41054 Applied Mechanics and Design A
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade, no marksRequisite(s): 48610 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering AND 33130 Mathematics 1
Anti-requisite(s): 48620 Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering
Description
The strength and stiffness of machine components are essential for safety and ensuring machines and structures meet minimum design life criteria. In this subject, students gain fundamental knowledge and skills required to undertake basic design for strength and stiffness of mechanical systems, including: conducting external load analysis by drawing free body diagrams and applying principles of equilibrium; calculating internal actions (normal and shear forces, bending and torsional moments) by drawing free body diagrams and applying principles of equilibrium; selecting suitable materials and calculating appropriate sizes by applying principles of mechanics of materials, e.g. stress, strain, material properties, ductile yield; and, conducting experimental testing to verify and validate theoretical results.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Design simple machine structural components for strength and stiffness. (C.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Analyse relatively simple machine structural components by applying fundamental engineering mechanics and mechanics of materials concepts. (D.1) |
| 3. | Apply experimental and computational techniques to analyse simple mechanical components. (D.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies:
- 1.1 Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
- 2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
- 2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
Teaching and learning strategies
Students will learn how to design and analyse mechanical components through practice-based problem solving and associated laboratory/workshop activities. This will occur during on-campus classes with peers and with tutor guidance and during students’ self-study time. Online learning resources such as videos, notes, quizzes and challenges aim to enable students to flexibly access, learn and use the subject content.
This subject consists of consistent learning and work throughout the semester. The learning environment will include (1) online learning materials, (2) weekly face-to-face tutorials, and (3) laboratory/workshop classes.
Feedback and opportunities for reflection on content will be provided during tutorials where students are advised to actively participate in learning activities facilitated by the tutor.
Online learning materials are to be completed to help students learn from participation in individual and collaborative in-class activities in tutorials and labs/workshops.
Formative activities with immediate feedback will be used throughout the online learning modules to help students monitor their progress and understanding of content.
Students will complete several assignments that include practice-based/authentic problem-solving tasks to demonstrate learning of concepts and skills.
Students may also participate in laboratory/workshop classes and complete a design/laboratory report.
Content (topics)
Engineering mechanics - statics
Force systems and moments
Particle and rigid body equilibrium
Trusses
Machines and Frames Solid mechanics
Normal and shear stress and strain
Material properties
Axial loadingBending
Torsion
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Pass-level problem solving
| Intent: | To demonstrate level of understanding of the content and ability to apply engineering mechanics and stress and deflection analysis methods. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Length: | Each quiz will contain several analysis and design problems. |
Assessment task 2: Laboratory work and project
| Intent: | Apply discipline knowledge and methods at more advanced levels to design solutions for more authentic, real-life problems. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Length: | A report that includes the following: Several pages of hand calculations. Spreadsheets of models/analyses/calculations. Results of physical testing of materials and components. Written explanations/justifications/conclusions (approx. 1500 words). |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject students must at least meet the minimum requirements of the Pass-level assessment tasks.
Recommended texts
Hibbeler, R.C., Statics and Mechanics of Materials, 5th Edition in SI Units, Pearson, 2017 (or equivalent)
All students have free access to the full eText version of this textbook. See information and links on the subject's Canvas site.
or
Hibbeler, R.C., Engineering Mechanics - Statics, Pearson. (or equivalent)
and
Hibbeler, R.C., Mechanics of Materials, Pearson. (or equivalent)
There are links to the eBook versions of the above texts throughout the subject's Canvas site.
Mott: Machine Elements in Mechanical Design (or equivalent)