
Phase: φ = tan⁻¹[2ξr/(1−r²)]
At resonance (r=1): MF = 1/(2ξ)
Transmissibility: TR = √[1+(2ξr)²]/√[(1−r²)²+(2ξr)²]
Isolation when r > √2 (TR < 1).
Springs
Parallel: keq = k₁ + k₂
Series: 1/keq = 1/k₁ + 1/k₂
4. Flywheels
Energy fluctuation: ΔE = I × ω² × Cs
Where Cs = coefficient of fluctuation of speed = (ωmax−ωmin)/ωavg
I = ΔE / (ω² × Cs) — required moment of inertia
For a solid disc: I = ½mr²
For a rim-type flywheel: I ≈ mr² (mass concentrated at rim)
5. Governors
Height of Watt governor: h = g/ω² = 895/N² (m, N in rpm)
Sensitivity: = 2(N₂−N₁)/(N₂+N₁)
Isochronous governor: maintains constant speed at all loads (range = 0)
Hunting: Governor oscillates continuously above and below the mean speed
6. Balancing
Static Balancing (Single Plane)
Σmrω² = 0 → Σmr = 0 (since ω is common)
Vector sum of all mr products must close to zero.
Dynamic Balancing (Multiple Planes)
Σmr = 0 (force balance) AND Σmrl = 0 (moment balance)
Where l = axial distance from reference plane. Both vector equations must be satisfied.
7. Gear Tooth Geometry
Module: m = D/T = pc/π
Pitch circle diameter: D = mT
Addendum: a = m (standard full-depth)
Dedendum: d = 1.25m
Tooth height: h = 2.25m
Minimum teeth (no interference): Tmin = 2/sin²φ (for full-depth, meshing with rack)
For φ = 20°: Tmin = 2/sin²20° = 2/0.1170 ≈ 17 teeth