Introductory description

This module is to provide a foundation of static mechanics, mechanics of materials and thermodynamics principles and laws in the field of mechanical engineering. Students will learn the relevant theories and will be able to apply them to solve engineering problems. They will also be able to apply subject knowledge in a real-world scenario, analyse and present the results.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Solid Mechanics:

• Basic Concepts
• Force and moment; equivalent forces
• Degrees of freedom (DoF)
• Free body diagrams
• Force in truss
• Introduction to Mechanics of materials
• Beam analysis

Energy Methods:

• Introduction
  o Importance and applications
  o Systems and control volumes, processes and cycles, …
  o State and equilibrium
• Properties of a system
  o Temperature scale—Zeroth law of thermodynamics
  o Pressure—Pascal’s principle
  o Property diagrams
  o Equation of state—Ideal gas
• Forms of energy and energy transfer
  o Types of energy
  o Energy transfer by heat
  o Energy transfer by work
  o Energy transfer by mass
• First law of thermodynamics
  o Definition
  o Energy balance
  o Specific heat
  o Mixing chambers
  o Heat exchangers
• Second law of thermodynamics
  o Definition o Heat engine
  o Refrigerators o Heat pumps
  o The Carnot cycle

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Apply principles of static mechanics
• Solve statistical equilibrium problems
• Analyse statically determinate trusses and beams
• Explain properties and types of thermodynamic systems and processes; mechanical work and power; Laws of Thermodynamics and definitions of temperature, heat, heat capacity and energy storage
• Contemplate the applications of energy methods in appropriate industrial sectors.

Indicative reading list

• Mechanical Science (Bolton) (Blackwell Pub., 2006. 3rd ed.), ISBN 9781405191104.
• Fundamentals of Thermal – Fluid Sciences (Y.A. Cengel, R.H. Turner) (McGraw-Hill, 3rd or 4th ed.) ISBN 9781259151323.
• Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics and Dynamics, F.P. Beer, E.R. Johnston Jr., D. Mazurek, P.J. Cornwell, B. Self, 11th Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2015, ISBN 9780077687441.
• Fluid Mechanics (Swaffield) (Pearson)
• Analysis and Design of Energy Systems (Hodge) (Pearson) ISBN 978-0135259733
• Fundamentals of Thermodynamics, Richard E. Sonntag, Claus Borgnakke, Gordon J. Van Wylen, 6th Edition, Wiley, 2002 ISBN 9780471152323
• Fundamentals of Thermodynamics, Claus Borgnakke, Richard E Sonntag, 8th Edition, Wiley, 2012, ISBN 9781118131992

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Methods for solving static mechanics problems
Analysing trusses and beams
Understanding of simple thermodynamics processes and laws

Transferable skills

Mathematical problem visualisation and solving
Application of mathematical formulae and manipulating equations