Module information for the next academic year is available below. Current academic year information is also available.
Mechanics
Module aims
This module aims to provide students with the ability to derive, from first principles, mathematical descriptions of mechanics applications and to use these descriptions to solve a wide range of mechanics problems.
ECTS units: 5
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Recall the basic laws of force and motion
2. Manipulate quantities of force and moment, and of translation and rotation about a fixed axis in terms of vectors
3. Apply vector methods to solve simple problems involving relative velocity and acceleration in mechanisms
4. Analyse, using free body diagrams, the forces acting on elements within mechanisms
5. Resolve forces and moments acting on rigid bodies to determine their equilibrium.
Module syllabus
Statics: Forces, moments, couples, equilibrium and free body diagrams for 2D and 3D applications, equivalent systems of forces and couples, Coulomb friction, screw threads, belts, clutches. Kinematics and Dynamics of a Particle: Rectilinear, curvilinear, angular motions, normal and tangential acceleration components, radial and transverse (polar) acceleration components, Newton's second law. Kinematics of a Rigid Body: Translational motion, rotational motion, general plane motion, relative velocities and accelerations in mechanisms using vector velocity and acceleration equations, sliding contacts, Coriolis acceleration.
Pre-requisites
Teaching methods
| Allocation of study hours | |
| Hours | |
| Lectures | 24 |
| Group teaching | 10 |
| Lab/ practical | |
| Other scheduled | |
| Independent study | 91 |
| Placement | |
| Total hours | 125 |
| ECTS ratio | 25 |
Assessments
| Assessment type | Assessment description | Weighting | Grading method | Pass mark | Must pass? |
| Examination | 1.5 Hour exam | 95% | Numeric | 40% | Y |
| Examination | Progress test | 5% | 40% | N |