Cams are among the most versatile mechanisms available．A cam is a simple two-member device．The input member is the cam itself，while the output member is called the follower．Through the use of cams，a simple input motion can be modified into almost any conceivable output motion that is desired．Some of the common applications of cams are ——Camshaft and distributor shaft of automotive engine ——Production machine tools ——Automatic record players ——Printing machines ——Automatic washing machines ——Automatic dishwashers The contour of high-speed cams (cam speed in excess of 1000 rpm) must be determined mathematically．However，the vast majority of cams operate at low speeds(less than 500 rpm) or medium-speed cams can be determined graphically using a large-scale layout．In general，the greater the cam speed and output load，the greater must be the precision with which the cam contour is machined． DESIGN PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS The following design properties of materials are defined as they relate to the tensile test． Static Strength． The strength of a part is the maximum stress that the part can sustain without losing its ability to perform its required function．Thus the static strength may be considered to be approximately equal to the proportional limit，since no plastic deformation takes place and no damage theoretically is done to the material． Stiffness． Stiffness is the deformation-resisting property of a material．The slope of the modulus line and，hence，the modulus of elasticity are measures of the stiffness of a material． Resilience． Resilience is the property of a material that permits it to absorb energy without permanent deformation．The amount of energy absorbed is represented by th...
