Solid Mechanics module (ME31002)

This module on Solid Mechanics is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of calculating stresses in important mechanical engineering applications. The module also aims to advance the students’ understanding of different sources of stresses on solid materials.

This module is perfect for students who want to learn about the important applications of solid mechanics and mechanics of materials. Students will also gain a comprehensive understanding of techniques such as energy methods for calculating deflections. This module introduces Ansys finite element analysis software to the students. The Ansys software package is one of the most used software tools in industry.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• analyse the stresses induced in thin-walled pressure vessels
• analyse vessels under different loading conditions and material properties
• analyse the stresses induced by rotational motion in structural components
• understand the buckling behaviour of columns for designing tall structures like buildings and bridges
• understand the torsional behaviour of thin-walled tubes
• understanding of energy methods and Castigliano’s theorem in the analysis of structural mechanics
• analyse static mechanical problems

By the end of the module you should be able to:

• understand stresses in pressure vessels
• obtain stresses generated in rotary parts
• solve buckling criteria in long slender columns
• find stresses and angle of twist in tubes under torsion
• calculate deflections in beams and components
• use software to analyse stresses and strains in mechanical components

Assignments / assessment:

• ANSYS coursework (20%)
• Class test A (40%)
• Class test B (40%)

Teaching methods / timetable:

• lectures/seminars
• computer IT laboratories
• interactive tutorials

As a 10-credit module there are 110 hours nominally allocated to the content delivery. This includes 22 hours of lectures, 22 hours of tutorial sessions (including 18 hours of problem-solving sessions and 4 hours of IT ANSYS training). 66 hours is left for independent learning and preparation and submission of reports and assessments.