- Student Records
Programme & Unit Catalogues

 

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2008/09


ME20023 Solid mechanics 4

Credits: 6
Level: Intermediate
Semester: 2
Assessment: CW 15%, EX 85%
Requisites:
Before taking this unit you must take ME20016
Aims:
* To extend the student's knowledge of the vibrations of mechanical systems into the multi-degree of freedom context.
* To examine techniques for the reduction of vibrations.
* To introduce more advanced concepts of structural analysis, including finite element analysis of redundant frameworks and buckling of struts.
Learning Outcomes:
After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* Determine buckling loads for simple one degree of freedom systems and elastic struts.
* Understand the influence of imperfection on buckling.
* Formulate equations of motion from simple Lagrangian functions. Formulate mass, damping and stiffness matrices.
* Obtain natural frequencies and mode shapes of multi-degree of freedom systems.
* Find the response of systems with several degrees of freedom to harmonic excitation. Introduction to modal coordinates.
* Describe practical ways of reducing vibration.
* Recognise mechanisms, and statically determinate and indeterminate (redundant) structures.
* Assemble stiffness matrices for frameworks.
* Determine the displacement and member forces of redundant structures.
Skills:
Problem solving; numeracy; working independently.
Content:
Introduction to buckling: one degree of freedom systems; strut buckling; effective length; imperfect struts. Lagrangian methods: virtual work and energy. Vibrations in multi-degree of freedom systems; practical control measures. Introduction to finite element analysis: redundant structures; stiffness matrix method. Solid mechanics laboratory experiment.