MEEN10030 Mechanics for Engineers

Academic Year 2020/2021

This is an introductory mechanics module designed for engineering students based on the simple applications of Newton's laws. The module provides a fundamental foundation for students who will subsequently study more advanced topics including applied dynamics, mechanics of solids & structures, and mechanics of fluids. Topics studied in detail are related to 2D and 3D Statics, Friction, and Kinematics of a Particle and of a Rigid Body (1D and 2D). The particular topics include the following: (1) Statics: Scalars and vectors; (2) Newton's laws and Law of gravitation; (3) Forces; (4) Free body diagrams; (5) 2D and 3D force systems; (6) Equilibrium in 2D; (7) Equilibrium in 3D; (8) Distributed forces, centres of mass and centroids; (9) Friction; (10) Kinematics in 1D and 2D: Position, velocity and acceleration; (11) Motion in rectilinear and curvilinear coordinate systems; (12) Trusses and cables.

Laboratories based on two selected topics from:
o Resultant of static forces and equilibrium of forces;
o Friction on an inclined plane;
o Compression and tension in trusses;
o Rectilinear motion: velocity and acceleration

Team Assignment:Teams of students will work in a concentrated period (3 weeks) on a design & make challenge that relates to various topics covered in lectures in order to enhance their learning opportunities and to develop their engineering skills.

Recommended Text (either of the following are suitable, as per student's choice):
o Vector Mechanics for Engineers: Statics & Dynamics, Beer & Johnston, McGraw Hill.
o Engineering Mechanics: Statics & Dynamics, Hibbeler, Prentice Hall.
o Engineering Mechanics: Statics & Dynamics, Meriam & Kraige, Wiley.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:
1. Visualise physical configurations and thereby construct simplified three-dimensional sketches and meaningful mathematical models in terms of real materials, actual constraints and the practical limitations which govern the behaviour of machines and structures.
2. Explain concepts of statics and kinematics.
3. Use Newton's laws to express and solve problems in the mechanics of solids and fluids in mathematical terms.
4. Analyse and interpret laboratory measurements of mechanics experiments.
5. Demonstrate an awareness of safe laboratory practice in the use of a range of laboratory equipment.
6. Work effectively as a member of a team/group in the collection, analysis, presentation and reporting of engineering information, while adhering to standard conventions for technical reporting but using diverse forms of communication.

Indicative Module Content:

(1) Statics: Scalars and vectors
(2) Newton's laws and Law of gravitation
(3) Forces
(4) Free body diagrams
(5) 2D and 3D force systems
(6) Equilibrium in 2D
(7) Equilibrium in 3D
(8) Distributed forces, centres of mass and centroids
(9) Friction
(10) Kinematics in 1D and 2D: Position, velocity and acceleration
(11) Motion in rectilinear and curvilinear coordinate systems
(12) Trusses and cables

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36

Tutorial

5

Practical

12

Laboratories

6

Autonomous Student Learning

66

Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
(1) Lectures with in-class MCQ assessments and end of trimester examination (assessed)
(2) Task-based learning in the form of two laboratory sessions (assessed)
(3) Problem-based learning in the form of a group assignment (assessed)
(4) Case-based learning in the form of on-line and timetabled tutorials (not assessed) 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
BSEN20010 - Engineering & Surveying, MEEN1008W - Mechanics for Engineers


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Class Test: In-class MCQ tests will be set randomly throughout the trimester, without announcement, to provide students with formative feedback on their understanding of course material. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

10

Group Project: Groups of students (approximately 5 per group) will be required to collaborate on an assignment that is intended to allow students to demonstrate their understanding of key concepts of this module. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

20

Examination: An end of trimester online MCQ examination will assess each student's overall understanding of the module. Resit students will be assessed wholly on the basis of this written examination. 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

50

Lab Report: Based on two laboratory experiments that all students are expected to complete, while working in pairs, and collaborating with other pairs. Each lab is weighted equally. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

20


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

A series of up to 5 in-class MCQ tests, scheduled randomly throughout the trimester, are designed to mirror course material and allow students to have individual formative feedback on their understanding of topics that have been taught during lectures. A total of 10% marks correspond to these MCQ tests. Timetabled tutorial sessions will complement a comprehensive set of online tutorials. The timetabled tutorial sessions provide students with direct opportunities to receive formative feedback on their understanding of course material during the trimester through them solving homework questions.

Vector Mechanics for Engineers (Statics and Dynamics) by Beer & Johnson (McGraw Hill)