Mechanical cycles

Many mechanical and electro-mechanical devices have some cyclic feature basic to the performance of their function. Examples range from the simple pendulum, via the spring or the wheel, to the pump, the motion of cylinders on a crankshaft, motors and dynamos in general, alternators, and even the cyclo-synchroton. In such cycles distinct phases with different functions can usually be distinguished.

Certain highly organized psycho-social processes could be perceived in terms of such electro-mechanical metaphors in order to highlight the different phases of any cycle.

The precision with which different portions of any cycle are both distinguished and linked together by designed transitions.

Although such metaphors are used, for example, 'pumping' money into an operation, the 'dynamo' in an enterprise, or the 'wheel' around which other things turn, the phases, in the cycle are poorly distinguished. The significance of the movement of electro-mechanical energy is not recognized.

Different current modes (AC or DC). Typology of electro-mechanical cyclic complexity. Associated patterns of stress and strain, torque and vibration.