Mechanical principles have been crucial for engineers to convert the energy produced by burning oil and gas into systems to propel, steer and stop our automobiles, aircraft and ships, amongst thousands of other applications. The knowledge and application of these mechanical principles is still the essential underpinning science of all machines in use today or being developed into the latest technology.

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the essential mechanical principles associated with engineering applications.

Topics included in this unit are: behavioural characteristics of static, dynamic and oscillating engineering systems including shear forces, bending moments, torsion, linear and angular acceleration, conservation of energy and vibrating systems; and the movement and transfer of energy by considering parameters of mechanical power transmission systems.

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to explain the underlying principles, requirements and limitations of mechanical systems.

Shafts and beams:
The effect of shear forces on beams
Bending moments and stress due to bending in beams
Selection of appropriate beams and columns to satisfy given specifications
The theory of torsion in solid and hollow circular shafts

Energy and work:
The principle of conservation of energy and work-energy transfer in systems
Linear and angular velocity and acceleration
Velocity and acceleration diagrams of planar mechanisms
Gyroscopic motion

Simple systems:
Parameters of simple and compounded geared systems
Efficiency of lead screws and screw jacks

Couplings and energy storage:
Universal couplings and conditions for constant-velocity
Importance of energy storage elements and their applications

Types of motion:
Simple harmonic motion
Natural frequency of vibration in mass-spring systems

Damped systems:
Frequency of damped vibrations in mass-spring-damper systems
The conditions for an external force to produce resonance

A lab-based assignment of 1500 words, assessing learning outcomes 3 and 4. Weighted 50%.

An examination of 1 hour, assessing learning outcomes 1 and 2, weighted 50%

Whole group lectures will be used to deliver new material and to consolidate previous material. Small-group tutorials, with activities designed to enhance the understanding of the material delivered in the lectures, will be used to apply the skills and knowledge learned. A mixture of classroom based and practical activities will take place supported by staff.

Identify solutions to problems within static mechanical systems.

Illustrate the effects that constraints have on the performance of a dynamic mechanical system

Investigate elements of simple mechanical power transmission systems.

Analyse natural and damped vibrations within translational and rotational mass-spring systems.

PC with standard software such as Microsoft Excel.

Mechanical Laboratory Equipment such as Tensile testing and Hardness Testing, and Beam Bending rig.

BIRD, J. and ROSS, C. (2014) Mechanical Engineering Principles. 3rd Ed. London: Routledge.
TOOLEY, M. and DINGLE, L. (2012) Engineering Science: For Foundation Degree and Higher National. London: Routledge.

https://www.khanacademy.org/ Khan Academy (Tutorials)

Must be registered on HNC/D Mechanical Engineering provision at South Staffordshire College

Mechanical principles have been crucial for engineers to convert the energy produced by burning oil and gas into systems to propel, steer and stop our automobiles, aircraft and ships, amongst thousands of other applications. The knowledge and application of these mechanical principles is still the essential underpinning science of all machines in use today or being developed into the latest technology.

The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the essential mechanical principles associated with engineering applications.

Topics included in this unit are: behavioural characteristics of static, dynamic and oscillating engineering systems including shear forces, bending moments, torsion, linear and angular acceleration, conservation of energy and vibrating systems; and the movement and transfer of energy by considering parameters of mechanical power transmission systems.

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to explain the underlying principles, requirements and limitations of mechanical systems