MEC3029 : Advanced Mechanics and Structural Optimisation
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Dr Francis Franklin
- Lecturer: Dr Barry Gallacher
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
1. Kinematics and kinetics of spatial rigid bodies.
2. Analysis and optimisation of structural elements to meet operational constraints.
3. Finite element analysis case studies of structural elements and materials.
Outline Of Syllabus
1. Kinematics and kinetics of spatial rigid bodies, and Free Body Diagrams of spatial systems in 3D.
2. Moments of inertia, products of inertia, principle axes and the inertia tensor.
3. Angular and linear momentum, gyroscopic torque, and the Euler qquations of motion for collection of particles and rigid bodies.
4. Response of structures and structural elements to static loading, and the Castigliano method.
5. Introduction to honeycomb and sandwich structures, and hyperelastic materials.
6. Introduction to heuristic optimisation techniques.
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 30:00 | 30:00 | Target hours to complete coursework assignment submission |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Online assessment of theory. |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 52 | 1:00 | 52:00 | Non-synchronous online session for delivering theory and examples. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 24 | 2:00 | 48:00 | Recommended regular personal study throughout teaching period to follow up taught classes |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 38 | 1:00 | 38:00 | Student time to review practical sessions to support independent study & reinforce skills practise |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Scheduled on-line contact time | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Synchronous online timetabled sessions - Tutorial/drop-in/Q&A sessions. (12 hrs in S1 and 18 S2) |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
- Non-synchronous lectures used to introduce concepts, theory and case studies.
- Synchronous drop-in Q&A sessions for guiding students through tutorials and FEA software problems.
- Private study time for learning software, learning theory, completing coursework and revising for final assessment.
Alternatives will be offered to students unable to be present-in-person due to the prevailing C-19 circumstances.
Students should consult their individual timetable for up-to-date delivery information.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 2 | M | 40 | Structural Analysis Coursework, approximately 3000 words (max 30 hours) |
| Report | 2 | M | 60 | Online Assessment of Theory |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Coursework exercises used to assess ability to effectively carry out design, modelling and analysis, on-line assessment to test understanding of underpinning theory.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MEC3029's Timetable