This module comprises two distinct parts. Initially, you'll delve into Mechanics of Materials, a study exploring the stresses, strains, and displacements within structures and their components under varying loads. Beyond static concepts, you'll analyse these factors across load ranges, including those leading to structural failure. The second segment introduces Dynamics of Machines, encompassing Vibration Analysis. The studies in these areas will link to advanced design techniques.



Structural Analysis:

Stresses in Beams: Pure bending, non-uniform bending, bending and shear stresses.

Deflection of Beams: Differential equation of the Deflection curve using Macaulay's method.

2D Stress and Strain Analysis: Transformations, principal planes and maximum shear stress planes.

Failure Criteria: Rankine, Tresca and von Mises.

Vibration Analysis:

Single-Degree-of-Freedom Systems: Free vibration.

Balancing of Rotors: Single-plane and multi-plane balancing of rotating masses

Gear Trains: Simple, compound, and epicyclic gear trains



Within the advanced design component, the module covers:

Top-Down Design: Creating datum features, managing model hierarchy, modifying of pre-existing parts and sub-assemblies within assemblies.

Mechanisms: Understanding degrees of freedom, assembling moving parts, diverse joint types, and specialized mechanism features such as gears, motors, dampers, belts, chains, cams, etc.

Mechanism Analysis: Various analysis types, inputs and outputs, analysis setup, execution, and result interpretation.

Optimisation: Introduction to computer-based mechanical simulation methods like FEA and CFD for optimizing mechanisms and components

A 3000-word group report encompassing on building a dynamic system with FEA testing and implementation of generative design, weighted at 50% and assessing learning outcomes 3 and 4. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes C2, C3, C4, C5, C12, C13, C16, C17

A 2-hour examination based on static mechanical structure principles, weighted at 50% and assessing learning outcomes 1 and 2. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes C1, C2, C3



Professional Body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 40% is required to pass a module, with each element of assessment requiring a minimum mark of 30% unless otherwise stated.

This module facilitates comprehensive student learning by fostering understanding, application, analysis, and evaluation skills through a diverse range of activities, including:

Formal Instruction: Engaging students through structured lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and presentations. These sessions encompass teaching software operation, live demonstrations, and practical exercises to reinforce theoretical concepts.

Independent Learning: Providing opportunities for self-directed study and exploration, encouraging students to delve deeper into the subject matter independently.



To reinforce learning, regular formative practical assessments focusing on Computer-Aided Design (CAD) operations will be administered. These assessments are not graded and serve to consolidate knowledge and emphasize practical application within the course curriculum.

Solve a range of problems in solid mechanics choosing an appropriate solution procedure and making use of the underlying concepts and principles. (AHEP 4: C1, C2, C3)

Knowledge and Understanding
Problem Solving


Interpret qualitative and quantitative data relating to solid mechanics, understanding the need for simplifying assumptions in order to solve a mathematical problem obtained from a physical problem. (AHEP 4: C1, C2, C3)

Analysis
Application


Solve a range of mechanism problems by choosing and implementing an appropriate solution based on the underlying principles of analysis. (AHEP 4: C2, C3, C4, C5, C12, C13, C16, C17)

Knowledge and Understanding
Problem Solving


Interpret complex data presented in graphical and numerical manner relating to mechanism analysis. Use this understanding of the data to optimise the performance of a mechanism against specified criteria. (AHEP 4: C2, C3, C5, C12, C13, C16, C17)

Analysis
Application

You will be expected to engage with a range of reading, which should include texts, journals, websites that are pertinent to the learning outcomes and the issues or areas that form the focus of the module. Indicative texts:



Banach, D.T. and Lockhart, S.D. (2022) Autodesk Inventor 2023 Essentials Plus. Mission, KS: SDC Publications.

Dogra, S. and Willis, J. (2023) Autodesk Fusion 360: A power guide for beginners and intermediate users. 6th edn. CADArtifex.

Gere, J.M. and Goodno, B.J., (2017) Mechanics of materials. Ninth Edition. CL Engineering, Cengage Learning.
Hibbeler, R.C., (2018) Mechanics of materials. Tenth Edition. Pearson.

Inman, D.J., (2013) Engineering vibrations. Fourth Edition. Pearson.
Megson, T.H.G., (2019) Structural and stress analysis. Fourth Edition. Butterworth-Heinemann.

Norton, R.L., (2012) Kinematics and dynamics of machinery. Fifth Edition. McGraw-Hill Education.

Rider, M.J. (2022) Designing with Creo Parametric 9.0. Mission, KS: SDC Publications.

Shih, R.H. (2022) Learning autodesk inventor 2023: Modeling, assembly and Analysis. Mission: SDC Publications.

Shih, R. (2021) Parametric Modeling with Autodesk Inventor. Sdc Publications.

Singiresu, S. RAO, (2017) Mechanical vibrations (SI Edition). Sixth Edition. Pearson.

Blackboard VLE Resources, Library facilities, Google Scholar

Office 365, Computer Aided Design Software i.e., Autodesk Fusion360/Inventor/AutoCAD/NASTRAN, ANSYS Workbench, ANSYS APDL, ANSYS Fluent, GRANTA Edupack.

SmartZone: Additive manufacturing facilities

An understanding of mechanical design and structures are vital to multiple schools of engineering. This module will cover advanced design and assembly, analytical and computational analysis of structures, and the integration of materials science principles to optimise performance. Students will delve into complex structural systems, exploring how to design and evaluate components under various loading conditions. Emphasis will be placed on applying computational tools to model and simulate real-world scenarios, allowing for predictive analysis and refinement of designs. In addition to theoretical learning and practical exercises, learners will undergo a final examination to assess their comprehension and application of structural mechanics.