Mechanical Systems Analysis

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Conduct analysis spanning more than one engineering subject area in order to support design and investment decisions;
• Identify ways to analyse complex mechanical systems in the real world, considering aspects of system dynamics, structure, materials, fluid flow, energy, electrical and electronic sub-systems, and the economic and environmental context.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Analyse your own skillset and the competencies you will need, then identify and pursue opportunities for professional development;
• Deliver technical presentations tailored to your audience, using appropriate presentation aides;
• Identify ways to enhance the success of teams in decision making and problem solving;

Partial CEng Programme Level Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Reflection on small group work and one’s role within the team forms part of the personal development planning reflection which is part of the coursework portfolio
• This is considered as part of the ethics in engineering case studies, where students have to write a self reflection as part of the coursework portfolio
• Group work reflecting on team roles and diversity forms a specific part of the coursework portfolio
• Reflection on personal development planning reflection is part of the coursework portfolio, and a draft CV, discussed with the PAT forms part of this assessment
• The solution neutral design approach is assessed in our summative case study coursework at the end of the module and also features specific sub-system assessments on mechatronics, economics, structures, materials etc so partially fulfils C5
• The case study coursework presents a complex problem that needs careful analysis using first principles of mathematics, mechanics, materials and structures, thermofluids, electronics and electrical systems principles (taught in other Part 1 modules)
• There is a specific exercise within the coursework portfolio and a group discussion which then leads into the need for environmental considerations in the final integrated case study
• Materials assessments are linked to a system design question in the extended case study assessed at the end of the module
• Formative coursework activity identifying a relevant technical paper in a sustainability topic, and critically reviewing this is combined with a presentation on scientific hypothesis testing in PAT groups with verbal feedback as part of the coursework portfolio
• Applying knowledge of mathematics, mechanics, materials and structures, thermofluids, electronics and electrical systems principles (taught in other Part 1 modules) to the integrated case study coursework at the end of the module
• Computing lab classes require the students to select and apply appropriate computational analyses and to compare these to analytical approaches whilst recognising the limitations of both approaches
• Presentation skills are assessed in small groups as part of the coursework portfolio, focussing first on presenting a historical/amusing debunked theory and then later on presenting a complex messy data-set
• The summative case study coursework at the end of the module combines specific sub-system assessments on mechatronics, economics, structures, materials and requires a final assessment integrating these issues
• The coursework portfolio incorporates an individual reflection on a specific engineering ethics case study that is discussed in a small group

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Develop simplified mathematical models in order to analyse real mechanical systems, justifying approximations and acknowledging their limitations;
• Critically assess the use of analytical and computational models, explaining relevant uncertainties in the modelling;
• Devise and plan experiments and laboratory tests in support of achieving an engineering objective, including the use of dimensional analysis to relate laboratory tests to practical systems;
• Analyse engineering challenges and devise engineering objectives in a way that facilitates innovation;
• Obtain knowledge from primary scientific literature.

Knowledge and Understanding

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

• Entrepreneurship, innovation and the knowledge economy.
• The roles and responsibilities of professional Mechanical Engineers, including identification and discussion of ethical issues arising in case studies;

Semester 1

• Introduction to the module
• Assignment introduction
• Future perspectives in Mechanical Engineering
• Communication skills: writing and presentations
• Data analysis and modelling
• Personal development planning
• Ethics in Engineering
• Creativity and entrepreneurial behaviour
• Personal development planning
• The Knowledge economy
• Thinking like an Engineer: estimates, assumptions, and graphing guidelines.

Semester 2

• Analytical approaches:
• Analysis of complex real-world systems
• Techno-economic evaluation
• Literature review
• Experimental design
• Mathematical modelling, assumptions and model reduction
• Computational modelling, model verification, model validation
• Application of fundamental aspects of thermo-fluids, structures, materials, dynamics, electrical, computation and design.
• Case studies, including:
• Aircraft structural design
• Offshore energy systems

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include:

The core material in the module is taught through lectures, tutorials and small group discussions. The lecture material is also supported through problem-based learning. Students will participate in formative individual and group-work activities that will develop a range of skills necessary for a Professional Engineer and explore the relevance of navigating scientific literature to arrive at educated engineering judgements for mechanical systems analysis.

Semester 1 and 2 – Individual assignments via small group discussion and presentation:

• Critically evaluate your professional skills, practice and development;
• Discuss/reflect on what general principles regarding being a professional engineer might be derived from your experiences in taking part in this module and how you might apply these principles later in your career;
• Discuss/reflect on whether and how your experience of taking part in this module has influenced your assumptions on the meaning of being a professional engineer and the implications this might have for your own future practice and development.

Learning Activities

• Lectures
• Timetabled tutorial slots in Semester 1 and 2
• Problem-based learning
• Tutorials
• Computing classes
• Group based case study analysis
• Giving presentations
• Interactive classroom work
• Private research and study

Assessment strategy

Summative assessment is by completion of a coursework portfolio, including reflective practice for personal development planning, technical communications, and a series of case study problems

Feedback will be available on formative work undertaken during the module.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.