Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton

Module overview

The aims of this module are to:

• Gain an understanding of formal techniques to generate rational design solutions.
• Gain an appreciation of the role of finite element methods in structural design.
• Gain proficiency in applying these tools by undertaking a number of lab-design case studies
• Integrate these approaches by applying them to a realistic "system-level" design case study

Objectives (planned learning outcomes)

Knowledge and understanding

Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• An understanding of the application of systematic design methodologies
• Practical structural analysis skills

Intellectual skills
Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to:

• Apply cognitive design skills to generic design problems.
• Use sensitivity analysis techniques to prioritise design parameters and associated decisions
• Use rational methods to explore design compromises and trade-offs.
• Critically appraise and analyse alternative design configurations and options
• Use finite element analysis to predict the mechanical behaviour of engineering components

General transferable (key) skills
Having successfully completed the module, you will be able to:

• Explain and defend design decisions.
• Collate and synthesise/prioritise information according to design objectives
• Communicate work in a clear, structured and efficient manner.

• Capturing and analysing requirements using binary matrices
• Design validation and verification
• Concept generation, classification and filtering
• Identification of key conflicts and areas of potential innovation
• Structured design search
• Quality Function Deployment and function trees
• Function curves and design optimisation
• Basic concepts in finite element analysis
• Idealisation and discretisation (meshing) of structures
• Techniques of static and dynamic structural analysis
• Verification and validation of models
• Evaluation and interpretation of analysis results 

• Rapid Prototyping and additive manufacturing for design

Teaching methods include

• Initial introductory 1-hour lectures to give context and introduce the tools and techniques.
• A number of self-contained, lab-based case studies
• A larger, team based integrating case study

Learning activities include

• Use of individual log-books to record the design process
• Formal team design presentations

Licences

Licences of decision analysis software (DecisionPro; Vanguard) available within PC labs.

Licences for CAD/FEA software (SolidWorks/COSMOSWorks) available in PC labs.

Module web-site containing reference material, software tools and examples.

Books available in the University library:

Applied engineering design and analysis; Duggan, Terance Vincent. ISBN: 0592042294

A background to engineering design, Polak, Peter. ISBN: 0333187717

Basic engineering design, Starkey, C.V. ISBN: 0713136693

Engineering design : a systematic approach, Pahl, Gerhard. ISBN: 085072239X

Creativity and innovation in engineering, Gregory, Sydney Absell, ISBN: 0408703393

Zienkiewicz, OC. The Finite Element Method. TA 660 ZIE. ISBN 0070841748
Comprehensive textbook on the finite element method in general.

Feedback and student support during module study (formative assessment)

• Feedback on the coursework (lab-based exercises) will be given during the laboratory sessions.

Feedback during design case study

• Students will be given feedback following the design review sessions.

Relationship between the teaching, learning and assessment methods
and the planned learning outcomes

• The learning outcomes are tested by individual written reports and team presentations at the end of the year.
• A lear and documented marking scheme (made available to the students) will be used to assess the performance of students in a number of defined categories commensurate with the aims of this module.
• Overall, the case study will allow students to gain an understanding of advantages and benefits of using a systematic approach to design and the need to assess and predict structural performance early in the design process.