外文原文：Mechanism and MachinesA system that transmits forces in a predetermined manner to accomplish specific objectives may be considered a machine. A mechanism may be defined in a similar manner, but the term mechanism is usually applied to a system where the principal function is to transmit motion. Kinematics is the study of motion in mechanism, while the analysis of force and torques in machined is called dynamics.Once the need for a machine or mechanism with given characteristics is identified, the design process begins. Detailed analysis of displacements, velocities, and accelerations is usually required. This part of the design process is then followed by analysis of force and torques. The design process may continue long after first model have been produce and include redesigns of component that affect velocities, accelerations, force, and torques. In order to successfully compete form year to year, most manufacturers must continuously modify their product and their methods of production. Increases in production rate, upgrading of product performance, redesign for cost and weight reduction, and motion analysis of new product lines are frequently required. Success may hinge on the correct kinematic and dynamic analysis of the problem.Many of the basic linkage configurations have been incorporate into machines designed centuries ago, and the term we use to describe then have change over the year. Thus, definitions and terminology will not be consistent throughout the technical literature. In most cases, however, meanings will be clear form the context of the descriptive matter. A few terms of particular interest to the study of kinematic and dynamics of machines are define below.Link A link is one of the rigid bodies or members joined together to form a kinematic chain. The term rigid link or sometimes simply link is an idealization used in the study of that does not consider small deflections due to strains in machine members. A perfectly rigid or inextensible link can exist only as a textbook type of model of a real machine member. For typical machine part, maximum dimension changes are of only a one-thousandth of the part length. We are justified in neglecting this small motion when considering the much greater motion characteristic of most mechanisms. The word link is used in a general sense to include cams, gears, and other machine members in addition to cranks, connecting rods and other pin-connected components.Degrees-of-freedom The number of degrees-of-freedom of a linkage is the number of independent parameters required to position of every link relative to the frame or fixed link. If the instantaneous configuration of a system may be completely defined by specifying one independent variable, that system has one degree-of-freedom. Most practical mechanisms have one degree-of-freedom.An unconstrained rigid body has six degrees-of-freedom: translation in three coordinates and rotation about three coordinate axes. If the body is restricted to motion in a plane, there are three degrees-of-freedom: translation in two coordinate directions and rotation within the plane.Lower and Higher Pairs Connections between rigid bodies consist of lower and higher pairs of elements. The two elements of a lower pair have theoretical surface contact with one another, while the two elements of a higher pair have theoretical point or line contact (if we disregard deflections).Lower pairs are desirable from a design standpoint since the load at the joint and the resultant wear is spread over the contact surface. Thus, geometric changes or failure due to high contact stresses and excessive wear may be prevented.Mechanism A mechanism is a kinematic chain in which one link is considered fixed for the purpose of analysis, but motion is possible in other links. As noted above, the link designated as the fixed link need not actually be stationary relative to the surface of the earth. A kinematic chain is usually identified as a mechanism if its primary purpose is the modification or transmission of motion.Machine A mechanism designed for the purpose of transmitting forces or torques is usually called a machine.Engine A machine that involves conversion of energy to produce mechanical power is commonly called an engine. Thus, the crankshaft, connecting rod, piston, and cylinder of an automotive engine would be an engine by the above definitions, while other drive train components such as the transmission, differential, and universal joint would be considered machines. Machines and engines may have the same configuration as other mechanisms that do not convert energy and are not intended to transmit significant levels of force or torque. Thus, for the purpose of kinematic analysis, the above distinction between mechanism, machine, and engine may be of only academic importance.A Mechanism has been defined as “a combination of rigid or resistant bodies so formed and connected that they move upon e