MEC3029 : Advanced Mechanics and Structural Optimisation
MEC3029 : Advanced Mechanics and Structural Optimisation
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Professor Peter Gosling
- Lecturer: Dr Barry Gallacher
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
Minimum English Language to IELTS 6.0 or Pearsons 54 or equivalent. Satisfy progression or admissions requirement for entry to Stage 3 of CEng-accredited BEng/MEng Honours degree programme (or EU Bologna-compliant equivalent) by satisfactory completion of Stage 2 or equivalent at NQF Level 5 normally with two years of prior study related to this topic); or meeting the Newcastle University entrance requirement for any Masters-level degree programme specifying this particular module in its Degree Regulations.
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
This module aims to extend students’ knowledge and skills in two core areas of mechanical engineering:
• Analytical modelling and analysis of the movement of spatial rigid bodies.
• Stress analysis and optimisation of structures and structural components.
Outline Of Syllabus
This mathematical modelling module has two components:
1. Analytical modelling and analysis of the kinematics and kinetics of 3D spatial systems of rigid bodies. Topics include free body diagrams; moments and products of inertia, and the inertia tensor; linear and angular momentum, and gyroscopic torque. The importance of this in engineering applications will be studied in, for example, rotors on shafts and bearing reactions.
2. Numerical modelling of structural mechanics problems using the finite element method. Topics include principles of the finite element method; mathematical modelling for linear-static structural mechanics; finite elements in dynamics and vibrations; non-linear finite element analysis; concepts of stochastic finite elements; implementation, simulation, and optimisation.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, students will know:
1. how to perform 3D kinematic analysis of multi body mechanical systems. [C1, C2, C3]
2. how to analyse the dynamics of spatial systems. [C1, C2, C3]
3. how the finite element method provides approximate solutions to complex problems in structural mechanics. [C1, C2]
4. about the mathematical modelling limitations of the finite element method. [C1, C3]
5. how to simulate a complex problem in structural mechanics. [C2, C3]
6. how to use the finite element method to optimise mechanics-based design solutions C3, [C5]
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of this module students should be able to:
1. model and analyse rotating rigid systems in three dimensions. [C1, C2, C3]
2. use the finite element method proficiently to analyse and optimize engineering components and structures subject to static and dynamic load effects and constraints, contributing to safe and efficient designs.[C1, C2, C3, C5.]
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Recommended revision for exam and in-class assessment, assuming prior regular independent study throughout teaching |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | Semester 2 in-course assessment. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 31 | 1:00 | 31:00 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | End of Semester 1 Examination. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Lab practical |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 12 | 3:00 | 36:00 | Computer cluster sessions |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Tutorial sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 88 | 1:00 | 88:00 | Recommended regular personal study throughout teaching period to follow up taught classes |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The mathematical modelling knowledge and skills components of the module are developed through lectures and tutorials. The implementation of the knowledge and skills are practiced and demonstrated through numerical studies in both tutorials and computer practicals. A mechanical item will be designed using finite element analyses, manufactured, and tested. The test results will be revisited with the numerical model outcomes to reflect on the effective use of the numerical simulation. Private study is used to develop and consolidate learning further.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 50 | 1.5hr invigilated exam |
| Written Examination | 90 | 2 | A | 50 | 1.5hr invigilated exam |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective log | 1 | M | Finite element analysis logbook (digital or physical (to be digitised)). |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The semester 1 examination tests the understanding and application of the core engineering theory on the movement of spatial rigid bodies delivered in semester 1.
The semester 2 assessment is a combination of short questions and a smaller set of more exploratory questions. The short questions are a mix of numerical and written forms that randomly assess the full breadth and content of the module. The longer, exploratory questions are based on numerical studies and experiments performed using software-based finite element analysis, with answers supported by evidence from a digitised logbook uploaded as part of the assessment. This format of the semester 2 assessment enables the knowledge gained in the module, expected to be an understanding of the principles of finite element analysis and the application of those principles to structural engineering applications using an example of commercially available software, to be demonstrated.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MEC3029's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- MEC3029's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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