Apr 26, 2024  
2022-2023 College Catalog 
    
2022-2023 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

AIT 110 - Mechanical Power Transmission Systems

3 Credits, 5 Contact Hours
2 lecture periods 3 lab periods

Introductory course in how to transmit, measure, calculate and work safely with rotational mechanical equipment. Hands-on assembly, alignment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of mechanical power transmission systems and components e.g., belts, bearings, chains, dynamometers, gears, pulleys, couplings, bushings, and sprockets.   Introduction to lubricant and grease types, their standards, safety, and application.

  button image Prior Learning and link to PLA webpage

Course Learning Outcomes
  1. Perform installation, alignment, tension check, and adjustment on mechanical power transmission components. 
  2. Apply troubleshooting techniques to mechanical power transmission systems, including shaft couplings, chain drives, gear drives, and belt drives. 
  3. Perform performance measurements and calculations for horsepower, torque and power.
  4. Apply the correct lubricant to identified lubrication points on a machine according to its maintenance schedule.

Outline:
  1. Mechanical power system installation, alignment, and adjustment
    1. Motor mount
      1. Soft foot correction
      2. Motor leveling
    2. Measuring motor shaft speed using a tachometer
    3. Correct coupling installation
      1. Flexible
      2. Flange
      3. Grid
      4. Chain 
    4. Manufacturer’s specifications for component for proper installation, measurement, and adjustment
      1. Couplings
      2. Shaft alignment techniques
        1. Feeler gauge
        2. Straight edge
        3. Rim and face
        4. Dial indicator
        5. Laser alignment equipment
      3. V-belt drive components
        1. Sheaves and V-belts 
        2. V-belt drive and straight edge alignment 
          1. Use of tension tool
          2. Adjustable motor mount
        3. Tensioning the V-belt drive 
        4. Multi belts with match code
      4. Sprockets and chains
        1. Alignment of chain drive with straight edge
        2. Checking tension of a chain drive with straightedge and rule
        3. Tensioning a chain drive by positioning the prime mover
      5. Bushings: 
        1. Split taper
        2. QD
        3. Taper lock bushings
      6. Timing belt or HTD belt
      7. Spur gear drive and right angle gear drive
        1. Attachment to shafts
        2. Aligning gear drive using a straight edge
        3. Backlash check of gears with dial indicator
      8. Pillow block and flange block bearing
  2. Troubleshooting, visual inspection, wear analysis, and malfunction identification
    1. V-belt drive
    2. Chain drive
    3. Gear drive
    4. Pillow block bearing
    5. Synchronous/timing belt
    6. Couplings
  3. Horsepower, torque and power
    1. Types and functions of Dynamometers aka “Dyno”
      1. Prony brake 
      2. Electric motor/generator
      3. Water break
    2. Tool selection and application to measure motor shaft speed, horsepower, torque, and power
    3. Calculating horsepower, power, and efficiency by applying a load to a motor
    4. Mathematical calculations for horsepower, torque, gear ratios, speed, and efficiency
  4. Lubrication
    1. Lubrication plan
    2. Oil and grease lubrication points 
    3. Correct lubricants given specifications and experience
    4. Safe handling and storage of lubricants
    5. Lubrication of bearings using Zerk fittings
    6. Operation of a grease gun
      1. Changing cartridges
      2. Priming
    7. Automatic lubricators
      1. Inspection
      2. Fill
    8. Lubrication oil
      1. Origins
      2. Manufacturing
      3. Grades
      4. Usage
      5. Additives 
      6. Viscosity
      7. Viscosity index
      8. Standards
    9. Lubricating grease
      1. Origins 
      2. Manufacturing 
      3. Grades 
      4. Usage 
      5. Additives
      6. Standards
    10. Purpose of vent plugs
    11. Purpose of additives, viscosity, and viscosity index
    12. Effects of over and under lubrication of bearings