41054 Applied Mechanics and Design A

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a 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 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Engineering: Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade, no marks

Requisite(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 foundational 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; referring to relevant standards and codes to assess design safety; using understanding of the above theoretical methods to use computational tools such as simulation software to conduct virtual testing; and, conducting experimental testing to verify and validate theoretical/simulation results

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

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 to calculate internal actions. (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 including with peers and with tutor guidance in classes. Online learning resources such as videos, notes, quizzes and challenges aim to enable students to flexibly access, learn and use the subject content.

The subject is designed to prepare students for two Mastery Quizzes. The Pass rate for each Mastery Quiz is 85%. For this reason, students have two attempts at sitting each Mastery Quiz to Pass. To apply the content to practice, a workshop project is offered. This also serves as an opportunity to increase Pass grade to Credit or higher. The content is heavy and hence careful engagement with the layout of weekly structure is advised.

This subject consists of consistent learning and work throughout the session. The learning environment will comprise of (1) online learning materials, (2) weekly face-to-face tutorials, (3) weekly forums, and (4) 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 optimise facilitation of in-class activities for tutorials and forums. This will include a number of individual and collaborative activities on theoretical and computational analysis where students will be encouraged to actively contribute.

Formative activities will be used throughout the online learning modules to help students monitor their performance and receive feedback on their progress and understanding of content.

Weekly problem solving tasks will be completed during the session to demonstrate learning of concepts and skills. These tasks will be self, peer and/or tutor assessed

Students who successfully complete the Mastery Quizzes may complete a more advanced project to demonstrate greater than Pass-level understanding and competence. Feedback will be provided through direct engagement with tutors where students provided details of their approach to the project and are given direction by tutors. This engagement can only improve the grade, does not lessen it. Students completing the project will produce a design report.

Content (topics)

Force systems and moments
Engineering statics
Friction
Trusses and Frames
Solid mechanics
Flexural formula
Torsion
Stress Transformations

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 timed quiz will be 2 hours.

Assessment task 2: Workshop 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:	3000 words or equivalent

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: Engineering Mechanics - Statics (or equivalent)

Hibbeler: Mechanics of Materials (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)