Reuleaux Kinematic Mechanisms Collection
About this collection
The Reuleaux Collection at Cornell University comprises more than 200 physical interactive models developed by Franz Reuleaux (1829-1905), the founder of kinematics, for teaching and researching the principles of mechanical motion. The KMODDL Collection in the Cornell University Library Digital Portal provides online access to the Reuleaux Collection via still and moving images and descriptions of the models. This digital collection consists primarily of still and moving images and descriptions of the models.
Historical context
The Kinematics Models for Design Digital Library (KMODDL) was developed at Cornell University in 2003-2005 as an open access, multimedia resource for learning and teaching about kinematics – the geometry of pure motion – and the history and theory of machines. The core of KMODDL is the Reuleaux Collection of Mechanisms and Machines, an important collection of 19th-century machine elements held by Cornell University’s Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
The original KMODDL digital resource was a collection in the National Science Digital Library, developed through a grant from the National Science Foundation, involving faculty from the Cornell University Colleges of Engineering and Arts & Sciences, the Cornell University Library, and several external partners. The original site has been archived and is made available via the WayBack Machine Archive-It service. (NOTE: not all resources or navigation are functional on this archived version of the KMODDL website.) Books and full-text documents related to Reuleaux and KMODDL are located in the eCommons repository.
Using the collection
Rights for use of the images are reserved by the photographer.
The Reuleaux models are classified according to the alphanumeric system employed in the catalog of the manufacturer, Gustav Voigt. The letter in a model's ID (e.g., D14 or S35) refers to a class of mechanism; the number is a specific instance of the class. This classification scheme is a simplified version of the taxonomy of machine elements elaborated in Reuleaux's work. Use the "Set" facet when navigating to view models for a particular classification.
For more information about the collection, contact pslref@cornell.edu.
Sets
- A. Lower Element Pairs
- B. Higher Element Pairs
- C. Simple Kinematic Chains
- D. Crank Mechanisms
- E. Excentric Slider Cranks
- F. Crank Chamber Mechanisms
- G. Simple Gear Trains
- H. Model Support Pedestals
- I. Chamber Wheel Mechanisms
- K. Complex Slider Crank Mechanisms
- L. Positive Return Constant Breadth Cams
- M. Screw Mechanisms
- N. Ratchet Mechanisms
- O. Planetary Gear Trains
- P. Jointed Couplings
- Q. Gear Teeth Profiles
- R. Cycloid Rolling Models
- S. Straight-line Mechanisms
- T. Parallel Guide Mechanisms
- U. Rotating Arm Guide Mechanisms
- V. Belt Drive Mechanisms
- W. Friction Wheels
- X. Clock Escapements
- Y. Reversing and Shifting Belt and Gear Mechanisms
- Z. Coupling Mechanisms
More information
- Collection steward
- Leah McEwen, interim collection curator
- Metadata creation
- Leah McEwen, interim collection curator
- Funding
- National Science Foundation, 2003-2005
- Credits
- This collection overview was prepared by Leah McEwen, interim collection curator, in July 2025.
- Collection sources