Self-tutoring about mechanics: the tutor mentions the idea of a crush washer. A crush washer is used to provide a seal. It does so by deforming as it’s compressed between two surfaces, such that it compensates for their idiosyncrasies. Therefore, …
Self-tutoring about fasteners: the tutor mentions dished washers. I was noticing a washer described as “dished” and wondered why that might be. The following is as I understand it. A dished washer is concave on one side, and perhaps has …
Self-tutoring about diy mechanics: the tutor mentions a job he did. Our 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan’s engine light came on. I plugged in the diagnostic computer and it turned out it was referencing the thermostat. I recall, back in the …
Self-tutoring about mechanics: the tutor compares bearings and bushings. Bearings and bushings are both found where there is relative movement between two parts. The difference is that bearings allow the motion by rolling (ball or pin bearings, typically), while bushings …
Self-tutoring about mechanics: the tutor mentions the e-clip. As I understand, an e-clip is used to hold things from coming off the end of a shaft. It’s a flat spring that fits into a groove on the shaft, which holds …
Self-tutoring about mechanics: the tutor shares a question and his own experience. Sometimes, typing a question into a search engine, you need only a few words before the anticipation algorithm completes it. I always feel good then, because I know …
Mechanics: how much torque can a 1/2 inch drive withstand? Read more »
The tutor examines the idea that internal combustion engines are more efficient in cold weather. An upper limit for efficiency of an internal combustion engine is eff = (Tcombust – Tsurrounding)/Tcombust where Tcombust is the temp of the combustion cylinder …
Physical chemistry: efficiency of internal combustion engine in hot vs cold weather Read more »
The tutor continues about a toy repair, with some reinforcement ideas. While we were repairing the toy a few nights ago (see my previous post), my father-in-law suggested that, after the first repair cured, a second application should be considered …
The tutor wonders about a pending toy repair. My younger son has a toy he really loves that broke. Specifically, a pot metal part sheared off. It’s a toy out of production, so can’t be replaced. Looking at the breakage, …
Tutoring high school math, unit conversions are often visited. The math tutor discusses the conversion of engine displacements. Back when I was a kid, I had a 50cc (cc:cubic centimetre, also written as cm3) minibike. My friends soon got …