48620 Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering

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Subject handbook information prior to 2021 is available in the Archives.

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

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 48610 Introduction to Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering AND 68037 Physical Modelling AND 33130 Mathematical Modelling 1
Anti-requisite(s): 48321 Engineering Mechanics

Recommended studies:

knowledge of equilibrium of particles and of solving a system of linear algebraic equations is essential for this subject

Description

This subject builds on and brings together the concepts introduced in the Mathematical and Physical Modelling subjects and in Introduction to Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering. It is intended to provide students with a comprehensive overview of elementary mechanics and lay the basis for further work in this area in later subjects. In particular, material discussed in this subject is taken further in Machine Dynamics and Mechanics of Solids subjects in subsequent stages.

Newtonian mechanics depends on the development of a series of increasingly complex models based on Newton’s Laws of Motion. The purpose of this modelling concept is to set up an orderly development that is conducive to mathematical analysis. The methodology relies on diagrammatically isolating a physical entity (or body) from all constraints or contacts with other bodies and replacing these contacts with external forces. This relies on discriminating between what are defined as internal and external forces. The mechanically isolated body is referred to as a free body diagram. It requires a graphical, diagrammatic or visual approach to problem analysis, unlike other analytical systems, which rely on more sophisticated mathematical analysis.

The topics discussed in this subject include equilibrium in 2D plane and 3D space, force vectors, force system resultants, analysis of pin-connected trusses, characteristics of dry friction, equilibrium of rigid bodies subjected to frictional force, shear force and bending moment diagrams, kinematics and kinetics of a particle, rectilinear kinemtatics, curvilinear motion, force and acceleration, work and energy, impulse and momentum, and the relationships between them. These comprise the basis of a comprehensive course in Newtonian mechanics.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

1.	Apply Newtonian mechanics, which is one of the fundamental sciences underlying engineering practice;
2.	Draw the Free-Body Diagrams, evaluate the force systems, and understand the modelling concept, as applied to Newtonian mechanics;
3.	Apply principles of particle mechanics and its limitations;
4.	Apply basic engineering concepts such as equilibrium, force and acceleration, work, energy and power, impulse and momentum, and the relationships between them;
5.	Apply analytical skills in statics, dynamics and mechanics;
6.	Apply engineering concepts, Free-Body-Diagrams, frames and machines, structural analysis, dry friction and frictional force, stress resultants, kinematics and dynamics of plane motion, work, energy and power, linear impulse and momentum, conservation of momentum, impact.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

• Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject uses a problem-based learning strategy that allows students to develop their ability to apply fundamental mechanical principles, in particular, the principles of Newtonian Mechanics. This subject includes one lecture session (online) of up to 2 hours and one tutorial session (attend either face-to-face or online) of up to 2.0 hours per week. Note that timetabled classes are not compulsory but attendance and participation is strongly encouraged. Points 1-3 below describe what students should expect from timetabled classes. Students will be guided and assisted to achieve the learning objectives with a series of milestones set throughout the session. The assessment tasks are designed to reflect the application of fundamental mechanical principles to solve basic engineering problems. Several quizzes will be arranged during the session to consolidate students’ learning.

Student learning is supported in the following ways:

1. Prior to each timetabled Lec class, students will be provided with lecture videos and notes. Students should watch and read these and come to the Lec class with questions, issues to discuss, etc. Students are also encouraged to post questions in an online forum/discussion board prior to the scheduled Lec class as prompts for in-class discussions. If students are comfortable with their learning from the lecture videos and notes they do not need to attend the scheduled Lec class. However, students are, of course, encouraged to attend, participate and contribute to the community of learning. The Lec classes focus on theory, concepts and applications with some examples. Note that scheduled Lec classes will not simply be a repetition of what was presented in the videos. If students don’t have questions, the lecturer may pose questions to the students to think about and discuss.

2. Prior to each timetabled Tut class, example problems will be provided with full solution videos and notes. These will demonstrate the step-by-step procedure for solving problems. Students should watch these prior to attending tutorials.

3. In tutorials, tutors will guide and help students to discuss and solve typical problems. Students may work alone or form small groups to work on selected problems. To begin with, these problems may be selected from those previously provided online. Students would then attempt to do them without looking at the solutions and can discuss their solution with peers and tutor. Depending on the progress of the tutorial, other problems including problems posed by students might be attempted. Group discussions are highly encouraged. The tutor will provide help in the group discussions. As with the scheduled Lec class, tutorials will not simply be a repetition of the online materials. Students should consider the tutorials as more a like a facilitated study group than a traditional classroom where you mostly just sit and take notes and copy down problem solutions.

4. Quiz samples will be provided on Canvas for students to better prepare for the in-class quizzes. Marked-up quiz solutions will be made available for students to review their work. Feedback and discussion on what was done well and where improvements could be made will be given.

5. Academic staff will be available for consultation during one or two 1-hour sessions each week outside of timetabled class time.

Content (topics)

The topics to be covered in 11 lectures are:

• Force vectors and force system resultants;
• Equilibrium of rigid bodies in 2D and 3D;
• Free-body diagrams;
• Two- and three-force members;
• Frames and machines;
• Pin-connected trusses. Method of Joints and Method of Sections;
• Characteristics of dry friction. Equilibrium problems involving dry friction;
• Internal loadings - axial force, shear force, and bending moment;
• Shear force and bending moment diagrams;
• Kinematics of a particle. Rectilinear kinematics. Curvilinear motion;
• Absolute dependent motion analysis of two particles;
• Relative-motion of two particles using translating axes;
• Kinetics of a particle. Newton's Second Law of Motion.
• Equations of motion under different coordinate systems;
• Principle of work and energy. Conservation of energy;
• Principle of linear impulse and momentum;
• Conservation of linear momentum for a system of particles; and
• Impact.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Five remote (online) quizzes

Intent:	The five quizzes aim to develop and test students’ understanding of the fundamental principles of Newtonian mechanics, and students’ ability to apply the FBD concept with confidence. The other associated aims are to build the academic foundation for students’ professional engineering education and develop their professional communication skills.
Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1
Type:	Quiz/test
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	70%
Length:	45 minutes

Assessment task 2: Final Exam

Intent:	The aim of final exam is to assess students' understanding of elementary mechanics including statics, mechanics of materials and dynamics. The other aim is to lay the basis for further study in this area in later subjects.
Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1
Type:	Examination
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	30%
Length:	2 hours plus 10 minutes reading time

Minimum requirements

In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.

Recommended texts

Hibbeler, R.C., Engineering Mechanics -- Statics, 14th SI Edition, Pearson.

Hibbeler, R.C., Engineering Mechanics -- Dynamics, 14th SI Edition, Pearson.

Hibbeler, R.C., Mechanics of Materials, 8th SI Edition, Pearson.

References

Meriam and Kraige, Engineering Mechanics -- Statics, SI Version, Wiley.

Meriam and Kraige, Engineering Mechanics -- Dynamics, SI Version, Wiley.

Beer, Johnston and Dewolf, Mechanics of Materials, McGraw Hill.