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Learning Partnerships, Unit Catalogue 2010/11


AS20251: Mechanical principles

Click here for further information Credits: 5
Click here for further information Level: Intermediate
Click here for further information Period: This unit is available in...
Semester 1 at Bridgwater College
Semester 1 at Swindon College
Click here for further information Assessment: EX 40%, PR 60%
Click here for further informationSupplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take AS10239 and take AS10240
Click here for further informationDescription: Aims:
The aims of this unit are to:
* analyse the three dimensional loading of selected bodies introduce slope and deflection in beams;
* investigate power transmission systems;
* analyse dynamic rotating systems.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the unit students should be able to:
* apply analytical methods of stress analysis to selected 3D bodies and materials;
* determine the slope and deflection of simply supported beams and cantilevers;
* determine the power and torque transmitted by belt drives, gear trains and friction clutches;
* determine the effects of coupling rotating systems and investigate the performance of flywheels.

Skills:
During this unit students should gain the following skills:
Intellectual
* gathering, processing and analysing technical information (A)
* formulating outcomes (A)
Professional
* using information technology effectively (F,A)
* determining appropriate parameters in the design of a power transmission system (F,A)
Practical
* developing identification and observational skills to maintain records and contribute to reports (T,A)
* carrying out practical investigations of mechanical systems (F,A)
Key
* writing reports (A)
* problem solving (T,A)
* applying numerical techniques to the solution of engineering problems (T,A)
* using graphs and tables to present experimental results (F,A)

Content:
This unit concentrates on:
* identifying the relationship between longitudinal and transverse strain for cuboids and cylinders;
* determining the dimensional effects of two and three dimensional loading on a variety of materials;
* investigating the relationship between bending moment, slope and deflection for loaded beams and cantilevers;
* determining the slope and deflection for beams and cantilevers subjected to point and uniform loads;
* determining the torque and power transmitted by a belt drive system for varying pulley size and design;
* investigating the performance of simple, compound and epicyclic gear trains;
* determining the power transmitted by flat and cone friction clutches;
* determining the power requirements of flywheels in terms of energy, angular momentum and speed/energy coefficients;
* determining the energy lost due to coupling flywheels in terms of angular velocity and momentum.
NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.