WM174-15 Static Mechanics and Energy Methods
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
This module is aligned academically and chronologically to the engineering mathematics, electrical/electronic systems and design module in order to deliver a holistic learning experience. As two fundamental subjects in engineering context; the intention of this module is; to give an overview of different concepts in mechanical science and how to employ them in order to solve mechanical engineering problems. Students need to understand fundamental mechanical and thermodynamic laws and principles and develop their problem solving skills enabling study of engineering problems by mathematical, physical and analytical approaches for mechanical systems.
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 including forces and moments
- Equivalent force-moment systems
- Free body diagrams and equations of static equilibrium
- Structural analysis of a truss
- Beam analysis
- Centres of gravity and centroids of simple and composite volumes, areas and lines
- Introduction to mechanics of materials including normal and shear stresses and strains
Energy Methods:
- Definition of open and closed systems
- Processes and cycles - Carnot cycle, Otto cycle, Diesel cycle
- State and equilibrium
- Temperature scale
- Ideal gas law
- Energy transfer by heat and work
- Zeroth law of thermodynamics
- First law of thermodynamics
- Second law of thermodynamics
- Heat engine, refrigerators and heat pumps
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Apply principles of static mechanics to solve static equilibrium problems
- Analyse statically determinate trusses and beams
- Explain properties and types of thermodynamic systems and processes; mechanical work and power
- Apply thermodynamic laws and explain definitions of temperature, heat, heat capacity and energy storage
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
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 6 sessions of 1 hour (4%) |
| Seminars | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) |
| Practical classes | 2 sessions of 2 hours (3%) |
| Online learning (scheduled sessions) | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 5 sessions of 2 hours (7%) |
| Private study | 50 hours (33%) |
| Assessment | 60 hours (40%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Pre-delivery revision (e.g. Math skills)
Online quiz
Additional questions on the subject matter.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group D1
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lab Poster on Truss Lab + Lab poster on Refrigeration Lab | 30% | 18 hours | No |
|
Students will work in a small group and will make A2 posters on the lab activities. |
|||
| Written Exam | 70% | 42 hours | No |
Feedback on assessment
Formative feedback during seminar and lab sessions
Formative feedback; solution to the seminar questions
Formative feedback through online support
Individual summative feedback on lab posters and presentations
Cohort level summative feedback on exam question
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 1 of UWMS-H7C3 Undergraduate Applied Professional Engineering (Control/Technical Support Engineer)
- Year 1 of DWMS-H7C7 Undergraduate Applied Professional Engineering (Control/Technical Support Engineer) (Degree Apprenticeship)
- Year 1 of UWMS-H7C2 Undergraduate Applied Professional Engineering (Electrical/Electronic Support Engineer)
- Year 1 of DWMS-H7C6 Undergraduate Applied Professional Engineering (Electrical/Electronic Support Engineer) (Degree Apprenticeship)
- Year 1 of UWMS-H7C1 Undergraduate Applied Professional Engineering (Manufacturing Engineer)
- Year 1 of DWMS-H7C5 Undergraduate Applied Professional Engineering (Manufacturing Engineer) (Degree Apprenticeship)
- Year 1 of UWMS-H7C4 Undergraduate Applied Professional Engineering (Product Design and Development Engineer)
- Year 1 of DWMS-H7C8 Undergraduate Applied Professional Engineering (Product Design and Development Engineer) (Degree Apprenticeship)