41056 Machines and Mechanisms A

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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 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 33230c Mathematics 2 AND 68037 Physical Modelling AND (37171 Introduction to Programming OR 48221 Engineering Computations OR 41039 Programming 1))
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.
Anti-requisite(s): 48640 Machine Dynamics

Description

Machines and mechanisms are essential for energy conversion and transfer; they convert motion and load to achieve a desired function. For the successful design of machines and mechanisms, engineers must calculate the kinematic and kinetic behaviour of the components, including displacements, velocities, accelerations, forces, momentum, and energy. In this subject, students learn the kinematics and kinetics of rigid bodies in general planar motion, including energy methods, in contrast to direct applications of Newton's second law of motion. Students will explore the physics of a real mechanical system and also begin to understand the role of dynamics in machines and structures in the engineering world.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

1.	Apply principles of kinematics and kinetics to the analysis of mechanical systems for determination of physical behaviour. (D.1)
2.	Apply velocity and acceleration equations of a rigid body in planar motion to calculate forces, momentum and energy and simulate behaviour using suitable software tools. (D.1)
3.	Design a simple mechanism, taking into account the dynamic forces associated with the mechanism. (C.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

This subject uses a problem solving-based learning strategy that allows students to research and develop their own solutions to complex dynamics problems. All assessment tasks are problem-based and design oriented. It comprises of
(1) online sessions, (2) weekly face-to-face tutorials, and (3) Mini project.

Relatively easy example problems are adopted for helping students in understanding the concepts, principles and procedures through online sessions. More difficult problems are adopted in tutorials for the students to fully understand all concepts and practice the procedure of problem solving.

Students are required to study the lecture notes, read the textbook and prepare for solving tutorial problems. In each tutorial class, the students will form small groups, where discussions are highly encouraged. The tutor will be available to answer questions and provide help in the process.

Formative Quizzes will be used throughout learning modules to help students monitor their performance and provide feedback on progress and understanding of content.

Carefully selected projects will be undertaken in small groups. The team of students should actively contribute to the theoretical, computational and experimental investigation of mechanism of a simple machine or a mechanical system. This will be assessed through a professional technical report provided by the students and self and peer assessment

Content (topics)

• Planar rigid body kinematics including analysis of velocity and acceleration of rigid bodies in planar translation, rotation about fixed axis and general plane motion
• Kinetics of rigid bodies including
  • The relationships between forces and motions (Newton’s 2nd law of motion)
  • Work and energy, principle of work and energy, conservation of energy
  • Linear and angular impulse and momentum, principle of impulse and momentum, conservation of momentum

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Pass-Level Quizzes

Intent:	Students will take the quizzes to demonstrate their knowledge of the contents.
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:	Quiz/test
Groupwork:	Individual
Length:	Variable

Assessment task 2: Mini Project

Intent:	A project will be undertaken where students need to apply the learnt knowledge and techniques to analyze a mechanism of rigid body planar dynamics. Students will study its motion and loads using software-based simulations.
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:	Group, group and individually assessed
Length:	4 Weeks

Minimum requirements

To pass the subject, a student must achieve at least 80% in each of the pass-level quizzes.

Recommended texts

• Hibbeler, R.C. and Fan, S.C., Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics in SI Units, Pearson
• Meriam, J.L., Kraige, L.G. and Bolton, J.N., Engineering Mechanics – Dynamics, Wiley
• Pytel, A. and Kiusalaas, J., Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics - SI Version, Cengage Learning