Module overview
From engines and robots to suspension systems and precision machinery, understanding how mechanical systems move is central to engineering design. Building on the mechanics principles introduced in your first year, this module will deepen your understanding of how mechanisms, machines and structures behave in motion, and how engineers analyse and control their dynamic performance.
You will explore the kinematics and dynamics of mechanisms and multi-body systems, as well as vibration phenomena that influence the performance, safety and reliability of engineering structures. Along the way, you will develop the mathematical modelling, analytical and problem-solving skills needed to predict the behaviour of complex mechanical systems, while gaining an appreciation of the assumptions and limitations behind engineering models.
Through hands-on laboratory classes, you will investigate concepts such as mechanism design, vibration modes, resonance, vibration isolation and dynamic absorbers, connecting theoretical principles with real engineering applications. By the end of the module, you will be equipped to analyse and interpret the dynamic behaviour of mechanical systems, providing a strong foundation for advanced study in areas such as powertrain dynamics, control systems, numerical simulation and mechanical design.
Linked modules
Pre-requisite: FEEG1002
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Conduct vibration analysis of uniform continuous systems and understand the solutions for axial vibration of rods and flexural vibration of beams
- Use Working Model 2D software for kinematic design of a linkage mechanism and carry out motion simulation.
- Perform kinematic synthesis and analysis of linkage mechanisms
- Produce a formal technical report
- Carry out experimental work and formulate analytical models and solutions for simple systems.
- Perform mathematical analysis of displacement, velocity (via instant centres and vector polygons), and acceleration of Mechanisms.
- Develop and apply the solutions of the equations of motion to problems for free and forced vibration under harmonic excitation
- Apply approximate methods of solution for non-uniform continuous systems
- Use a matrix approach for the solution and understanding of the solutions produced
- Validate theoretical models through laboratory experiments such as measuring moment of inertia of a complex component
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Provide critical analysis and conclusions.
Partial CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- In two labs, students develop practical skills for tackling intricate problems. One lab focuses on moment of inertia measurements through basic kinematics for complex structures. The other requires analysis of a multi-storey structure, investigating vibration isolation and absorber effects, alongside numerical predictions. They then critically evaluate and compare their experimental findings with theoretical expectations in order to provide explanation and interpretation
- In written exams, students tackle previously unseen problems, crafting intricate models through analytical or numerical methods. They must choose and apply suitable computational and analytical approaches to address complex issues, while remaining mindful of the limitations and assumptions inherent in their chosen techniques.
- Our lab sessions enhance the kinematics and dynamics principles, fostering practical, essential skills. Students create mathematical models for the assessed lab, analyse variations between predictions and theory, and grasp the physical system behaviour and interpretation. Lectures delve into advanced dynamic analysis relevant to specialised vibration engineering.
- Lectures and tutorials empower students to refine their modelling and analytical skills for complex engineering scenarios. They apply engineering judgment and fundamental principles, like Newton's laws and Lagrange equations to analyse mechanical systems, focussing on interpreting numerical solutions and the accuracy of the predictions based on the principles and assumptions.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of rigid body kinematics of linkages, design of four bar mechanisms, the kinematics and kinetics of simple machine elements and devices
- Develop relationships between mass, forces and the motion of a mechanism and the consequent vibrational response of a system to such forces.
Syllabus
Part A: Mechanisms
* Kinematics and dynamics of mechanisms and multi-body systems and their role in design.
* Analysis of mechanisms - position, velocity and acceleration diagrams, crank-slider and four-bar linkages.
* Computer methods for mechanism analysis.
* Experimental determination of mass moments of inertia.
Part B: Vibration of single-degree-of-freedom systems
* Free and forced vibration of single-degree-of-freedom systems.
* Damping, resonance and dynamic response under harmonic, transient and shock excitation.
* Vibration isolation and vibration control.
* Interpretation of vibration behaviour.
Part C: Vibration of multiple degrees of freedom systems and analytical dynamics
* Multi-degree-of-freedom vibration systems.
* Free body diagrams and modal analysis.
* Dynamic vibration absorbers.
* Energy and Lagrange’s equations of motion
* Applications of dynamic modelling to engineering machines and structures.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
* Lectures introducing theoretical principles, supported by worked examples and course materials.
* Tutorial problem classes to develop analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Formative design task involving the analysis and synthesis of mechanisms.
* Laboratory sessions on the measurement of mass moment of inertia and the dynamic response of a multi-degree-of-freedom vibration system.
Learning activities include:
* Lectures, tutorials and interactive laboratory classes.
* Independent study and completion of example problems.
* Analysis and interpretation of experimental results.
* Completing formative and summative assignments
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Supervised time in studio/workshop | 6 |
| Lecture | 27 |
| Independent Study | 72 |
| Tutorial | 5 |
| Completion of assessment task | 40 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Blackboard course page.
Textbooks
Singiresu S. Rao (2011). Mechanical Vibrations. Prentice Hall.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Lab Report
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Interactive feedback given in lab sessions.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Coursework
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Feedback during module study.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| A lab report | 10% |
| Coursework | 10% |
| Examination | 80% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External