Select Machine Type
Parameters
Results
Ideal MA (VR)
-
Actual MA
-
Efficiency η
-
%
Output force
-
N
Machine Diagram
Required Input Force vs Load
Theory & Key Formulas
MA = F_out / F_in
Calculate and animate mechanical advantage for levers, pulleys, inclined planes, and screw jacks. Adjust friction and input force to see real force amplification and efficiency.
Mechanical advantage is the ratio of output force to input force. A large MA lets a small input force lift a larger load, but the input point must move farther. The simulator shows that trade-off directly through the diagram and force chart.
$$MA=\frac{F_{out}}{F_{in}}$$Friction lowers actual mechanical advantage. Real machines should be checked over the full operating range, because the weakest point is often not the default setting but the high-load or high-friction case.
Levers, pulleys, screw jacks, inclined planes, and wheel-and-axle mechanisms all trade force for travel distance. Use the chart to compare concepts, then verify stress, deflection, bearing load, and operator ergonomics before treating a mechanism as practical.
A steel pry bar with 6:1 lever ratio (muNum=6) and friction coefficient mu=0.20 receives finNum=100 N input force. Ideal mechanical advantage yields 600 N output. With friction losses: efficiency = (1 - 0.20) = 0.80, actual output force = 600 × 0.80 = 480 N. The simulator displays real-time load path and calculates work input (100 J per 1 m displacement) versus work output (480 J per 0.167 m displacement).