Question

The angle between the direction of the follower motion and a normal to the pitch curve is called

(a) pitch angle

(b) prime angle

(c) base angle

(d) pressure angle

I got this question during an interview.

My question comes from Cams in chapter Cams of Machine Dynamics

Answer 1

The correct choice is (d) pressure angle

The best explanation: It is the angle between the direction of the follower motion and a normal to the pitch curve. This angle is very important in designing a cam profile. If the pressure angle is too large, a reciprocating follower will jam in its bearings.