Franz Reuleaux: Contributions to 19th century kinematics and theory of machines

Abstract

This review surveys late 19th century kinematics and the theory of machines as seen through the contributions of the German engineering scientist, Franz Reuleaux (1829–1905), often called the “Father of Kinematics.” Extremely famous in his time and one of the first honorary members of ASME, Reuleaux was largely forgotten in much of modern mechanics literature in English until the recent rediscovery of some of his work. In addition to his contributions to kinematics, we review Reuleaux’s ideas about design synthesis, optimization and aesthetics in design, and in engineering education, as well as his early contributions to biomechanics. A unique aspect of this review has been the use of Reuleaux’s kinematic models at Cornell University and in the Deutsches Museum, in Munich, as a tool to rediscover lost engineering and kinematic knowledge of 19th century history of machines. This review article cites 108 references.