BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering Design

This module places a strong emphasis on utilising modern computer technology, including computer-aided engineering (CAE) packages, to create solid models, conduct simulation analyses, and ensure designs are fit for purpose. By actively engaging with the integrated design environment and collaborating with peers, you will acquire invaluable skills in engineering design, problem-solving, and effective communication.

As you progress through this module, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the engineering design process and its practical application in real-world contexts. You will learn to select and utilise appropriate industrial components, making informed decisions that contribute to the overall success of your designs. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, you will gain valuable experience working with others to produce design prototypes, simulating real-world scenarios encountered in professional engineering practice.

In this module, you'll delve into the intricacies of static stress analysis using closed-form solutions derived from fundamental principles. You'll also explore how this understanding relates to failure criteria and the material properties of the component. Practical application of theories will be facilitated through a hands-on laboratory session, offering a real-world context to the learned concepts.

Through this module, you'll gain a profound ability to calculate stresses, strains, and deflections in beams undergoing bending and torsion. You'll be adept at determining various stress components like principal, octahedral, hydrostatic, and deviatoric stresses in three-dimensional components. This skill set will enable you to evaluate the strength and deformation suitability of a diverse range of components under static loading conditions.

In this module, you'll develop a comprehensive understanding of electronic and electrical systems, their control mechanisms, and their integration with existing processes. The focus is on preparing you to analyse, apply, and predict the performance of these systems, especially in the context of high-level autonomous operations.

Upon completing this module, you'll be able to explain the operation and limitations of major control, electrical, and electronic systems. You'll have the skills to analyse complex electronics and control problems, design appropriate tests, and accurately assess outcomes. Leveraging industry-standard modelling and simulation software, you'll be capable of explaining and analysing the behaviour of electronics and control systems.

This module aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of materials used in mechanical engineering, with a focus on selection, design, manufacturing optimization, and environmental impact assessment. You'll delve into the specifics of metals and polymer composite materials, gaining valuable insights into their structure, properties, and manufacturing processes.

By the end of this module, you'll have the underpinning knowledge and comprehension necessary to make informed decisions about materials selection for engineering applications. You'll explore how the structure and properties of materials are influenced by their manufacturing processes, leading to optimized performance in real-world scenarios. Additionally, you'll gain an understanding of the factors and processes involved in material degradation, enabling you to evaluate and account for these factors in your design work.

This module is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of dynamic mechanical systems. The focus includes mechanical vibration, control systems, and the performance evaluation of single-degree-of-freedom systems, as well as first and second-order systems. Additionally, you'll explore the kinematics of mechanisms, gears, and epicyclic gears. The coursework is enriched with practical laboratory exercises, providing hands-on experience to complement theoretical learning.

By the end of this module, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively analyse the dynamic performance of mechanical systems.

In this module, you will delve into the realm of electrical machines and their drives, a critical area in the realm of Electro-Mechanical Engineering. The module focuses on designing drives for electrical machines and challenges you to create effective solutions, backed by appropriate specifications. You’ll engage in research and literature reviews, which will fine-tune your analytical skills.

This module will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of various electrical machines and their applications, encompassing both fundamental concepts and more intricate aspects where applicable. Through mathematical analysis, you will develop problem-solving skills in tackling intricate challenges. You will gain the ability to decipher the intricacies of electrical machines and predict their behaviour through analytical means.

In this module, you will build upon your foundational knowledge of engineering thermodynamics to explore the application of these principles in analysing and designing equipment and systems across various engineering domains. You will delve into the intricacies of gas mixtures, combustion chemistry, and thermodynamics, enabling you to evaluate key indicators and performance metrics.

This module equips you with valuable skills and knowledge applicable in diverse engineering scenarios. You will not only comprehend the inner workings of thermal systems but also learn to evaluate their performance under varying conditions. Through practical exercises and CAE modelling, you will compare mathematical models with real-world results, honing your ability to assess and optimise thermal systems' efficiency and effectiveness.

