Introductory description

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Module web page

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.

1. Outline Syllabus
   Analysis of Mechanisms:
   i) Basic components used in modelling mechanisms: links, sliders, pin-joints. Number of degrees of freedom of a mechanism.
   ii) Analytical techniques for kinematic analysis of mechanisms to obtain position, velocity and acceleration. Whilst the focus will be on analytical approaches, graphical methods will be referenced as an aid to understanding.
   iii) Calculation of deflections and stresses due to axial, bending and torsional loads. Quantification of a link stiffness and its dependence on link dimensions and material properties.
   iv) Shaking forces as consequence of mechanism inertia. Calculation of balancing shaking forces in important special cases, rotating systems and slider crank mechanisms.

Strength of Materials:
i) Identification of common idealised states within a material within the context of linear elastic theory and superposition of states of load and hence stress / deflection of a material.
ii) States of stress and strain in typical configurations: beams / shafts / columns / discs / pressure vessels.
iii) Failure criteria, von Mises, Tresca, and their relation to states of loading and material suitability.
iv) Matrix methods for analysis of systems of links with focus on deflection and strength of components.
v) Material selection in relation to the state of load / stress within a component.

Learning outcomes

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

• Model the behaviour of some common planar mechanisms and calculate the velocities, accelerations (kinematics) and forces, torques (kinetics) associated with their motion.
• Predict the deflections, stresses, etc. under general loading (axial, bending, torsional) and be able to assess the consequences on design of planar structural systems.
• Appreciate the rationale and limitations for using linear elastic theory under general loading conditions and be able to converse with specialists.
• Demonstrate a developed understanding of the key role of stiffness under various forms of loading, the effect of dimensional scaling and material property ratios.
• Select and apply some common (idealised) states of stress and strain and the typical failure criteria that arise from them. Assess material suitability in terms of application criteria.
• Create, apply and analyse models for stress configurations in mechanisms.
• Understand how mechanism inertia can lead to shaking forces and calculate how to compensate for such forces (balance) in some important special cases.

Indicative reading list

• Theory of machines and mechanisms, John J. Uicker, Jr., Gordon R. Pennock, Joseph E. Shigley, 4th edition, (Oxford University Press 2011).
• Mechanics of Machines, Cleghorn, W. L. (Oxford University Press 2010).
• Design of Machinery: an Introduction to the Synthesis and Analysis of Mechanisms and Machines, Norton, RL, 5th edition (McGraw Hill 2012).
• Dynamics of Mechanical Systems, Prentis JM, 2nd edition (Wiley 1980).
• Strength of Materials and Structures, Case J, Chilver AH & Ross CTF, 4th edition, e-Book (Elsevier 1999).
• Structural and stress analysis, Megson, T. H. G., 3rd edition, e-Book (Elsevier 2014).
• Elasticity. Theory, Applications, and Numerics. Sadd, Martin H., 3rd edition, e-Book (Elsevier 2014).
  Mechanics of Composite Materials, Kaw, Autar K., 2nd edition, e-Book (CRC Taylor & Francis 2006).

Interdisciplinary

Merging material science, kinematics, and mechanics of continuous media.

Subject specific skills

Ability to apply relevant practical and laboratory skills.
Plan to specification, taking into consideration external constraints.
Model complex, real-world engineering problems, predicting behaviour including failure.

Transferable skills

Numeracy: apply mathematical and computational methods to communicate parameters, model and optimise solutions.
Apply problem solving skills, information retrieval, and the effective use of general IT facilities.
Ability to justify assumptions by an appropriate mix of reasoning, mathematical models and empirical observations.
Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others to create and maintain working relationships.
Commit to personal learning and professional development.