Oh my stars...a definition of the wedge!
The wedge is the active twin of the inclined plane. It does useful work by moving. In contrast,
the inclined plane always remains stationary. This simple machine consists of a pair of inclined
planes set face-to-face, that can sustain relative sliding or rolling motion. By moving one plane relative
to the other, a wedge is capable of building up enormous force in a direction perpendicular to that
of the moving wedge. Force multiplication varies inversely with the size of the wedge angle; a sharp
wedge ( small inclined angle ) yields a large force. With adequate friction at the interfaces, the wedge
becomes a separating, holding and stopping device with countless mechanical applications.
The cam is a special form of wedge that has either a rotary or a linear motion! |
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