We encourage you to take the optional, supervised work placement in the computing industry for 12 months between Year 2 and your final year. You will need to apply for your placement position yourself; however you will be taught about how to apply for jobs effectively in a second year module, and we have a placements office with dedicated staff to provide information and advice to help you secure a placement. We maintain links with industry and most students who go on placement obtain their position through the Department.

More and more students are finding that a placement benefits their final-year studies and career prospects. Possible placement organisations include IBM, Microsoft and PepsiCo.

On returning to University for your final year, the experience you have gained will improve your academic performance. In addition, we have an excellent record of students gaining full-time employment on graduation, often with their industrial placement company or organisation.

This module aims to provide you with a platform to delve deeply into a practical engineering issue, fostering a comprehensive understanding of real-world problem-solving. You will undertake a substantial project that goes beyond the scope of your previous coursework, allowing you to solidify your knowledge and hone the skills you've acquired during your studies.

Throughout the module, you will be required to meticulously document your project's journey, from its inception to its completion, in a comprehensive report. You'll learn to prepare effective project plans and Gantt charts, crucial tools for organising and executing the project in a systematic manner. Your ability to critically evaluate engineering practices through in-depth analysis of published literature will be nurtured. You'll also learn to apply a diverse range of both innovative and established techniques to address complex engineering problems, showcasing your problem-solving prowess.

This module is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges that intersect business, society, and sustainability. With a specific focus on the automotive, transport, and general engineering sectors, this module delves into critical topics such as project management, leadership, energy, environmental concerns, sustainable engineering, ethics, and social aspects of employment.

By the end of this module, you'll possess a holistic perspective on business practices and their impact on the triple bottom line: economic, social, and environmental aspects. You'll learn to craft effective business plans, making compelling arguments that incorporate sustainability principles, echoing the shift towards a circular economy.

In this module, you will learn to use cutting-edge design and manufacturing software to produce computer-generated solid models of engineering components, as well as analyse them to determine their manufacturability. You will also learn how to simulate various machining processes and produce lathe and milling cutting paths for use in NC machine tools. This knowledge is applicable to various engineering disciplines.

Through this module, you will develop a range of skills with a strong foundation in advanced CAD/CAM techniques and you will be well-equipped to pursue a successful career in engineering.

This module extends your fundamental knowledge obtained at levels 4 and 5. You’ll be exposed to the latest advances on materials development and this will help your interest in exploring and creating innovative and advanced materials for a range of engineering applications including:

• Automotive
• Motorsport
• Construction
• and Aerospace sectors.

You’ll gain a firm foundation of the characterisation and processing techniques of materials and engineering components. You’ll have hands-on experience to build practical skills through carefully designed lab experiments while developing your research expertise in materials science and engineering. The focus is on metals and composite materials.

This module is designed to provide you with advanced knowledge and skills in the realm of electronics and control systems. The focus is on equipping you with the expertise to create, analyse, and critically evaluate complex electronic and control systems. The module will also explore the integration of these advanced systems with existing processes and applications, unveiling their impact on the technological landscape.

Upon completing this module, you will possess the advanced capabilities required to excel in the design, analysis, and evaluation of intricate electronic and control systems. These skills will be invaluable in applications such as Computer Integrated Manufacturing, where the fusion of electronic systems and automation plays a pivotal role.

This module dives into the critical aspects that determine the suitability of a sensor for specific scenarios, considering factors such as data precision, calibration, and manufacturers' specifications. You will explore the operating principles of key sensors utilised in automotive applications, fostering a deep grasp of their functionality.

This module equips you with the practical skills and theoretical insights required to manipulate sensors and data loggers effectively. You will develop the competence to make informed decisions regarding sensor selection, data acquisition, and processing for a wide range of engineering applications. This knowledge will prove invaluable in an array of scenarios, from automotive systems to other industries reliant on precise and reliable data analysis.