A mechanical engineer is required to have an advanced knowledge of most of the machinery used within the engineering industry and should understand the physical laws that influence their operation.

The aim of this unit is to continue covering the topics discussed in Unit 9: Mechanical Principles. It will provide students with advanced knowledge of the mechanical theories associated with engineering applications.

Topics included in this unit are: Poisson’s Ratio and typical values of common materials; the relationship between the elastic constants such as Bulk Modulus, Modulus of Elasticity, Modulus of Rigidity; the relationship between bending moment, slope and deflection in beams; calculating the slope and deflection for loaded beams using Macaulay’s method; analysing the stresses in thin-walled pressure vessels; and stresses in thick-walled cylinders, flat and v-section belt drive theory.

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to have more advanced knowledge of mechanical principles to determine the behavioural characteristics of materials subjected to complex loading; assess the strength of loaded beams and pressurised vessels; determine specifications of power transmission system elements; and examine operational constraints of dynamic rotating systems.

Characteristics of materials:
Definition of Poisson’s Ratio and typical values of metals, plastics and composite materials
The relationship between the elastic constants such as Bulk Modulus, Modulus of Elasticity, Modulus of Rigidity and Poisson’s Ratio
Characteristics of two-dimensional and three-dimensional loading
Calculation of volumetric strain and volume changes

Strength:
The relationship between bending moment, slope and deflection in beams
Calculating the slope and deflection for loaded beams using Macaulay’s method
Analysing the stresses in thin-walled pressure vessels and stresses in thick-walled cylinders

Specifications:
Flat and v-section belt drive theory
Operation of friction clutches with uniform pressure and uniform wear theories
Principles of both epicyclic and differential gearing, and the torque required to accelerate these systems
Areas of failure when transmitting power mechanically

Operational constraints:
Design of both radial plate and cylindrical cams to meet operating specifications
Operating principles of flywheels to store mechanical energy
Balancing of rotating mass systems
The effects of coupling on freely rotating systems

A lab report based on static mechanics of 1500 words assessing learning outcomes 1 and 2, weighted at 50%.

A lab report based on dynamic mechanics of 1500 words assessing learning outcomes 3 and 4, weighted at 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.

Determine the behavioural characteristics of materials subjected to complex loading.

Assess the strength of loaded beams and pressurised vessels.

Analyse the specifications of power transmission system elements.

Examine operational constraints of dynamic rotating systems.

Mechanical Workshops

BIRD, J. and ROSS, C. (2014) Mechanical Engineering Principles. 3rd Ed. London: Routledge.
KHURMI, R.S. and GUPTA, J.K. (2005) Textbook of Machine Design. New Delhi: S. Chand Publishing.
TOOLEY, M. and DINGLE, L. (2012) Engineering Science: For Foundation Degree and Higher National. London: Routledge.

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

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

A mechanical engineer is required to have an advanced knowledge of most of the machinery used within the engineering industry and should understand the physical laws that influence their operation.

The aim of this unit is to continue covering the topics discussed in Unit 9: Mechanical Principles. It will provide you with advanced knowledge of the mechanical theories associated with engineering applications.

Topics included in this unit are: Poisson’s Ratio and typical values of common materials; the relationship between the elastic constants such as Bulk Modulus, Modulus of Elasticity, Modulus of Rigidity; the relationship between bending moment, slope and deflection in beams; calculating the slope and deflection for loaded beams using Macaulay’s method; analysing the stresses in thin-walled pressure vessels; and stresses in thick-walled cylinders, flat and v-section belt drive theory.

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to have more advanced knowledge of mechanical principles to determine the behavioural characteristics of materials subjected to complex loading; assess the strength of loaded beams and pressurised vessels; determine specifications of power transmission system elements; and examine operational constraints of dynamic rotating systems.