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. Introduction to 3D Dynamics:
   1i. motivation
   1ii. revision of rudimentary concepts in dynamics
   1iii. particle dynamics in 3D
2. 3D Kinematics of Rigid Bodies and Mechanisms:
   2i. orientation and configuration (frames of reference, rotation matrices, Euler angles)
   2ii. rigid-body kinematic equations
   2iii. forward and inverse kinematics of mechanisms
   2iv. application case study (robotics)
3. 3D Dynamics of Single Rigid Bodies:
   3i. moment of inertia tensor (principal moments, principal axis, products of inertia)
   3ii. general equations of motion for a 3D rigid body (Euler’s laws, Newton-Euler equations)
   3iii. application case study (aerospace)
4. Multi-Body Dynamics:
   4i. degrees of freedom and constraints
   4ii. generalised coordinates, virtual displacements, virtual work and D’Alembert’s principle
   4iii. fundamentals of Lagrangian mechanics
   4iv. application of Lagrange’s equation to complex mechanical systems

Learning outcomes

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

• Perform advanced kinematic analysis on 3D mechanical systems, including spatial mechanisms. [M1, M2]
• Evaluate the motions produced by driving forces or the driving forces necessary to generate specific motions of 3D mechanical systems. [M1, M2]
• Formulate, analyse, evaluate and communicate models of dynamic mechanical systems using appropriate analytical and computational methods, including understanding the effectiveness and limitations of the methods used. [M3, M6, M17]
• Evaluate the application of advanced dynamical systems (e.g. gyroscopes, robotics). [M2, M6]

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Subject specific skills

1. Ability to conceive, make and realise a component, product, system or process;
2. Ability to develop economically viable and ethically sound sustainable solutions;
3. Ability to be pragmatic, taking a systematic approach and the logical and practical steps necessary for, often complex, concepts to become reality;
4. Ability to seek to achieve sustainable solutions to problems and have strategies for being creative and innovative;
5. Ability to be risk, cost and value-conscious, and aware of their ethical, social, cultural, environmental, health and safety, and wider professional engineering responsibilities;

Transferable skills

1. Numeracy: apply mathematical and computational methods to communicate parameters, model and optimize solutions;
2. Apply problem solving skills, information retrieval, and the effective use of general IT facilities;
3. Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others;
4. Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD;
5. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management, which may be as a team member or leader;
6. Awareness of the nature of business and enterprise in the creation of economic and social value;
7. Overcome difficulties by employing skills, knowledge and understanding in a flexible manner;
8. Ability to formulate and operate within appropriate codes of conduct, when faced with an ethical issue;
9. Appreciation of the global dimensions of engineering, commerce and communication;
10. Be professional in their outlook, be capable of team working, be effective communicators, and be able to exercise responsibility and sound management approaches.