Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
ME30195 Life support engineering |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX 100% |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take ME20023 or take ME20024 or take ME20071 |
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Aims: To introduce the student to applications of technology in life support systems used in clinical and other situations including diving, submarines, automotive, aerospace and space.
Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to: * Appreciate the factors relating to human physiology that need to be supported by life support systems. * Relate engineering principles to the design of life support systems. * Formulate basic mathematical models of life support systems and set operating parameters associated with equipment used in clinical, underwater, automotive, aerospace and space applications Skills: Problem solving: numeracy; working independently. Content: Human physiology including metabolism, kidneys and cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and nervous systems. Principles of clinical life support systems including anaesthesia workstations and ventilators; dialysis; artificial heart and pacemakers. Aspects relating to underwater, aerospace and space applications; gas production, storage and delivery and microgravity. Use of airbags and seat belts in automotive applications. Requirements for operation in extreme environments including fire fighting, chemical and biological applications. Topics for self study that could be examined. |