Detailed module information
Module information on this degree can be found below, separated by year of study.
The module information below applies for the current academic year. The academic year runs from August to July; the 'current year' switches over at the end of July.
Students select optional courses subject to rules specified in the Mechanical Engineering Student Handbook, for example at most three Design and Business courses. Please note that numbers are limited on some optional courses and selection criteria will apply.
Mechanical Transmissions Technology
Module aims
This module covers the fundamental aspects of design and technology of mechanical transmission systems. It is intended to develop students’ skills in various engineering science disciplines (primarily stress analysis and materials) into a capability to design and analyse geared drive systems. It provides a theoretical and practical understanding of geared mechanical transmission systems and of operation, manufacture, failure modes and health monitoring of individual machine elements that make up such a system including gears, bearings, seals and lubrication systems.
ECTS = 10
Learning outcomes
On successfully completing this module, students will be able to:
1. Specify basic drive properties to match the characteristics of the input (prime mover, electric motor) and output (car, turbine etc) machine
2. Explain the main aspects of gear geometry
3. Analyse gear stresses and design gear geometry for a given loading
4. Select, explain and analyse performance of bearings, seals, shafts and lubrication systems
5. Explain the main failure modes in transmission components, be able to recognise them in practice and suggest preventative measures
6. Explain basic health monitoring methods and be able to suggest an appropriate monitoring method for an application
7. Describe the required material properties and manufacturing methods for gears and bearings
8. Organise and gather information and solve problems using information technology within individual and group projects
Module syllabus
Torque-speed transformations and input-output matching
Gear geometry
Gear stresses and design
Transmission error
Bearings
Seals
Shafts
Couplings
Lubrication
Failure mechanisms
Health monitoring of mechanical transmissions
Materials and manufacture
Gearbox efficiency
Teaching methods
Students will be introduced to the main topics through lectures (2hrs per week), supported by technology (PowerPoint, Panapto and Blackboard). Computer sessions and ad hoc tutorials sessions will provide an opportunity for interaction with teaching staff where you can discuss specific problems. Learning is further supported by three group projects involving practical failure assessment of real-life components and computer simulation.
Assessments
| Assessment details | ||||
| Pass mark | ||||
| Grading method | Numeric | 50% | ||
| Assessments | ||||
| Assessment type | Assessment description | Weighting | Pass mark | Must pass? |
| Examination | 3 Hour exam | 50% | 50% | N |
| Coursework | Component Failure group report, max 9 pages | 10% | 50% | N |
| Coursework | Transmission Design group report, max 25 pages | 20% | 50% | N |
| Coursework | FE Gear Analysis group report, max 20 pages | 20% | 50% | N |