Engineering Design Methodologies module (GA41011)

Many common situations and phenomena that arise within mechanical engineering design – such as stress concentrations, fracture mechanics, vibration and predicting fatigue cannot be reliably modelled with a classical ‘first principles’ approach.  The first half of the module are concerned with empirical, experienced based methods, whilst the second half will expand your exposure to computer-based simulative methods introduced in the GA33006 module, this time using the study of harmonic vibration and time response as a backdrop 

What you will learn 

 In this module, you will: 

• Appreciate that all engineering analyses involve uncertainty, and the engineer must therefore be able to make appropriate assumptions and allowances. 
• Be aware that the presence of real-life features and imperfections on engineering components can negatively impact the accuracy of analyses. 
• Analyse the effects of vibration and cyclic loading on components and structures and be able to predict their long-term effects. 

By the end of this module, you will be able to: 

• Use empirical data to solve a wide range of mechanical engineering problems for where uncertainty or no straightforward analytic solution exists. 
• Select an appropriate methodology for engineering analysis 
• Perform calculations on Simple Harmonic Motion, dynamical equivalence and verify results experimentally using a computer simulation package

Assignments / assessments

Class Test - Empirical Design Methods (50%) 

• Takes place in Semester 1, Week 6 

​​Investigative Project - Vibration Analyses (50%)​ 

• Handed out in Week 9 or 10, Semester 1. 
• Due by Week 2 of Semester 2

Teaching methods / timetable