MEC8029 : Design of Mechanical Power Transmissions
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Professor Brian Shaw
- Other Staff: Dr Robert Frazer, Dr Timothy Lisle, Mr Robert Lambert
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
To teach how to design, manufacture and use mechanical power transmission systems and equipment, especially rotary drive systems. The module aims to enable students to specify / select / design / manufacture drive systems for a wide variety of driven loads to a given performance specification. It also aims to teach the design, manufacturing and quality assurance of selected power transmission components, equipment and systems in detail and to apply the knowledge gained to the design of a mechanical power transmission.
Outline Of Syllabus
Drive systems are integral to most machines and products. This course deals with the systems and the detail engineering to design successful transmissions:
- Introduction to drive systems and components.
- Principles of drive system and component design/selection.
- Design of power transmission shaft/bearing/housing assemblies for ease of manufacture and assembly.
- Gear drives, gear types, main characteristics, geometry and manufacturing routes.
- Design and analysis of spur and helical gears.
- Design and selection of shafts, splines and couplings.
- Understanding and selection of bearings.
- Material selection, manufacturing routes and impact on failure modes.
- Detail design of typical mechanical power transmissions.
- Includes assignments to design/specify mechanical power transmissions in detail.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 28 | 1:00 | 28:00 | Non-synchronous teaching lectures and syllabus content. |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Non-synchronous industry talks |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | Non-synchronous demonstration sessions |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | 4x30 mins in-class test |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Preparation/completion of Assignment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Online assessment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | PiP Touring tranmissions systems research facilities. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 13 | 1:00 | 13:00 | Synchronous daily introduction of the non-synchronous tasks |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 91:00 | 91:00 | Recommended regular personal study throughout teaching period to follow up taught classes. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 16:00 | 16:00 | Self study for in-class test |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The synchronous/non-synchronous lectures and course material introduce the topics and provide a firm foundation for the subject.
The on-line tour and exercises allow students to see many types of drive system design and experience several drive systems operating.
The gear software is used during the course and represents the industry standard transmission design software and allows selection of optimal gear designs.
The on-line tutorial classes allows students to consolidate learning.
Alternatives will be offered to students unable to be present-in-person due to the prevailing C-19 circumstances.
Student should consult their 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 | 1 | M | 30 | Gearbox assignment. |
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | 20 | On-line assessment 4 x 30 mins. |
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | 50 | 2 hr online assessment |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The gearbox assignment, backed up by on-line sessions, applies the taught material and leads the students to a greater depth of understanding of the detail design of components and/or selection & matching of drive systems.
The output of the gearbox assignment includes appropriate designs / system diagrams, calculations and evidence of appropriate decision making, all presented in a final report.
The in-class tests are designed to support and consolidate learning including formative feedback.
The unseen on-line computer based assessment tests understanding of the taught material using a mix of multi-choice questions and calculations.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MEC8029's Timetable