Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
ME20024: Mécanique générale |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Intermediate |
| Period: | Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| CW 15%, EX 70%, OR 15% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | ME20024 Re-assessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take ME20017 |
| Description: | Aims: To extend the student's understanding of the French notation and methods for problem solving by teaching the subject entirely in the French language and hence contribute to their technical communication ability. 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: * Derive the equation of motion of systems by using vector or analytical methods. Formulate mass, damping and stiffness matrices; * Obtain natural frequencies and mode shapes of multi-degree of freedom systems; * Find the response of multi-degree of freedom systems to harmonic excitation. Describe practical ways of reducing vibration; * Determine buckling loads for simple one degree of freedom systems and elastic struts; * Recognise mechanisms, statically determinate and indeterminate (redundant) structures; * Assemble stiffness matrices for frameworks; * Determine the displacement and member forces of redundant structures; * Reason out and discuss in French any problems encountered by the course. Skills: Problem solving: numeracy; working independently; communicating in the French language. Content: Lagrangian methods: virtual work and energy. Vibrations in multi-degree of freedom systems. Introduction to modal coordinates. Introduction to buckling: one degree of freedom systems; strut buckling; effective length; imperfect struts. Introduction to finite element analysis: redundant structures; stiffness matrix method. Solid mechanics laboratory experiment. |