Arbeitsglied

Arbeitsglied is a German term used in engineering and physics to denote an elementary functional unit within a system that is capable of performing or transmitting work. The exact meaning varies with context, but the core idea is that the element contributes to work output, energy transfer, or force transmission within a mechanism.

In mechanical engineering, ein Arbeitsglied may be a piston, cam, gear, linkage, hydraulic actuator, electric motor, or any component that directly causes motion or transmits force as part of a machine. In hydraulic and pneumatic systems, the piston-cylinder or actuator assembly often serves as an Arbeitsglied; in electromechanical systems, a motor or actuator can play this role. The concept is useful when analyzing complex machines by decomposing them into Arbeitsglieder to study how work is generated and transferred from one element to another.

Notes: The term emphasizes function (work contribution) rather than mere physical form. In German texts, it may be used interchangeably with Bauelement or Funktionsglied in certain contexts, although these terms can carry broader or slightly different nuances.

Etymology: Arbeit = work; Glied = link or element.

See also: Work (physics), Energy, Mechanism, Actuator, Gear, Piston.