Methods of desing and calculation of machines and mechani-sns

The study of modern design and calculation methods of machines and mechanisms is very important for the students of engineering specialties. Due to the rapid development of computer technologies, now it is possible to use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems for optimal design in mechanical engineering. So, it is necessary for the students to learn both theoretical fundamentals and numerical calculation methods that can be implemented using modern CAD systems, in particular - in Mathcad, which is often used by engineers to solve problems in different fields.
In this textbook we will consider the structure and classification of mechanisms, the methodology of their kinematic and dynamie analysis, optimal design methods, which are common to mechanisms and machines of various purposes. This knowledge is necessary for engineers to create modern machines using different design criteria, to be able to correctly set a problem, solve it, analyze the results and, if necessary, choose the optimal solution.
Available literaturę in that field [2, 3, 6, 8, 10-12, 14,15] helps to study the theory, formulate the problem and choose methods for solving typical problems in mechanical engineering. However, that knowledge and skills do not exempt students from routine and sometimes complex calculations, which can lead to the loss of the essence of mechanical processes. In other words, it is necessary to learn not only the methods of solving problems of various complexity, but also to be able to analyze them so that these solutions do not hide the mechanical sense of processes and phenomena.
The textbook can also be considered as an introduetion to one of the most widespread mathematical Computer-Aided Design systems - Mathcad - for solving problems in different fields of engineering. The usage of Mathcad allows analyzing the behavior of mechanical systems according to the given task, which makes it possible to solve real engineering problems by the students who are not yet familiar with numerical methods and programming.
It is known that Mathcad package [5,9,13] is an effective tool for analytical transformations and numerical solutions of engineering and physical problems. The limits of its use extend from simple calculations to the complex problems in various fields of knowledge. By means of Mathcad, students and engineers can successfully solve various problems in mechanical engineering. The package has user-friendly mathematically oriented interface and convenient graphics tools.
The most effective way to learn calculation and design methods in mechanical engineering is not just to formally study the rules and techniąues, but to show them in action. Therefore, in the textbook, the main attention is paid to solving practical problems, specially selected with the following purposes: 1) as a self-study manuał to learn how to solve mathematically complex problems in engineering; 2) to show the capabilities of the Mathcad and to inerease interest among students and specialists in Mathcad for the solution of problem in mechanical engineering.
The textbook consists of eight chapters and appendix. The first seven chapters are dedicated to solving specific problems of the design of machines and mechanisms: each of these sections provides a brief overview of the theory and examples of solving relevant problems and calculation programs in Mathcad. The last chapter provides basie information about Mathcad and a brief overview of its methods that are used in mechanies: mathematical, graphical and also programming.