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Learning Partnerships, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


AS20251: Mechanical principles

Click here for further information Credits: 5
Click here for further information Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1 at Swindon College
Click here for further information Assessment: EX 40%, PR 60%
Click here for further information Supplementary 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 information Description: 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.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

AS20251 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Learning Partnerships
  • UDAS-HFF04 : FdSc Engineering Systems (Full-time at Swindon College) - Year 2
  • UDAS-HPF04 : FdSc Engineering Systems (Part-time at Swindon College) - Year 2

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.