What is Mechanical Advantage?

Mechanical Advantage:

Mechanical Advantage is defined as the ratio of the load to the effort. In a four bar mechanisms is shown ib below fig: The force F_A acting at A is the effort and the force F_B at B will be the load or the resistance to overcome. We know from the principle of conservation of energy, neglecting effect of friction.

F_A x v_A = F_B x v_B

or F_B / F_A = v_A/v_B

∴ Ideal mechanical advantage,

M.A_(ideal) = F_B / F_A = v_A/v_B